Singfest

Date & Time
Friday 29th August 14:00 - Sunday 31st August 16:00

Address
Bentley Copse, Hound House Rd, Shere, Guildford GU5 9JH

A friendly, small scale singing festival in the Surrey countryside led by well established singers and musicians. You learn a selection of songs which you’ll perform on the Sunday afternoon.

Everything is learnt by ear, so there’s no need to be able to read music. Everyone’s welcome – you don’t have to be a member of a choir, just keen to sing! And like any great festival, there’s camping, plenty of local beer and cider, and large campfire singarounds!

This year we are introducing our bursary scheme for the first time. Click through to find out more. To support our work in widening access to our events please also consider adding a donation when you buy your tickets. All donations go directly to our bursary scheme to help others attend.

The tutors this year

Oaken is Emily Barden, Anna Tabbush, Camilo Menjura & Dominic Stichbury. As singers, choral leaders, composers & arrangers, they bring luscious harmony through performances and workshops to audiences around the UK.

Oaken have developed an exciting repertoire that showcases their vocal talents, alongside a prolific catalogue of self penned songs and arrangements. The group's innate musicality and friendship brings warmth and joy to audiences, whilst their characterful team teaching has delighted workshop go-ers since they began.

Lea Morris - A three year old with an Afro puffball hairstyle discovers the power and peace that music can provide. Lea’s origins are in the baptist church of Baltimore. Today, she resides in Germany and travels the world sharing songs and experiences to life hearts and connect communities.

Ryan O’Riordan - Ryan has been leading choirs, singing in bands and performing since he was 22. It’s his way of making the world a little bit smaller, more connected. In any project he runs he always makes sure it’s contributing to lifting people up, making people happy and bringing people together!

Programme

Friday

2pm - Gates open!

4pm Family Ukelele workshop

5pm Evening meal served (optional) - Book your meal here.

6.30pm - 8pm Singing workshop

7.30pm - 8pm Kidsfest Storytime

8pm - 10pm Ceilidh

10pm - late Singing around the campfire

Saturday - Main programme

8.30 - 9.30 Yoga

9.00 - Registration

10.00 - Voice warmup with Oaken

10.40 - Singing Workshops

1.00 - Break for lunch followed by afternoon Singing Workshops

5.30 - Samba Workshop followed by Carnival procession

7.00 - BBQ and Jam Session

8.00 - Open Mic followed by singing around the campfire

Saturday - Kidsfest

Morning programme (10.40 - 1.20) - Singing workshops, scratch band Ceilidh and dancing!

Afternoon programme (2.00 - 5.30) - Arts and crafts, facepainting and gokarts

Sunday - Main programme

8.30 - Yoga

10.00 - Voice warmup with Oaken

10.30 - Morning Singing Workshops

12.15 - Lunch and jam session

1.30 - Afternoon Singing Workshops

3.00 - Final Performance for friends and family

Sunday - Kidsfest

Morning programme (10.30 - 12.15) - Bushcraft

Afternoon programme (1.30 - 2.30) - Singing and ceilidh

Catering and Food

We provide simple breakfasts and hot drinks throughout the festival. Our food options include:

1) An all inclusive Friday night meal, Saturday lunch and Saturday night BBQ ticket for the special price of £21 (£10 for Kids).

2) Or buy these meals separately on site (£9 for Friday evening meal and £6 for a light lunch on Saturday).

On Saturday evening we have our BBQ for £12 (£6 for kids) with extra items priced at £2. We serve a number of vegetarian options as well as quality meat sourced from local butchers. The main BBQ Meal includes salads and a jacket potato. You may also purchase extra items from the BBQ when you buy a main meal.

We also run a licensed bar selling local real ale and cider, wines and soft drinks throughout the festival.

On Sunday lunchtime we invite in good quality outside caterers to serve us delicious vegetarian meals for you to purchase.