Host: Sam Lee
Come to the forest, be enchanted by the sweet song of the Nightingale and discover the poetry, prose and artistic role these exceptionally rare birds have played in inspiring our cultures and what they tell us about our ancient and wondrous relationship with nature.
Key Information
Location: Secret location near Barcombe, Lewes, Sussex
Time: 7:00 pm - 12:30 am (site opens at 5:30 pm)
Step into an enchanted evening where poetry and birdsong intertwine beneath the spring canopy. This special gathering weaves together the classic Singing With Nightingales experience with special attention to the Nightingale's role as poetry's most beloved muse. From ancient Greek myths to contemporary verse, these remarkable birds have inspired some of humanity's most profound and moving works of literature.
Our adventure begins gathered at the fireside, where welcome drinks await. Before dusk approaches, we’ll be led on a short ecological tour experiencing and unravelling the evening chorus and discovering the rich biodiversity of our ancient woodland. Returning to the warmth of the campfire, a two-course vegan dinner awaits accompanied by a selection of herbal brews, wines, beers, and ciders.
As darkness descends, we'll explore the many literary guises of the Nightingale—as a storyteller, a bridging voice, as nature's poet—through carefully chosen works both ancient and modern before embarking on a silent walk through the darkness to find our singers. Here, under a blanket of stars, you'll witness our signature human-avian musical collaboration – a breathtaking interaction between Sam, our guest musician, and our bird, creating a truly unforgettable experience. As midnight passes, we’ll make our way back across the starry fields to the campsite and carriages.
This evening holds particular magic for those who have already encountered these ethereal songsters through the written word, offering a rare chance to bridge the gap between metaphor and reality, between the Nightingale of poetry and the living, breathing voice of the woods.
Please make sure you have versed yourself in the important practical information below and reviewed our comprehensive FAQs to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for you and your guests. As our events involve walking across challenging terrain at night, we kindly ask you to consider any mobility requirements within your group before booking. For a full insight into the concept and idea behind the project, please see our What is SWN page.
