About the event:
This weekend, in the glorious setting of Braziers Park, will give you space to connect with yourself and others through drumming, singing and listening to stories. We like to keep it fairly fluid so no fixed 'programme' so far, but here are some of our ingredients. There will be rhythm work, drumming with djembes under Chris' guidance, percussive fun and games, a bit of singing and a whole lot of laughter, possibly also tears. We'll have a fire, either inside or out (weather depending) and listen to Rachel's tall tales, bring a few to tell yourself if you want. We hope to do a night walk (weather permitting) with a few surprises, and you'll have some 'unscheduled' time to explore house and grounds. Fully catered and with delicious cake. Suitable for anyone, no previous experience of drumming, singing, or any kind of 'doing things like this' required.
Open to all women and non-binary people.
An optional extra overnight stay on Sunday (bed & breakfast) can be arranged directly with Braziers Park.
About the facilitators:
Chris Sylla is a community musician and resident at Braziers Park, where she also runs the kitchen (though the team will be cooking without her this weekend). She has nearly 30 years of experience teaching percussion and specialises in West African drumming, particularly djembe and dounun. Since 2000, she has travelled frequently to Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea for study and inspiration. Chris has led women’s days, weekend retreats, and workshops across the UK, and especially values collaborative hosting. She and Jo are long-time friends and have worked together at camps and workshops in both the UK and Gambia.
Chris and Rachel have worked together for many years and run fairly regular 'women in the woods' days at Shining Cliff hostel in Derbyshire. Rachel is a storyteller (with a great deal of rhythm) both sing. This is their first collaboration at Braziers.
Tickets include two nights' accommodation and all meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch, plus refreshments.
There are different rates available for people in different financial situations so please choose your rate when filling in the payment section.
Please be mindful when choosing "Budget" or "Lower" rates as we offer them to address the specific systemic and economic barriers that attendees may face directly or indirectly based on their ethnic or national identities, or political and economical obstacles. We ask that you evaluate your level of need before selecting lower rates.
Note: Only "Standard" rates guarantee single accommodation. If you are booking for one person and you choose the "Shared", "Budget", or "Lower" rate you may be placed in a room with another attendee of the same gender.