A Weekend of West African Drum & Dance Suffolk | 2930 August 2026

Full Information Pack - CLICK HERE [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ajbkAkFZB4vldXy5I6ufVxVCuYd6vfSQr0rqqiyIcag/edit?usp=sharing]

The Wooden Roots Experience is an immersive weekend event originally created by Wooden Roots and now proudly orchestrated through their CIC (Community Interest Company), Rhythm with Roots. Made possible through valued collaborations with Arts Council England and Britten Pears Arts. This unique event brings world-class West African artists to Suffolk to share authentic knowledge, culture, and tradition.

A Truly Global Gathering
Each year, participants travel from across the UK and around the world to learn directly from master artists and deepen their understanding of West African drum and dance culture. The event is inclusive, inspiring and held at Snape Maltings, a renowned arts, heritage, and shopping complex on the River Alde in Suffolk, England. It's a world-class venue which was opened in 1967 by Benjamin Britten, surrounded by an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and famous for its Concert Hall.

What's Included
Throughout the weekend, participants can take part in traditional West African djembe drumming and dance classes, all taught in an authentic way and supported by live drumming.

Learn how to play djembe, from complete beginner to advanced
Take part in traditional West African dance classes
Attend speciality workshops such as techniques & rudiments, soloing & singing!
Explore the cultural songs, movements and meanings behind the music
Gain insight into the history, context and traditions behind the music
Access to the Saturday evening entertainment - Dance Symposium / Dunun Party
Enjoy CPD training opportunities for teachers & community leaders

If drumming isnt your thing dance has you covered. If you love both, you can move seamlessly between drum and dance sessions across the weekend. Who said you cant have your cake and eat it?

Connect to your Rhythmic Sensitivity
Whether youre;

New to drumming or dance
An experienced practitioner
A teacher looking for CPD training to deliver djembe or dance in schools or community settings
A community leader seeking deeper cultural understanding

Full weekend tickets available now!
Day tickets tickets available now!
Carer tickets - please email us at [email protected]
Group tickets available on request - 20% off minimum 10 people in group
Individual workshop tickets prices and availability to be announced

CONCERT FINALE JUST ANNOUNCED!!!
On Sunday night were bringing the magic to the iconic Snape Maltings Concert Hall for The Wooden Roots Experience Weekend Finale Concert on August 30th 2026 There'll be folksong and storytelling from the Ivory Coast, Mali and Senegal, plus fresh, energetic interpretations of well-known classical works: a joyful musical journey where tradition and spirituality meet. Rhythm will be your friend in this exuberant concert in which percussionist extraordinaire Sidiki Dembl and his ensemble band join musicians from the ever inventive Manchester Collective led by violinist Rakhi Singh.
This concert is in collaboration with The Wooden Roots Experience and tickets are sold separately from the Britten Pears using this link - https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/events/sidiki-dembele-ensemble-and-manchester-collective

Details for the Concert Finale
Doors 7pm Performance 7.30pm Tickets on sale now via @brittenpearsarts box office. Wooden Roots Experience ticket holders receive 20% off concert tickets.