About Us
Nevill Holt Festival
The Nevill Holt Festival is an arts and culture festival, held in the Leicestershire countryside each June.
Building on a decade of opera performances, the festival includes a lineup of opera, concerts, conversations, performances, art exhibitions and more.
With panoramic views that look out over three counties, Nevill Holt’s award-winning theatre is surrounded by bucolic private gardens designed by Chelsea gold medal winner, Rupert Golby. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Nevill Holt Hall, visitors can enjoy outstanding pieces of modern British sculpture which are placed throughout the grounds, including works by Antony Gormley, Rachel Whiteread, Allen Jones and Marc Quinn.
Our History
The estate has nurtured art and culture since the thirteenth century.
Throughout its history, many of Nevill Holt Hall’s famous owners have championed the arts; from the Kirkby and Nevill families to the Cunards, and now its current owner David Ross, who spent twelve years on Nevill Holt’s careful restoration.
Since 2013, Nevill Holt has invited thousands of local children and young artists to experience the transformative powers of live theatre and music. In 2024 we premiered six new works and mentored 40 emerging musicians; we championed 10 emerging singers, and provided creative opportunities for close to 2,000 young people. With support from our members and guests, we can keep making a difference by facilitating year-round programmes in areas of limited arts provision.
The Gardens
At the peak of their beauty throughout June, our private gardens span ten acres. Early summer highlights include the blooming ‘Cerise bouquet’ roses that line the borders in front of the Hall, as well as the pink and creamy peonies flowering in the Kitchen Garden. Our Italian Garden blooms with a combination of perennials and roses that fill the Walled Garden with heady perfumes. On the Cedar Lawn guests can discover tall foxtail lilies and delphiniums alongside a shady ancient Cedar of Lebanon.
The Nevill Holt Estate
Welcome to the Nevill Holt Estate, located In the heart of the Leicestershire hills
The Nevill Holt Estate is a historical gem that is renowned for its beautifully restored buildings and gardens. With origins tracing back to the 13th century, the house and its grounds were transformed by its Elizabethan owners. Under the Montague family, the old medieval manor was replaced by an elegant Renaissance mansion. This era saw the creation of the Hall’s elaborate facades and its intricate woodwork, as well as formal gardens inspired by the latest Italian styles.
