Clayfest is back!
Four days of earth building, learning and connection. With talks, hands-on sessions, demos, site visits, and time to rest and chat, this is the annual gathering you won’t want to miss. We have listened to you and are bringing an event that will bring everyone together!
This year, our focus is on community and collaboration.
We have transformed the format to make a more collaborative event. You will get the chance to learn from experienced practitioners and also build together, showcase your own project and have networking sessions.
Come to Clayfest 2025. Build something real. Meet brilliant people. Shape a regenerative future.
Thursday 25 September – Earth Building Conference
At The Elgiva Theatre, Chesham
A full day of inspiring talks and presentations from across the world of earth and natural building with a community and collaborative approach. This is the warm-up where ideas are exchanged, questions asked, and new perspectives opened up.
“The Gathering’ - Practical Sessions and camping
26-28 September at H.G. Matthews Brickworks, Bellingdon
The Gathering will be full of hands-on workshops, demos, shared meals, and meaningful conversations, including follow-up those perspectives opened during the Conference. It’s where we learn by doing, build together, and explore the many sides of natural construction.
The main activities will take place on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday will be a more relaxed, reflective day to wrap up discussions, continue the community project for those who want, and celebrate our collective achievements, preparing to depart and continue collaborating for the rest of the year.
Within The Gathering:
Workshops – Learn practical skills from experienced builders and craftspeople
The Community Project – Learn many earth building techniques by participating in this collaborative piece
The Discovery Stage – Space for participants to bring your own project, idea, or challenge
The Exchange Stage – Join and engage in thematic discussions, connecting around shared interests.
Keep scrolling for more info…
Food and Accommodation
Food
NEW! Already have your ticket to attend ‘The Gathering’? Reduce the hassle, buy a food ticket for £39
Lunch on Friday and Saturday
Dinner on Friday
(* for caterers’ planning)
Accommodation
If you are coming for the Full Event, this year camping is included in the ticket!
Arrivals at the campsite:
Wednesday 3pm till 8pm
Thursday 6pm till 9pm (after Conference)
Please plan in advance for those times since the gates will be closed otherwise.
Departures:
Everyone needs to leave before 7pm on Sunday.
We ask that you be responsible and refrain from leaving any rubbish on the field or anywhere else within the event.
Facilities:
There will be a field to set up your tent and some spaces for vans. Please message clayfest@ebuki.co if you are planning to bring a campervan.
Compost toilets
Hot showers (open for 7:45am to 10pm)
Washing-up station
Bins
Use biodegradable soap and if you don’t have any, use the ones we provide. Do not use anything with nasty chemicals, please. Respect the site.
Use the bins and take everything you brought back home.
Ticket Options:
Conference Only (no camping): £120
Full Event (includes camping): £290 LAST TICKETS SOLD!
‘The Gathering’ Practical Days Only (26–28 Sept, including camping): £180 SOLD OUT!
Your Full Event Ticket and The Gathering Ticket include camping.
We will offer a space to camp, some spaces for campervans, showers and compost toilets
See ticketing link for how to access Concession prices
Location
Conference Location: The Elgiva Theatre, Chesham, HP5 1HR
What Three Words: ///oddly.cape.dance
Workshops Location: The Brickworks, Bellingdon, Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 2UR
What Three Words: ///outer.buyers.connected