The 2018 Songways singing week on Lundy was a wonderful combination of rewarding singing sessions, time to savour the beauty and peace of the island, and sociable evenings. Led by Jane Harris, the group of 26 singers enjoyed a wide range of songs chosen to reflect the island setting. Songs included the vibrant shape note song, New Jerusalem, the American old-time Goin’ across the sea, evocative contemporary folk songs from the US and UK, and songs written by Jane inspired by Lundy – Be Free and In the beauty of the world.

The newly restored church provided an excellent singing space for our morning sessions. As the week progressed, Jane led singing walks along the sheltered East side, singing in the atmospheric VC Quarry, on the Castle terrace and at the South West point. Singing at the top of the Old Light was a memorable experience, with a 360 degree view of the whole island – magical as the sun set over the sea.

Our informal concert in the church was enjoyed by an appreciative audience of day-trippers and staying visitors and raised much needed funds for the St Helen’s Church Centre. We also enjoyed free afternoons and one free day mid-week to relax, swim and explore the island. Singers were accommodated in the excellent houses and cottages managed by the Landmark Trust and the group enjoyed hearty meals in the Marisco Tavern.

The singers came from across the UK, including Glasgow, Chester, Wolverhampton, Herefordshire, Norfolk, Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. There were several instrumentalists in the group and we throughly enjoyed impromptu music and dancing sessions in the tavern and the church, with fiddles, guitar and a cajon box drum.

Warmest thanks to all the singers and also to the island staff for looking after us so well.

Here are some comments from singers:

Inspirational leadership and a wonderful choice of songs

Organisation excellent and a perfect balance of singing and free time

Friendly, collaborative atmosphere

A truly outstanding experience

Our next Songways Singing Week on Lundy will be in the summer of 2020. Please join our mailing list to ensure you receive details nearer the time.