Pagan Carols and Solstice Songs
Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, I felt it was unwise to gather in a room and sing together at this time.
So it's no longer happening at the Village Hall.
I'm now offering a more informal gathering at our Community Orchard in Huxhams Cross in Dartington, from 5.30-7pm.
Come and gather with us round a roaring fire, and bring your own snacks and drinks.
Please bring a headtorch so you can read the lyrics off the songsheets; and bring a foldout chair if you want to be comfortable; we do have log seating.
This new version of the workshop is being offered for donations.
To get here, please park at Earthwrights - Woodlands Yard, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6NS. Then walk out towards the road entrance, and you'll see a wide farm-style metal gate on the side of the track, looking uphill.
Go through this gate, walk up the footpath, and near the top, on the right, there is an archway through to the orchard.
Hope to see you there!
with the pre-Christian tradition of celebrating the Winter Solstice, when the light returns with the newly-growing days.
Come join the merry throng!
Dartington-based singer and vocal leader Selena Mara will lead this fun evening of singing, with a wonderful collection of original, reclaimed and traditional Midwinter Songs.
All welcome, songs will be taught by ear, with lyric sheets, and we will have delicious hot mulled apple juice in the break so it will be a cosy community celebration too.
It's happening on Monday 20th December, from 5.30-7pm at Huxhams Cross Community Orchard.
Prices are: Donations
DO TELL YOUR FRIENDS! We had a brilliant time the last 3 years and this year I hope it will be even better!
Also, great news, on the day of the workshop we will have a Prize Draw so you can WIN a singing lesson! Whether or not you can make it to the workshop, you may enter the draw.
If you would like to have your name entered, please email me at selena@singwithstyle.com
Get your Advance tickets here:
Here is a list of the the songs we will be singing.
Many of those you recognise the names of, have been re-written to make them reflect the festival as a seasonal celebration rather than telling the stories of Christianity. Others have been restored or reclaimed by Norman Iles or Tim Hawthorn. Two were written by myself, a couple more written by my friends, and others gathered along the way.
Now make ye merry gentlemen
The Holly and the Ivy
The Greensleeves Carol
Here is the Spark
Somerset Wassail
Welcome Yule
Winter Solstice
The Best of Trees
Green Grows The Holly
Pat-a-pan
Light is Returning
Seed of Light
Magic Circle
Carol of the Unconquered Sun
Levy Dew
Let's Raise the Rafters on Midwinters Day
No experience is necessary to attend the workshop. We'll be singing for our own enjoyment, to celebrate the season and the returning of the Sun's light on the shortest day of the year!
Half-way through the workshop we'll have a short break during which I'll be serving hot mulled apple juice for sale at £1 a mug, and we'll be eating together a selection of tasty seasonal tea-time snacks that YOU BRING TO SHARE...such as mince pies and cream, home-made cookies or cake.
This was a really lovely aspect of the workshop last year. So it really feels like a community celebration, not just a singing workshop; as there will be more time to connect with each other, meet new people and chat with your friends.
One of last year's participants, Laura, says:
'I loved gathering in the cosy village hall to sing the Pagan Carols and Solstice Songs. There was a warm, friendly feel to the workshop, and the songs were a great mixture of old and new, fun and heartfelt.
Selena's mandolin added a magical touch to the sound of our uplifted voices. A meaningful, musical way to come together locally and celebrate the winter solstice!'
This an image of my A3 poster which is an eternal calendar showing the 8 Pagan or Celtic Seasonal Festivals. There is a song printed around the illustration which is my song of the same name.
Copies of these will be available for sale at £4.99 and we will be singing the Winter Solstice verse of the song.
I do hope you can make it to this workshop! Bring your friends and family and I really look forward to seeing you!
If you have any queries, please contact me on 01803-365005, the lines are open Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm or selena@singwithstyle.com
Tickets are DONATIONS
Come join our Merry Midwinter gathering!
Get your ticket here:
Explore
Explore