Professional and Amateur Artists…It’s your time to shine!

Why Enter?

This inaugural event offers a unique opportunity to participate in one of the most important art competitions in the region, set in an exclusive and stunning venue that is typically only open to the public on rare occasions. The 11-acre grounds of Histon Manor provide a wealth of inspiration for artists, with a variety of picturesque vistas - from the grandeur of the manor itself to ancient walls, herbaceous beds, Victorian greenhouses, and charming Monet-style bridges. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer capturing the intricate details of a flower, expansive landscapes, or architectural beauty.

The event is also about fostering community and raising funds for Break Charity, a local organisation that supports young people in overcoming challenges and building brighter futures.

Katherine Mann, the owner of Histon Manor, shared her vision for the event: “This inaugural event is crucial for launching the Cambridgeshire Plein Air Artist of the Year Award and establishing a solid platform for years to come. We want artists to enjoy a great day out and be part of an exciting new tradition. Each year, the event will change locations, showcasing inspiring and unique venues across the county. We’re excited to see this competition grow into something special for both artists and the community.”

Book your place now.

Award and Prizes

This is not just another competition. The Cambridgeshire Plein Air Artist of the Year Award will be a prestigious event covered by local media outlets, offering valuable exposure for all artists involved. Each category, professional and amateur, will have a trophy awarded to the winner, recognising their exceptional skill and creativity. The event promises to provide invaluable recognition to the winners and shine a spotlight on their work within the local community. Winners will also gain greater visibility through our press support, with the goal of having their work showcased in a leading Cambridgeshire gallery.

If you’d like to join us and paint, but aren’t interested in competing, you can simply choose on the day whether you’d like to submit your entry for consideration by the panel.

We are also close to finalising an exciting sponsor who will provide the prizes for the winners.

Book your place now.

What to Expect on the Day

• Inspiring Location: Artists can set up and work anywhere within the exclusive 11-acre grounds of Histon Manor, surrounded by nature, architecture, and a range of inspirational subjects. This private venue is usually only accessible to the public on a few occasions each year.

• Professional Recognition: This event is designed to be a significant and prestigious competition, offering opportunities for local exposure and media coverage.

• A Day in the Artist Community: Connect with fellow artists in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. This is a wonderful opportunity to share experiences, inspire each other, and create a sense of community.

• Charity Fundraising: 100% of the proceeds from the entry fees will benefit Break Charity, supporting young people facing difficult circumstances and helping them build brighter futures.

• Public Engagement: At 4:00 PM, the gates of Histon Manor will open for the first of ‘Summer Sounds at Histon Manor’ mini-concert series, where the public can come to view the artwork created by the artists throughout the day. This will be a fantastic opportunity for the local community to engage with the artists and also the possibility for artists to sell their work.

  Book your place now.

Event Details

• Date: June 14, 2025

• Location: Histon Manor, Cambridgeshire (4 miles north of Cambridge city centre)

• Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Artists can arrive at any time during the day, but artworks must be finished and ready to be judged by 3:30 PM)

• Entry Fee: £30.00 per artist (100% proceeds go to charity)

• Charity Beneficiary: Break Charity

  Book your place now.

• Our Supporters

  We have growing number of supporters for the event including the following and are extremely grateful for their support:

  Cambridge Open Studios

  Cambridge Creative Network

  Open Design Agency - who has designed our promotional material free of charge enabling maximum funds go to Break.

  Cheffins Fine Art Cambridge

  FAQs

  Q: How can I enter the competition?
  A: You can enter by booking your place via Ticket Tailor. The entry fee is £30.00 and 100% of the proceeds (approx £29.00 after ticket processing fees) will go to Break Charity.

  Q: Can anyone enter the competition, or is it just for Cambridgeshire residents?
  A: To be eligible for the competition, you must either live, study or work in Cambridgeshire. Artists from outside the county are welcome to attend the event but will not be eligible for the competition. You must be over 16.

  Q: Do I have to be part of the competition ?
  A: No. It’s a day to have fun and embrace the outdoors and art. If you fancy just coming and painting then that’s great too. You can just choose on the day. It’s totally up to you so book your place now and choose later if you submit it for the competition.

  Q: Does it matter what medium I work in ?
  A: No. It’s your choice. Anything will qualify for entering the judging panel be it charcoal, oil, watercolour, etc.

  Q: Does it matter what I choose to paint?
  A: No. It’s your choice. You can paint a flower, an archway, the old greenhouse, the topiary or the whole facade of the house. The choice is yours. Just come along and find a spot you like and set your self up.

  Q: What are the prizes for the competition?
  A: Trophies will be awarded to the winner of the professional and the amateur categories, recognising the best artistic talents of the day. We are presently looking for sponsors who may also be able to commit to a prize but this is as yet unconfirmed

  Q: What is the charity benefiting from the event?
  A: The event will raise funds for Break Charity. Break Charity is Histon Manor’s chosen charity of the year for 2025 and all its fundraising events are going towards this charity.

  Q: Can I visit the event as a spectator?
  A: Yes, spectators are welcome from 4pm onwards, when the gates will open for one of Histon Manor’s Summer Sounds Mini Concert Series (starting at 5pm), and where attendees can view the artwork created during the day. Spectators can only enter with a ‘Summer Sounds’ ticket. To book a ‘Summer Sounds’ ticket click here.

  Q: What is included in the £30 entry fee?
  A: The entry fee covers participation in the event, access to the grounds and manor's facilities, and free tea, cake, and refreshments throughout the day. You should bring your own packed lunch or there are cafes in the village just two minutes away. You are also welcome to stay for the jazz performance on the lawns at no extra charge, which would usually cost £7.50 per person.

  Q: Will there be any facilities available for artists?
  A: Yes, there will be access to restroom facilities and the manor's grand kitchen for free tea and refreshments throughout the day.

  Q: Are there age restrictions for participating artists?
  A: The competition is open to all artists over the age of 16.

  Q: Can I submit more than one entry?
  A: Each artist may only submit one entry, which must be created on the day of the event.

  Q: Will there be any opportunity to sell my work?
  A: Yes, artists will have the option to display and potentially sell their artwork after the competition, during the public event. You can also choose to donate a percentage of any sales to Break Charity, though this is of course optional.

  Q: How can I support the event if I’m not an artist?
  A: You can buy a ticket to the ‘Summer Sounds’ event at 5pm, donate to Break Charity, or become a sponsor. Contact us for more details on how you can get involved.

  Q: Do I need to bring my own supplies?
  A: Yes, you should bring your own art supplies, chairs, gazebo, easel if needed and any materials needed to complete your artwork. Nothing is provided at the venue.

  Q: Do I need to stay all day.?
  A: No, you can choose to stay for as long as you like. Your artwork needs to be finished by 3.30pm if you wish to enter the competition. You can set up early, paint all day long or just come in and blitz your artwork in a few hours in the afternoon. If you finish early you can leave the artwork to be judged and pick it up another day or come back later in the day for the evening Summer Sounds event.

  Q: What happens if the weather is too bad to paint/draw?
  A: If the event needs to be rescheduled due to bad weather, we will offer a full refund.

  Q: Is there parking available at the event?
  A: There is limited parking for 30 cars at Histon Manor, but ample parking is available in the village, just a short walk from the event.

  Q: Does Histon Manor take any money from the event?
  A: Histon Manor takes no money from this event. All proceeds from the entry fees go directly to Break Charity, making life better for young people on the edge of care.