Singing Weekend at Whalley Abbey, Lancashire

The Retreat House at Whalley Abbey is set in the stunning grounds and ruins of a 14th Century Cistercian Abbey and is accessed via an impressive archway into the courtyard. Though the House and Abbey are tucked away on the banks of the River Calder in the beautiful countryside of the Ribble Valley, they are within a few minutes walk of the bustling town of Whalley and are easily accessible by road and public transport links. The Retreat House is a Grade 1 listed building, but is sympathetically modernised and designed inside to retain all the character features, whilst also providing high-quality and welcoming hospitality.

Because this venue particularly lends itself to it, Tim will be leading our guests through music from what is considered by some to be the 'Golden Age' of English Church Music and 'the richest period of English musical composition...', ie, the 16th and 17th Centuries. Music will be taken from 'The Oxford Book of Tudor Anthems' and 'The Oxford Book of English Madrigals'.

Some experience of singing in parts and ability to sight-read is preferable to get the most out of the weekend. We like to encourage our guests to entertain each other on Saturday evening which is our 'party piece night', although this is entirely optional and can be anything from reciting a poem or anecdote, to playing an instrument, singing etc. If possible, we also like to participate in a local Sunday morning service, which again is optional, but we try to learn some music over the weekend to take along.

Cost:

£349.00 per person for returning guests

£369.00 per person for new guests

Please enquire about our rates for non-singers and day delegate rates which can be booked directly with us.

Rooms are ensuite and there is no single supplement. Places are limited so please book early. We can offer additional rates for any non-singers who might want to come along and just enjoy the area but not participate in the singing sessions.  

Outline of Itinerary:

Friday - 4pm arrival, welcome refreshments, dinner, introductory singing session

Saturday -  Breakfast, singing session, lunch, free time to explore the local area, dinner, 'party piece night'

Sunday - Breakfast, morning singing session (either at the venue or in a local church or chapel), lunch, depart after lunch

Cost includes meals stated in the itinerary above (please note timings and sessions are flexible to suit the groups requirements). A non-refundable deposit of £50.00 is required to secure your place on the holiday. We will send an invoice for further payment(s) when they are due. A full itinerary will be sent in advance of the event. No music will be sent in advance as it is not necessary to learn any pieces in advance. If you have any queries, please email us at mail@timknightmusic.com.

Notes: Tim Knight Music (‘TKM’) is GDPR compliant and our policy is available on request. Any personal details provided to us will only be used by TKM for the purposes of communicating about its products and services and not shared or sold to a third party. TKM reserve the right to replace Tim Knight as the Event Leader if, for any reason, he is unable to run the event. Participants are required to have their own valid travel insurance (please make sure this covers cancellation due to Covid) and attend TKM events at their own risk. Unfortunately we cannot offer a refund due to non-attendance as we are required to pay the venue in advance and will incur cancellation charges.