A Weekend of West African Drum & Dance Suffolk | 2930 August 2026 Full Information Pack - CLICK HERE [https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQTJwKgafRBmw9EvKpH4Uz4J5LslwIOE0faQ2l8O7 a7zg2WXMn0FXde6AoNcKLZlKSho8mktgBcURR/pub] 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 the djembe, from complete beginner to advanced level Take part in traditional West African dance classes Attend specialised workshops such as techniques & rudiments, soloing, percussion & singing Explore the cultural songs, movements, and meanings that connect both the drum & dance Gain insight into the history, context, and traditions behind the music Access to Dununba Celebration and Dance Symposium on Saturday night Access CPD (continuing professional development) opportunities for teachers and 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 Or a community leader seeking deeper cultural understanding Full weekend tickets available now! Carer tickets -please email us at [email protected] Day tickets will go on sale at the beginning of August. Individual workshop tickets may be available from our box office on the day depending on capacity. This is a limited-capacity event with high international demand. The Wooden Roots Experience has become an annual masterpiece and tickets sell quickly. Enjoy a Spectacular Finale Performance in The Concert Hall in collaboration with Britten Pears Arts (Tickets must be purchased through BPA box office at an additional cost) In 2026, we are honoured to close the Summer at Snape programme with an unforgettable concert finale curated by Wooden Roots. The weekend culminates in this explosive live performance, weaving together an example of the music and dance taught during the weekend workshops alongside contemporary Western musical elements. The result is a powerful celebration where West African music meets Western music, bringing the entire weekend together in one unforgettable concert experience.

The University of Essex Choir returns to Snape Maltings this May with an exuberant programme of Mozart, Handel and Haydn. Musical director Ben Vonberg-Clark will lead the choir, who will be joined by the acclaimed Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Britten Pears Chamber Choir and four talented professional soloists. This evening of glittering sacred music unites three titans of the Baroque and Classical eras. The programme opens with Mozart's radiant Regina coeli, K.127, a work that captures his gift for combining profound spirituality with effortless melodic grace. This leads into the uplifting Dixit Dominus, where Handel demonstrates his early explorations of counterpoint and dramatic expression. The evening reaches its zenith with Haydn's monumental Missa in angustiis, better known as the 1798 "Nelson Mass", a work born from the composer's mature genius against the tumultuous backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Under the expert guidance of conductor Ben Vonberg-Clark, this collaboration promises to illuminate all three composers' shared commitment to music as spiritual expression. The University of Essex Choir, renowned for their precision and musicality, will be joined by the Britten Pears Chamber Choir, with both perfectly complemented by the orchestra's period-informed approach. Category: Live Music | Concert