Sing to the Seals on Bardsey - SOLD OUT

Creating community and connection off the Llyn peninsula in Wales 

28 August to 5 September 2010

Bardsey island has a magic about it that makes visitors return again and again.  According to legend, this is where King Arthur’s wounds were healed and the last resting place of Arthur and Merlin.  The abbey was an important destination for pilgrimage in the Middle ages, in fact 3 trips to Bardsey were deemed equivalent to one pilgrimage to Rome at the time.  Synchronicity happens here, and it is supremely restful and restorative to the spirit. Although it is only one and half miles long, you never get tired of seeking out hidden places, watching the seals, climbing on the hill, visiting the bird observatory, or having chats with whoever you meet along the one road. It is one of the main nesting sites for manx shearwaters – up to 16,000 of them, and there is an abundance of other wildlife, including seals (I counted 80 at once), and porpoises, bottlenose and Risso's dolphins in the sea around the island.

My intention is for us to build together a community that connects us through the singing, to each other, and to the natural vibrant beauty surrounding us. We return to resume our lives from this unique island, refreshed, invigorated and connected.

We stay in beautiful stone cottages, using candlelight. It is a very simple life, no cars, no electricity, just peace, silence and good company.
We will have our very own inspired professional cook, and we will assist with meal preparation.

We will sing every morning: in the old schoolhouse and chapel, and outside to the seals, by the beach. Over the week, we will build up a wide repertoire of songs, from around Britain and other world traditions, in harmony. The afternoons will be time for ourselves. In the evenings, after eating together, we will sing, and create our own entertainment. Here will be a space for those who want, to share their particular skills with the group, be they musical, storytelling, or playful games.

It is not for the faint hearted however.  We take an hour’s boat trip to get there, from Aberdaron, that sometimes is cancelled because of bad weather. Adaptability is needed and we recommend that you take out travel insurance.
Bardsey island website:  www.enlli.org   

Prices from:  £395 inc accommodation, all meals and the boat trip to the island.