TWO (AND A BIT!) DAYS OF FESTIVE IMMERSIVE LEARNING!
I've been thinking about a festive edition of the Retreat for some time and this year I thought why not?! Instead of the swallows and sunshine we'll have cosy log fires and crisp winter walks. Who knows - we may even get a visit from Father Christmas himself!
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It gives those that missed out on places in the summer retreat a chance to take part and a whole heap new heap of learning and fun for those that want to do both!
We have invited some of the best ukulele teachers from around the world to come and teach you. Lessons will be in small groups so you'll get to soak up heaps of incredible tuition and ask plenty of questions. As well as small group lessons there will be a teacher's concert to inspire you, open mic and a student concert where you'll get to perform in a small group in a supportive and fun atmosphere. All with a magical festive flavour.
A BEAUTIFUL LOCATION IN THE HEART OF THE FOREST
This year we'll be located at Speech House, a beautiful 17th Century Hunting Lodge built for King Charles II. We're right in the heart in the Forest of Dean and will be taking advantage with ukulele walks. Keep an eye our for Rudolph! We might see some of his Roe and Muntjac Deer cousins! You can stay in the lovely rooms on site and you'll be supplied with great festive food right through the event.
TICKETS
You can purchase from our secure shop HERE.
TICKETS INCLUDE:
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SMALL GROUP TUITION WITH ALL OF THE GUEST TUTORS
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TEACHER'S CONCERT TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY EVENING
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FOREST WALK
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SMALL GROUP TUITION AND STUDENT'S CONCERT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
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OPEN MIC
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SLOW JAMS & OUTDOOR SINGING
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LUNCH AND EVENING 2 COURSE WARM BUFFET TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY
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COFFEE & PASTRIES WEEKEND MORNINGS
Please book your rooms with Speech House if you would like to stay on site:
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Tel: 01594 822607
Please see the links further down with recommendations to local B&B's, hotels and campsites.
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If staying off site you will need to arrange your own transport to and from the venue. We recommend hiring a car or using the Uber App.
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PLEASE NOTE THAT TICKETS
DO NOT INCLUDE ACCOMMODATION OR TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE VENUE
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TUTORS
We have invited some of the best ukulele teachers from around the world to come and teach you. Lessons will be in small groups so you'll get to soak up heaps of incredible tuition and ask plenty of questions. As well as small group lessons there will be a teacher's concert to inspire you, and a student concert where you'll get to perform in a small group in a supportive and fun atmosphere.
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TUTOR LINE-UP will be announced soon.
CONNECT WITH NATURE &
OTHERS
Our beautiful location at Speech House is set in the centre of 110km of one of the last surviving ancient woodlands in England. You can explore the grounds and local woodlands between sessions, soaking up the healing power of nature. As well as the Forest you will be just a few miles from the Wye Valley Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Why not stay for a whole week and explore the area?
If you'd like some more inspiration for exploring the are have a look at this website HERE:
https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/
PROVISIONAL
SCHEDULE
To help you plan your time here
MONDAY EVENING
From 7pm - Welcome drinks and Kanikapila
In the Edwin Tauber Suite with views of the ancient woodland. Get to know your fellow students and tutors. Join Matt and your tutors for an inclusive and fun live jam.
TUESDAY
MORNING From 9:45am - Small group sessions with all the tutors
Very small groups so you get to soak up the learning & ask questions of our experts. Coffee and pastries. Four different classrooms throughout the site.
LUNCHTIME - Buffet for all
UKULELE WALK -
We'll take a guided walk around the arboretum and the beautiful local nature reserve, where if we're lucky we'll get to see a host of wildlife including birds of prey, deer, wildfowl, songbirds, wild boar, and butterflies. Those wanting to stay on site will have the option of an extra lesson or just some chill time.
AFTERNOON - Small group sessions with all the tutors
EVENING 2 COURSE HOT BUFFET
Freshly made with local produce.
SLOW JAM IN THE COSY HALL
Learn to play off by heart, the old fashioned way! All levels welcome.
EVENING - TEACHERS CONCERT
Sit back for an evening of entertainment and inspiration courtesy of your talented tutors. A bar will be available so you can relax with a drink or two, alcoholic or otherwise.
FINISH AROUND 10PM
WEDNESDAY
MORNING From 9:30am - Repertoire lesson with your guest tutors
Your guest tutors will teach you some fun repertoire to perform at the student's concert. There will be something for everyone - all levels welcome.
LUNCHTIME - Buffet for all
Refresh and fill yourself up. If it's sunny perhaps take a stroll around the garden and lake?
CAROL GROUP SINGING - Let go of any tension and immerse yourself in a fun sing and strum-along to some festive favourites and traditional carols.
AFTERNOON - STUDENT CONCERT
Now your turn to show off and perform in the historic Verderers Court. You'll perform the repertoire you learned earlier, in a small group and joined by your tutor. By now we're all friends (if we weren't already!) and we all support each other. There's no pressure - any shrinking violets can hide at the back!
EVENING 2 COURSE HOT BUFFET
Freshly made with local produce.
EVENING -
Open Mic
A small, warm and friendly open mic for anybody wanting to try out performing to fellow students in an encouraging and happy environment. Festive tunes encouraged. Shake off your Shakin' Stevens!
Tutor Concert
Sit back in for an evening of entertainment and inspiration courtesy of your talented tutors. A bar will be available so you can relax with a drink or two, alcoholic or otherwise.
FINISH AROUND 10PM
Other places to stay
If you missed out on a room on site, would like some other local options or want to camp in the area, here are a list of some places to explore.
LOCATION
The Speech House Hotel
Coleford
Gloucestershire
GL16 7EL