Step silently into the night and listen as the finest musicians in the land duet with the sweet song of the nightingale.
Join folk singer and ‘The Nightingale’ author Sam Lee alongside special guest musicians on an unforgettable journey into nature.
Enjoy fireside food and drink, songs and stories, followed by an after-dark journey into the woods to meet the nightingale. Nestle in ear-tinglingly close range to experience a concert like no other as human and bird join in improvised duet.
This year we are hosting two Extended Sessions of Singing With Nightingales – taking the concept of our regular events and expanding our offering. Enjoy more time in the woods with a few new additions to the programme.
Guests are welcome to arrive in the afternoon to meet the land, settle in and join in a set of nature-based activities.
Sam will be joined on this date by two guest musicians, giving an even more incredible experience when we meet with the nightingale. Your evening will include the same musical performances by the campfire, an ecology tour of the woods, and post-dinner tales of this majestic bird’s life, songs and folklore with performances from our guest musicians.
After darkness falls you will be guided on a journey into nature, culminating in the now-famous finale: a silent walk through the dark for the human-avian musical collaboration. When we return from the woods, guests are welcome to join the team around the campfire once more for a late night gathering with songs and stories.
The following morning we will take you on a unique tour of the land with local rewilding expert Dylan Walker. Through stories, tracks and ecological signs Dylan will explain how millennia have shaped our land, taking our imaginations on a journey into a rewilded landscape.
Running from 3pm through to midday the following day, this is not a typical gig, and each night is unique.
Your ticket includes drinks and dinner around the campfire, parking, tent/campervan pitch, and breakfast. When booking your ticket please be sure to book a campervan or car park pass if you require one, so that we can keep a tally of vehicles attending.
The special guest musicians for this date are Cassandre Balbar and Alison Sudol.
These events are all-weather, in outdoor locations and involve walking through uneven terrain at night. This can make them poorly suited to people with limited mobility or special access needs.
Further guidance before confirming your place can be found in our FAQs.
Please get in touch with us if you have any further questions.
Overnight camping, including luxury bell tents, is available at our Sussex site – please see the ticketing section for further information.
We offer concession-rate tickets for those on low incomes on all Sunday-Thursday dates.
Are there other dates?
Singing With Nightingales runs from mid-April to late May each year, when the male birds are singing their courtship song.
For the full programme of dates please click here
What our audiences say:
“Still aglow. One of the most profound and magical nights of my life.”
“Looking up at the night stars whilst listening to the combination of beautiful human and non-human music was intoxicating. It seemed like a timeless experience.”
“The food and hospitality were wonderful, the music was spellbinding and the atmosphere was really very special indeed.”
“It showed us a new way of hearing, seeing and being. Or perhaps not a new way at all, but a very old way.”
“A holistic experience like no other. Total immersion in nature and music, in ancient Sussex woodland. It will take me a long time to process. Thank you.”
Mercury Prize-nominated folk singer, conservationist, song collector, award-winning promoter, broadcaster and activist.
Learn More
Cassandre Balbar specialises in recorder and Galician bagpipes, and is prolific in many different kinds of traditions, performing with bands across Italy, the UK, France, Sweden, Anatolia and more recently North-West Africa.
Sussex
Secret location near Lewes, Sussex. Exact location and directions will be sent to ticket holders.
This beautiful location in the East Sussex countryside has a thriving population of nightingales who make this their springtime home. The farm and its associated meadows and coppiced woodlands are a pristine wildlife environment.
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