Theme: Community and Collaboration
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.
General Release Ticket Options:
Full Event (includes camping): £290
Conference Only (no camping): £120
‘The Gathering’ Practical Days Only (26–28 Sept, including camping): £180
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
Come to Clayfest 2025. Build something real. Meet brilliant people. Shape a regenerative future.
What will the event be like:
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.
26–28 September – ‘The Gathering’ - Practical Sessions and camping
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 – A collaborative piece that will stay as a lasting symbol of our time together
The Discovery Stage – Space for participants to bring your own project, idea, or challenge
The Exchange Stage – Join and bring thematic discussions and connect around shared interests.
Arrive for camping from 2pm - 8pm on Wednesday 24th September.
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