Snettisham nature and art festival Gathering returns to Wild Ken Hill with special guests
Following the success of the inaugural Gathering Festival at Wild Ken Hill, Snettisham, last year, Gathering will return to this iconic landscape with a series of specially curated events across the summer, allowing visitors an inspiring and informative experience in nature.
Three intimate and unique events are planned with artist and environmentalist Katie Holten, author and passionate Curlew conservationist Mary Colwell and Mercury Prize-nominated musician and broadcaster Sam Lee.
Each event will be limited to a small number of guests and allow an ethereal and immersive experience with the natural world at its heart.
Wild Ken Hill Founder Dominic Buscall and Ruth Dillon directed Gathering 2022 which featured a full day of performances and readings from acclaimed authors, artists and musicians, and are both excited about the different approach this year’s events will take.
Ruth Dillon said “Following the success of the first Gathering festival last autumn, it has been really exciting to develop this year’s programme which offers something a little different.
“We are honoured to be joined by three outstanding guests in Katie, Mary and Sam for what promises to be a series of exceptional events across the whole summer at Wild Ken Hill.”
Dominic Buscall added “I am very pleased that this year we will again work with writers and creatives in defence and celebration of the natural world at Gathering.
“The programme comprises several more intimate events with internationally acclaimed guests, once again set in the special landscape of Wild Ken Hill.”
On Sunday, June 25, Irish artist and environmental activist Katie Holten, whose new book The Language of Trees pays tribute to the wonder of trees through illustration and poetry, will be giving a morning of readings and discussion, followed by a walking tour celebrating the trees of the rewilding reserve, including the extraordinary habitat of the beaver woods.
Fresh from her appearance with singer-songwriter David Gray at last year’s event, Mary Colwell returns on Saturday, July 8 to celebrate her new book, The Gathering Place which explores her 500-mile solo pilgrimage along the Camino Francés, winding through forests, mountains, farmland, industrial sprawls and places of worship.
Mary will present discussion about the book as well as readings in the morning, followed by a walk around the reserve alongside an experienced tour guide to take in the wildlife and landscape of the area.
Connecting to nature through stories and song is at the heart of what Mercury Prize-nominated musician Sam Lee does best, and on Friday, September 1 he will lead a walking concert through Wild Ken Hill, stopping to experience the native stories and songs of the land before gathering around the campfire for an intimate evening performance.
Sam is renowned for his acclaimed Singing with Nightingales and Nest Collective events, as well as from his award-winning albums and film soundtracks.
Tickets to each event are priced at £49 and places are extremely limited.
Hot and cold drinks are available and guests are encouraged to bring their own picnics.
The dates for the three experiences are as follows:
The Language of Trees with Katie Holten on Sunday, June 25.
The Gathering Place with Mary Colwell on Saturday, July 8.
Walking Concert and Campfire performance with Sam Lee on Friday, September 1.
www.wildkenhill.co.uk/gathering
Do you have a story to share with Lynn News? Email newsdesk@lynnnews.co.uk
