The very first Song & Ale took place at Rockbourne near Salisbury twenty-five years ago, then a couple of years later moved via Devon to a farm near Whittlebury in Northants., where it has taken place every September since.

Around 150 people, mostly singers, attend each year - instruments are not banned, but strongly discouraged (they tend to waste good singing time, and take up too much room in the barn). Around 22 hours of (official) singing during the weekend, plus a few hours unofficial singing after midnight, whilst partaking of hot soup, sloe gin, etc.

The weekend is not advertised - no need - but if you're interested, PM me and I'll send you an e-mail address so that you can get on the mailing list.

A number of other similar weekends have started up all over the country since then.

Barbara