Spring Equinox Celebration

Join us for a joyful afternoon of songs and stories celebrating Spring!

On this afternoon workshop we will explore traditional songs, stories and myths inspired by this beautiful turning point of the year.

Workshops will be led by experienced choir leaders Georgie Buchanan and Alana Middleton and captivating storyteller Marcus Pibworth

The evening will culminate in a concert of traditional and original songs and stories from acclaimed songwriters and storytellers Georgie Buchanan (harp and voice), Alana Middleton (fiddle and voice) and Marcus Pibworth (storytelling)

You can expect:

• A group singing workshop inspired by the Celtic Goddess of Spring, Brigid
• A storytelling workshop using traditional stories and myths of the Spring to invite equinox inspired reflection
• A delicious evening meal
• A concert of traditional and original songs and stories from acclaimed songwriters and story tellers Georgie Buchanan, Alana Middleton and Marcus Pibworth

All voices are welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just beginning your journey into the discovery of your voice, we would love to sing with you! No experience of storytelling is required, just a curiosity and an openness to dive in!

This event is for adults and teenagers 14+, under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian

About the Facilitators

Georgie Buchanan

Inspired by voyages to the Outer Hebrides, tales of ancient Celtic Goddesses and great folk singers from Peggy Seeger to Joni Mitchell, Georgie Buchanan is a unique singer and harpist on the contemporary folk scene. Interweaving traditional melodies with original compositions, songs and stories, Georgie’s music speaks of a heartfelt connection with the natural world and the folklore that is entwined within it. She is passionate about the power of music to transform and transcend, and has facilitated empowering voice and song writing workshops for the past 10 years. She specialises in guiding participants through a rich and dynamic exploration of their own unique creative potential.

As a performing artist and composer she’s performed with Show of Hands on the main stage of Sidmouth Folk Festival, been selected for Sound and Music’s highly competitive New Voices Programme and had one of her original songs ‘Love is a Rocking Wave’ played on The Nest Collective’s ‘Singing with Nightingales, Homecoming Broadcast’ hosted by Sam Lee. Georgie was selected to take part in the English Folk Expo’s Artist Mentoring Programme and performed at Focus Wales 2022 and Cambridge Folk Festival 2022 and 2023. She has supported renowned folk acts Ye Vagabonds, Katherine Priddy, John Francis Flynn and The Breath.

Georgie released her debut album ‘Wise as a Fool’ in Spring 2023 and toured around the UK with sell out shows in Leeds, London, Sheffield and Bristol. Songs from the album were played on Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour BBC6Music, Hannah Peel’s Night Tracks BBC Radio 3 and Mark Radcliffe’s Folk Show BBC Radio 3.

https://www.georgiebuchanan.com/

Alana Middleton

Alana Middleton

Alana is a folk singer, fiddle player and choir leader from the woods and hills of Herefordshire. Her rural upbringing instilled a sense of deep connection with the natural world which she explores through traditional song and songwriting. From wild and uplifting fiddle playing, to intimate and expressive singing, Alana's folk musicianship is embodied and heartfelt.

Alana is an experienced choir leader and community facilitator. She is the co-founder of the Farm Choir (Leeds) and runs community singing workshops with people of all ages across the UK/Ireland in schools, at conferences and festivals, and in community settings. As a Natural Voice Network practitioner, Alana brings people together with her inclusive, playful and expressive teaching style. She shares songs in 3-4 part harmony from her extensive repertoire of traditional material and her own compositions, and seeks to bring people in connection with their voice, community and the land.

Alana gained a First-Class Honours degree in Folk Music from Leeds Conservatoire, where she was trained by specialists such as Nancy Kerr, Jim Moray and Pete Flood. She performs regularly within the vibrant folk scene of Leeds as well as touring UK venues and festivals such as Sidmouth Folk Festival. She is a versatile and skilled musician performing with Captain Bullhead Ceilidh Band, and pianist Ruben Maric.

“Bringing people together in song is one of my greatest loves. It is a joy to create and hold inclusive spaces where we can celebrate our interconnectedness with each other and the land we live upon through song. There is healing and nourishment when individual and group expression come together and we release and rest within the sonic landscape of shared voice”

https://www.alanamiddleton.co.uk/

Marcus Pibworth

Marcus is a professional storyteller based in the foothills of the Black Mountains in rural Herefordshire. He works with stories to entertain, explore the magic of the world and facilitate change. Marcus’ ability to take an audience on a journey, often to difficult places, and bring them back again is a real gift. He can dance between hard hitting emotion and laugh out loud humour with finesse, with his unique and one-of-a-kind style. Whenever he stands before an audience and tells a story, whether a personal narrative, a short folktale or a full blown epic, he never fails to bring smiles and tears to listeners in equal parts.

Marcus is an experienced storyteller, who has created a number of well received storytelling shows and can regularly be found on the line-up of festivals such as Buddhafield and the Oxford Storytelling Festival. He is a graduate of the School of Storytelling at Emerson College, founder of the Grey Wolf Story Cafe in Hay-on-Wye, host of the magical Bardic Caravan, and runs storytelling workshops, retreats and shows in the beautiful green hills of Herefordshire.

Marcus also runs Mythic Fathers, a storytelling circle for dads to explore the journey of fatherhood and Stories For Men, a storytelling space to help men talk about the challenging parts of their life through the lens of myth and story.

When not telling stories professionally, you will usually find Marcus at his cottage on the English border, telling stories to his two little girls, Freyja and Harmony.

https://www.marcuspibworth.com/

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Canon Frome Court, Canon Frome Court, Canon Frome, United Kingdom