Singing with Nightingales
April 10-May 28 2026 • 7pm-12.30am
Sussex & Bedfordshire
HOW THE ‘EARLY BIRD’ WORKS
The 2026 season will run from April 10th to May 28th. Dates for the season will be announced and tickets will go on general sale in November 2025. As an ‘Early Bird’ ticket holder, you will have a week-long priority access period to choose your preferred date and location before tickets become available to the general public.
What happens aT Singing with Nightingales?
Each springtime, several thousand Nightingales make the long migration from Sub-Saharan Africa to reside in southern England. It is during this all-night virtuosic mating ritual, celebrated for millennia within prose, poetry, folksong and myth, that folksinger, naturalist and writer Sam Lee welcomes you to experience their sublime and much-decorated song and witness their ability to improvise with human musicians.
Singing with Nightingales is a one-of-a-kind experience. An act of immersive theatre and ritual, both otherworldly and yet something we might collectively have done since the dawn of humans. This communion with the more than human world reminds us that we are nature and nature is in us all.
Tickets to SWN are extremely limited, with a maximum of 40 places per night.
What’s included
Each event is joined by a different special guest musician. The evening includes musical performances by the campfire, an ecological tour of the woods, a two-course vegan dinner and hot and cold drinks, post-dinner tales of this majestic bird’s life, songs and folklore, culminating in the now-famous finale: a silent walk in the dark to hear our signature human-avian musical collaboration under the stars before returning to the campsite.
For a full insight into the concept and idea behind the project, please see our What is SWN page. If you’re planning on coming or are purchasing tickets for someone else, please read this page to get an idea of what the events involve so you and your party can be as prepared for the experience as possible.
Key information
Locations: Sussex & Bedfordshire
We are so happy you are keen to come and experience SWN, however, we would love those purchasing a place to be fully aware of what's involved. Please make sure you have versed yourself in the key information so you and your guests' visit is prepared for, safe and comfortable.
5:30 pm - Campers allowed on-site
6:45 pm - All guests check in
7:00 pm - SWN campfire opens & welcome with drinks
7:30 pm - Introduction and briefing
7:45 pm - Evening chorus and nature walk
8:20 pm - Dinner and drinks served
9:15 pm - Fireside songs and stories
10:45 pm - Nightingale walk begins
00:30 pm - Return to cars and camping
You can find a more detailed schedule here.
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SWN, although seemingly a gentle experience, is outdoors and at the mercy of the British weather. Although only an evening long (longer if you are staying overnight) it requires full preparation and arriving ready for what the elements deal us. And every night can be different - balmy and dry one evening, muddy and windy the next. We recommend that you pay close attention to your group's level of ability to meet the likely demands of the outdoors before committing.
We get asked many questions about what people are concerned about, and the FAQ page answers many of these questions. Please feel free to get in touch and ask us questions but do check the detailed info we have laid out on this website for our most complete answers to your questions.
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All the events take place in natural, outdoor locations and involve a substantial amount of walking through uneven terrain at night without the use of artificial light. This may not be suitable for people with limited mobility or special access needs. Each night we can do up to an hour of walking and the routes change nightly depending on which bird is singing. Climbing fence styles are also a common occurrence. Depending on the weather the ground may also be muddy or slippery. SWN team members are there to assist and we give a full briefing on safe night walking every night before we leave but please be the judge on the capability of everyone in your group before purchasing tickets. Please do get in touch with us if you have accessibility requirements and we will do our best to advise and assist. You can read more information on the Accessibility & Welfare page.
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Please visit the Travel page for full information on getting to and from our sites.
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SWN 2026 will be taking place at our Sussex and Bedfordshire sites. Exact locations and directions will be sent to ticket holders before the event.
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Dressing appropriately is crucial for your SWN experience. The evening brings multiple weather conditions - warm by the fire, wet from dew, and often very cold after dark. We recommend plenty of warm layers (preferably wool), waterproof and sturdy footwear, and importantly, 'quiet' clothing that doesn't rustle or crinkle as we move through the woods. We provide fireside seating and portable tripod seats for the Nightingale experience. For complete details about what to wear and bring, including specific recommendations and helpful tips, visit the What, Wear & Why page.
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Enjoy locally sourced food and drink around the warmth of the fire in preparation for the evening's adventure.
Please visit the Food & Drink page for full information.
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Our Sussex site offers overnight camping on the land within the farm and by the woods. It’s the perfect way to allow the power of the night before not to be blasted away by a direct return to indoor living.
Please visit the Camping & Where to Stay page for full information.
“Gigs don’t come much more secret than this.”
The Guardian
‘Early Bird’ FAQ
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'Early Bird' tickets are sold at a slightly cheaper rate than the full-price tickets. When we announce the full Singing With Nightingales 2026 programme later this year, 'Early Bird' ticket holders will have a week-long priority access period to choose their preferred date and location before tickets become available to the general public.
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Singing With Nightingales runs from mid-April to late May each year. We will announce specific event dates later this year when the general sale of tickets are released.
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No, 'Early Bird' tickets only include musical performances by the campfire, an ecological tour of the woods, a two-course vegan dinner and hot and cold drinks (including wine/beer/cider), post-dinner tales of this majestic bird’s life, songs and folklore, culminating in the now-famous finale: a silent walk in the dark to hear our signature human-avian musical collaboration under the stars before returning to the campsite.
You will be able to purchase add-ons such as parking, DIY camping and boutique bell tents when dates are announced.
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Early Bird tickets can be refunded until 1 February 2026 with a £10 administration fee per booking
Refunds will be processed to the original payment method within 10 working days
If you cannot attend any available dates, you may transfer your Early Bird ticket to someone else
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Yes! We are committed to offering at least 10% of our tickets at a discounted rate for NUS / Unemployed / Low-Income audiences. Discounted tickets will be available with the general sale and apply to adult tickets only.
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In the checkout window, click "Do you have a promo code?" and enter your promo code. Please note that codes are case-sensitive and time-limited.
For more general FAQs, please see the FAQ page.