The Gathering

1st & 2nd of May 2010
May Day Bank holiday weekend
Tapeley Park, Instow, North Devon



About The Weekend
Workshops
The Barn
Campsite
Tickets
Stall Holders / Traders
Further Information
Travel
Reviews


About The Weekend

Now into its seventh year, The Gathering begins the UK's didjeridu festival season and is a great chance to catch up with old friends from all around the UK, make some new ones and listen to what everyone's been doing with their didjes over the winter break.

The Gathering is also unique in that there are no set performances over the weekend, it's pretty much a non-stop, didje oriented open mic & jam session. You'll not only get a chance to listen to some great musicians but you can also get up and perform yourself in front of a friendly & receptive audience.

Many of the UK's top didje players will be there joining in and also giving various workshops throughout the weekend for different abilities and styles of playing.

There will also be stalls with some great didjes for you to try and buy.

A really friendly and welcoming family atmosphere in a beautiful countryside setting.

Please be aware that due to limited space in the main hall this is strictly a ticket only event. The Gathering has been a sell out each year so please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets will not be available on the gate.


Workshops

Workshop times, place & price will be announced on the workshops board in the main barn.

 

Didjeridu all levels 1-2-1 or group.

Kev Howard
 
1-2-1 or group- Didjeridu alternative playing techniques
Jonny Cope
 
1-2-1 or group - Overtone throat singing.
Jonny Cope
 
Jonny will also have an array of weird and wonderful instruments to try out or/and buy.
Richard Bridge
 
with Johnny 'bongo' Bridge and Tristan O'Meara - Jam sessions
Shane Townsend
(Fire Dragon Toys)
 
Diablo, juggling, poi, staff, devil sticks along with glow and fire toys
The Toot House Sessions  
The Toot House is situated at one end of the Italian Garden and has wonderful acoustic properties. We think it would be a nice idea to get some playing happening during the daytime. It's a great place to chill out and hopefully catch a few rhythms.

More to be confirmed

If you are wanting to give a workshop at The Gathering please email us with some details so that we can list it here.


The Barn

As we're continuously trying to improve The Gathering we've listened to feedback and this year we're going to have a more structured approach with The Barn...

2 - 3 pm
-
Closed for workshop
7 - 11 pm
-
Adults Open Mic
11 pm till early
-
Jam Session

With more children coming along to didge events we think it's about time that they had some space on the open mic as well. So each evening between 6 & 7 the open mic will be open for children. Doesn't have to be didge, any instruments they want to perform with, sing songs, or whatever is welcome. Mums and dads can get up with them for a bit of support if they need it but we would like the focus to be on giving the children some creative space to explore. Some of these young people will hopefully be great musicians in the future and we feel it's important that they're given the opportunity and support to play in front of a supportive audience from a young age.

The 'Adults Open Mic', once again, will be all instruments welcome - but we would like to see plenty of didge here!

Barn Etiquette

We would prefer not to make rules but we have received a few comments over the years about behaviour during open mic sessions, so please be aware of the following...


If a performer wishes for other instruments or some sort of percussion to join them in their performance they will ask, so please don't just join in with noises that are not asked for during the Open Mic period, this part of the evening is not a jam session unless you are invited.

The Jam Session from 11pm is for people to join in randomly as much as they like, and enjoy trying their hand, and generally having a party.

Thank you.


Campsite

For the benefit of families with younger children, it would be preferable if the campsite was a quiet area between 9pm and 9am. So if sitting around the fire pit at night, or coming back from the Barn, please don't play loud musical instruments and keep voices down so people can sleep.


Same in the mornings... please don't start making unnecessary noise until after 9am.

You are welcome to make lots of noise, bang drums, shout and sing in other places during the campsite quiet time, for example in the Barn or down at the lake.

Thank you.

Hire a tipi for this years Gathering with Mytipi

We can offer a whole range of sizes and colours, from childrens play tipis to large tipis (that can seat and sleep hoards of friends!)...from stripes to camouflage, you name it we have been asked for it!

Whether you are looking for 1 or 10 tipis to buy or hire we offer a down to earth, friendly and bespoke service. All of our tipis are of the highest quality craftsmenship and made from natural materials.

We are fortunate to be based along the beautiful North Devon coastline where we make our tipis in our workshop at home and source all of our products locally...and sustainably...

www.mytipi.co.uk


Tickets

Adults
£30
10 - 15
£15
Under 10
Free

Please complete and return the form with your payment and S.A.E.

Ticket Booking Form

Form requires .pdf viewer. Get the latest version here.


Stall Holders / Traders

Stall space is free but must be booked in advance when booking tickets.

All stall holders & traders will require a weekend ticket.


Further Information

Camping space is provided for the whole weekend and is included in the ticket price.

Access to the site is from 5pm on Friday 30th April, no access after 8 pm (gate will be locked). Exceptions can be made for people travelling a long way by prior arrangement - tel. 01363 881108. The gate will re-open 10am Sat 1st May

The site must be clear by midday on Monday 3rd May.

All camping is to be in the designated area.

Those without a tent are welcome to sleep in the main barn (lots of warm space), but be aware that the music doesn't usually stop until the very early hours.

As well as portaloos on the camp site there are proper toilet facilities next to the main barn and cafe area, and also a hot shower on site.

For those wishing to have a bit of luxury there is also local accomodation available (not included in ticket price).

Breakfasts, evening meals, drinks and snacks will be available to purchase from the Tapeley Park Cafe. There is also a local village pub nearby, The Westleigh Inn, which has a good range of meals.

Other than that, bring what you'd expect to find, and also anything didje related that you would like to swap or sell. Traders must book in advance as stall area is limited, but at no extra cost.

Tapeley Park is a huge estate and you are welcome to explore the beautiful gardens and woods at your leisure but please ensure that all gates are shut securely behind you and pick up any litter that you create or find and bring it back to the skip - thanks!

Things to note...
NO GLASS!
Glass breaks and we do not want any broken glass on the site.
NO OPEN FIRES!
Except with permission from organisers.
NO SMOKING!
Smoking is not allowed in any enclosed space.
NO SOUND SYSTEMS!
For the comfort of all.
NO LITTER!
Please use the skip provided or take your rubbish home with you.


Travel

The entrance to Tapeley Park is sign posted on the B3233...