Q: Where is the parking?
A: You’ll be directed to parking on arrival by our Security staff. If you require disabled parking, please let them know when you arrive.
Q: Can I park at the National Trust?
A: No, there is no parking in the National Trust car parks.
Q: Can I leave my car at Stowe overnight?
A: Yes, you can leave your car at Stowe overnight, but it must be collected by 11am on Sunday 2 July.
Q: Can I camp overnight at Stowe?
A: No, there is no provision for camping, camper vans or sleeping in cars overnight at Stowe.
Q: Can I arrive early and walk around the School and/or National Trust grounds before the event?
A: No, the whole area will be very busy, and for your own health and safety no one will be admitted before their allocated ticket time.
Q: How can I book a taxi?
A: There are various taxi companies in Buckingham, Bicester and Brackley. Please book ahead as they will be busy.
Q: Are you providing any free transportation to and from Stowe?
A: No transportation is provided.
Q: What is the admission time for Fine Dining Guests in the Mansion?
A: Fine Dining Guests are invited to arrive at North Hall from 7pm. A complimentary glass of Champagne will be served on arrival. Dinner is served at 7.30pm.
Q: What are the admission times for Food Court Guests?
A: Food Court guests are invited to arrive any time after 8pm and will be direct by security around to the South Front.
Q: When are last orders at the bars?
A: Last orders are at 2am, and the event finishes at 3am.
Q: What time does the Centenary Ball finish?
A: The Ball finishes at 3am.
A: Fine Dining Guests are invited to arrive at North Hall from 7pm. A complimentary glass of Champagne will be served on arrival. Dinner is served at 7.45pm.
Q: What is included in my Fine Dining ticket?
A: For those joining us for Fine Dining in the Mansion, you will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne on arrival, followed by a three-course meal and wine on the table. There is also a cash bar to purchase additional drinks.
Q: Can I choose where and who I sit with?
A: Tables will be allocated in advance and we will endeaver to ensure that you are seated with your contempories.
Q: What is included in my Food Court ticket?
A: For those joining us for Food Court on the South Front, you will be issued with a food voucher for your choice of a meal from the various food vendors, plus a voucher for one free drink. There are cash bars to purchase additional drinks throughout the evening.
Q: Is there food available for people with dietary requirements?
A: Yes, there will be vegetarian and gluten-free food available for both Fine Dining and Food Court guests.
Q: Can I purchase additional food?
A: Food vans will not be selling any additional food.
Q: What food is available for Food Court guests?
A: There are a variety of vendors serving a range of street food. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available.
Q: Can I reserve a table at the Food Court?
A: No, there is no reserved seating for Food Court guests. Please sit where you’d like on the South Front.
Q: How shall I present my entrance ticket?
A: You can print off and bring your paper ticket, or a ticket on your phone will also be accepted.
Q: How will paying guests be identified?
A: You will be issued with a wrist band on arrival; please wear it during the event.
Q: Can I change or transfer my ticket to another person?
A: Yes, please contact the Old Stoic Office on Oldstoic@stowe.co.uk
Q: How far in advance of the event can I get a full ticket refund?
A: Tickets can be fully refunded on or before 1 June 2023. After that date, no refunds can be offered.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: No, there are no dogs allowed at the event (except for Assistance Dogs)
Q: Can I access the school buildings and the Boarding Houses?
A: No, there is no access to any of the school buildings except the State Rooms for Fine Dining Guests up until 10pm. After 10pm all guests will be on the South Front.
Q: Can I bring my own food, picnic and alcohol?
A: Food, picnics and alcohol are not allowed. There will be plenty of food available throughout the evening, and cash/credit card bars available.
Q: Can I smoke at the event?
A: Yes, there will be designated smoking areas. Please ensure you dispose of cigarettes responsibility.
Q: Are there any areas that are out of bounds?
A: There is no entry to any of the school buildings, boarding houses or the Chapel. For health and safety reasons the lake is also out of bounds.
Q: I’m bringing my son/daughter and they are under 18, can they buy alcoholic drinks?
A: It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy alcohol. All under 18s will be identified by their coloured wrist bands.
Q: Is there a cash bar?
A: Yes, there are several bars taking cash and credit cards.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: It is black tie with ‘a twist of the 1920’s'. Black tie for men, and long dresses or cocktail dresses for the women.
Q: Will the event be photographed?
A: Yes, we will be taking photos throughout the evening. Please let us know if you prefer not to be photographed.
Q: Is there cover in the event of inclement weather?
A: This is an outdoor event with a limited amount of indoor seating. In the event of rain and/or a cool evening, please bring an umbrella and suitable warm clothing.
Q: Are the Stowe Leaver’s Ball and the Centenary Ball the same event?
A: No, the Stowe Leaver’s Ball is on Friday 30 June. The Centenary Ball is on Saturday 1 July and are separate events.
Q: What is the Centenary Ball event programme?