After the beauty and magic of the previous gatherings, I’m delighted to be returning with the Autumn Harmony Gathering 2026. Taking place in the Forest of Dean, 9-11th October 2026.
We will welcome you to a joyful weekend of coming together to sing our hearts out in a stunning setting overlooking the Severn estuary and tucked into the forest. This immersive singing weekend is open to adults of all experience levels to reconnect through music, voice and community.
Over the weekend we’ll explore folk songs, and seasonal ditties in harmony, alongside circle singing, sound bathing and some gentle, non-exposing group improvisation. The weekend is designed to feel supportive, inclusive and pressure-free.
On Saturday evening we gather for a relaxed campfire sing-Around. You are invited to bring a song to share, something with a simple chorus, a round, or simply a short performance if you like. If you’d like support with this please just ask, I’ll try to listen to the song a bit before hand so I can sing with you on the night. I aim to make it as supportive and welcoming as possible.
The food preparation is fairly DIY. The main meals will be cooked for us and we will split into teams to prepare the rest. This adds to the community aspect of the retreat and helps to keep it affordable and accessible. You should only need to do one or two short stints.
meet the facilitator
Pearl is an experienced choir leader, workshop facilitator and vocal improviser. She runs Stroud Folk Choir and Sing Ahoy Folk Choir and brings her workshops to festivals including Shambala, Land Skills Fair, Fire in the Mountain and ORFC. She has spent the last few years enveloped in the rich blanket of Collaborative Vocal Improvisation, studying with Briony Greenhill who is one of the pioneers bringing this singing style to the UK from America, where she studied with Bobby Mcferrin and Rhiannon. Pearl is also one third of the trio, The Crooked Penny, who sing folk-inspired songs with haunting harmonies and a feminist twist. Pearl is dedicated to enabling others to connect through singing.
accommodation
The Wilderness Centre is a country estate nestled within 30 acres of private grounds in the Forest of Dean, with ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and gardens. It enjoys spectacular views over the River Severn to the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills.
Accommodation is in dorms of 4-8 people in bunks. Most people will stay in these but if you’d really like your own room and there are enough people who’d like to do this then we can book a nearby cottage for an extra £90-£100 per person. There is also space for camper vans so please be in touch if you’d like to bring your camper.
You can check out the Wilderness Centre here: https://www.wilderness-centre.com
The Wilderness Centre, Wysis Way, Plump Hill, Mitcheldean GL17 0HA
food
We will eat vegetarian food (or largely vegan with cheese, butter and other things available) which is included in the price of the weekend. Diet choices, intolerance and allergies will be catered for as much as possible, so please let me know on the form if you have any specific needs.
Main meals will be cooked for us and we will take turns to help out with extra food prep (including salads and breakfasts) and clean up. We’ll have a sign up rota on the weekend. This has always been a very connecting part of the retreat and has the benefit of keeping the costs affordable.
The Plan
Friday
16:30-18.30 Arrivals
18:30 – 19.30 Dinner
20.00 – 21.30 Opening Circle – Getting to know each other, a few songs and ease ourselves in and settle into our weekend together
20.30- Time for settling in. We can make a choice about whether we would like to play some games or do some singing or just have a natter, or a combination.
Saturday
7:45 – 8:45 Yoga/Dancing (optional)
8.45 – 9:45 Breakfast
10.00 – 12.50 Warm up and singing games
13.00 – 15.00 Lunch and optional walk
15.00 – 17.00 Learning Songs (with tea & cake break)
17:00 – 17.30 Reflections and check ins
18:30 – 19.30 Dinner
19.30 – Late Campfire Sing Around (The fire pit is sheltered so we should be able to use it regardless of the weather).
Sunday
7.45 – 8.45 Yoga/Dancing (optional)
8.45 – 10.30 Breakfast and empty rooms
10.30 – 13.00 Sound Bathing, Singing and Closing Circle
13.00 – 15.00 Optional picnic lunch and walk in the Forest (Weather dependant)
Costs
*Discount available for Stroud Folk Choir, Sing Ahoy and Harmony Tree members.
Saturday Ticket
Saturday Only
Including Lunch and Dinner and Campfire if you wish to stay into the evening. Arrivals for singing sessions starting at 10am.