Host: Sam Lee

Guest musician: Manuel Linhares

Come to the forest, be enchanted by the sweet song of the Nightingale and enter into the story these exceptionally rare birds tell about our ancient and wondrous relationship with nature through our collective singing voices.

Key Information

Location: Secret location near Barcombe, Lewes, Sussex

Time: 7:00 pm - 12:30 am (site opens at 5:30 pm)

We have listened to your feedback and, as so many asked for this opportunity, we're delighted to present a pilot night that invites group participation into our Original event format. Co-facilitated by accomplished musician and vocal improviser Tomer Eldor, this special gathering invites you, our audience, to become a bit Nightingale. Involvement is not essential and guests are free to just listen but this session welcomes participation and vocal collaboration in this age-old dialogue between humans and Nightingales. Rounds and verse will be taught earlier in the evening to support but moments of guided free improvisation will also be explored.

Our evening 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 night falls, we'll share in traditional folklore, Nightingale histories, and learn some carefully selected simple folk songs chosen from the repertoire of Nightingale-inspired music before embarking on a silent walk through the darkness to find our singers. Here, under a blanket of stars, we’ll try out our own unique musical collaboration with these masterful improvisers. As midnight passes, we’ll make our way back across the starry fields to the campsite and carriages.

No previous musical experience is required. Whether you wish to lift your voice in song or simply listen as Sam, Tomer and the group forge their musical connections, all involvements are welcome.

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.

Singing with Nightingales, 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.
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.
The exact location and directions will be sent to ticket holders before the event. This beautiful site 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.
Each night is unique and the end time can extend later. Stay overnight by bringing your own tent or campervan, hiring one of our boutique bell tents (limited number available), or booking our exclusive barn conversion, The Bull Pen which sleeps four. Breakfast is included for all campers. Select your camping add-on in the ticket window or enquire about The Bull Pen separately. See our Camping & Where to Stay page for more details.
We encourage sustainable travel to our events. The Sussex site is accessible from Cooksbridge and Lewes stations, with taxi services available (though events end after last trains). On-site parking is available but must be booked in advance - you can purchase any add-ons in the ticket window. We recommend using our lift-sharing options to reduce environmental impact and meet fellow attendees. For detailed transport options, please visit the Travel page.
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.
Continue your journey of connection and craft as morning light filters through the woods. Join us for an intimate workshop experience designed to deepen your relationship with the land after your nighttime encounter with the Nightingales. Discover more about our Basket-Making and Walking Conservation workshops on our Workshops page, and book your ticket for this morning-after experience in the ticket window on this page.
Various products, including The Nightingale book, Singing with Nightingales Totebags and Sam Lee’s albums are available to purchase. You can buy them at the same time as booking your ticket and collect them later on-site, or you can browse our physical shop at the event.

Read FAQs

Your GUEST MUSICIAN, Host & Nightingale

Artists

Manuel Linhares

Manuel Linhares is an acclaimed Portuguese jazz singer, known for his versatility as a performer, composer, and educator. Splitting his time between New York and Porto, Portugal, he has made a significant impact on the global jazz scene with three albums of original music, earning recognition both in Portugal and internationally.