Seamas Carey's Weekend Singing Retreat - Autumn 2025

A fun weekend of singing, feasting and connecting with other humans, in the beautiful Cornish countryside.

Led by artist & choir leader Seamas Carey, with therapeutic lead - Phil Collier

Homemade meals cooked by John Bampini

Friday 7th Nov, 6pm - Sunday 9th Nov, 3.30pm

All genders welcome. Residential and daytime tickets available. 18+

What will happen?

Join Seamas Carey deep in the Cornish countryside, at Holifield Hostel (near Gweek) where he'll encourage you to find your voice, make new friends, share your feelings, move your body, eat together and gather round the fire in the evenings.

Seamas' singing retreats are delivered in an informal, infectious and accessible style that gets the most out of people. Whether you've sung before or it's your first time, there's something for everyone as Seamas uses ear-worm rounds, fun warm ups and surprising song covers - to encourage people to connect with their bodies, the other people around them and take themselves less seriously.

We will move around Holifield Farm, singing in different spaces, including (weather permitting) the woodland pond. We will eat home cooked meals each day, made by our in house chef - Bamps. And we will break up the experience with mindfulness exercises, checking in and sharing sessions, led by therapeutic lead Phil Collier.

What previous attendees have said?

"Within minutes, we were laughing, dancing, harmonising, and letting go of all self-consciousness. It was more than just a singing retreat—it was freeing, uplifting, and deeply human" - Archa Robinson

"The weekend was one of those golden times that happen every so often in a person’s lifetime. I felt comfortable, included, pushed (in a good way), cared-for, nourished, happy, stimulated and content" - Sarah Pym

"Nourishing in every sense - a beautiful setting, hearty home-cooked food, refreshing company and a good dose of silliness" - Grace Ruddick

The weekend is open to anyone regardless of previous singing experience, but will involve some physical movement activities outside – please contact us with access requirements or any other questions – seamascarey@gmail.com

Who?

Seamas Carey, the internationally award-winning performer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and choir leader spent six years running Cornwall’s first alternative male voice choir (Men Are Singing). He’s sung all over the world with his solo work, various theatre companies and The Spooky Men’s Chorale.

seamascareymusic.com

Phil Collier is a Masters Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PG cert).

He has evidence-based working knowledge of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) approaches to trauma, anxiety, depression and psychosis. Over the weekend Phil will lead group talking sessions, as well as breath work and mindfulness.

www.dancingclay.co.uk

How much?

There are two types of tickets: residential & daytime.

Residential: £200 includes a weekend of singing, all meals and a bunk bed in a shared room for two nights. This option gives way to deeper, more concentrated experience as you will be co-existing in the hostel with other participants. You can choose to stay up chatting with fellow singers, or rise early to explore the farm and surrounding area. You can also nip off for a nap in the afternoon, should you feel so inclined.

Daytime: £150 includes a weekend of singing and all meals, but you must find accommodation for yourself. We ask that your attendance is fully committed to the sessions on Friday 6pm - 9.30pm, Sat 9.30am - 8pm and Sunday 9.30am - 3.30pm.

Anymore questions, don't hestiate to get in touch. We look forward to singing with you!

Graphic design: Matt Lowe. B&W Photos: Mandy Lee Jandrell

NB: Refund policy - no refunds 14 days before event