CHORUS Winter
Songwriting Retreat 2025
Friday 24th Jan (5pm) to Monday 27th Jan (10am)
NOW FULLY BOOKED
This first winter edition of our retreat will bring together women and non-binary musicians to build their confidence in
collaborative songwriting and make lasting musical connections.
Would you like to write songs in a friendly and welcoming environment?
Would you like to meet other songwriters and make new connections?
Would you like to build your confidence as an artist?
Then the CHORUS Songwriting Retreat is for you…
What’s included?
DAILY WORKSHOPS
In our workshops, you’ll have the chance to write songs to a variety of briefs and song challenges in a friendly environment - where you can experiment and try things out.
On a CHORUS Songwriting Retreat we all learn from each other as we enjoy the process of creating.
You can hear some of the songs created at last year’s event on the video above!
ACCOMODATION
Accommodation will shared with fellow musicians in hostel accommodation. There are 7 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms in total in the hostel, which we have all to ourselves.
If you’re coming with a pal and would like to be sharing a room, you can let us know on application.
FOOD & DRINKS
A wholesome and simple vegetarian menu of three meals a day will be provided, and we can cater to most special diets if you let us know beforehand.
Tea, coffee and drinking water is also available. You may like to bring your own snacks and other supplies as needed.
Testimonials
‘‘The campfire evenings are always so wholesome, the food was also outstanding, and the environment CHORUS creates just fosters the most excellent songwriting. With free time to reflect and sort through your own thoughts and reconnect with music, it’s just a dream.’’
- Beth, 2023
‘‘I’ve learnt a great deal. I think writing in a group in real time was a massive eye opener to me as I’ve never sat down with a group of writers and created something in the moment!’’
- Olivia, 2023
‘‘Honestly it was life changing, even just been at one with nature, no distractions, no phones or the outside world, just a beautiful welcoming group of people all loving music just as much as everyone else! It was magical.’’
- Izzie, 2023
‘‘Sharing the space for 3 days with a great group of women, having structure to the days but also a good bit of free time for chilling and changing. Loved the morning activities of going for a walk, incorporating in some singing elements to this too. Wonderful, absolutely living the dream!’’
- Josie, 2023
Your Facilitators
Anna Anise is a touring singer/songwriter and events producer based in the South West. She started CHORUS in 2020 in response to the barriers that lockdown bought to connection and collaboration for developing songwriters. She is regularly recording and releasing new music, and is a specialist in supporting artists to find funding, and managing creative projects.
Anna Ling’s creativity is embedded in a love of drawing people together around song. This passion has led her creative work-life through community choirs and the many venues, festivals and campfires she frequently sings around. Her performances are intimate, funny and touching. She’s in the process of recording her debut album which has BBC Radio 3 plays.
What to expect…
SATURDAY
8.30am - Breakfast
9.30am - Workshops start
1pm - Lunch
2.30pm - Workshops continue
5.00pm - Free time to explore
6.30pm - Dinner
8pm - Show + Tell from the day’s workshops
FRIDAY
5.00pm - Arrivals
6.00pm - Welcome
7.00pm - Dinner
8.00pm - Open Mic
SUNDAY
8.30am - Breakfast
9.30am - Workshops start
1pm - Lunch
2.00pm - Workshops continue
5.00pm - Closing session
6.30pm - Dinner
7.30pm - Songshare & Jam
NOW FULLY BOOKED
includes all meals during the retreat and accommodation.
Please feel comfortable to reach out if these prices are a barrier to you joining us. These subsidised prices made possible by support from Arts Council England.
TRANSPORT
The nearest rail station is Bridgwater, 13.3 miles away. The nearest bus stop is within 500m of the hostel, offering services from Monday to Saturday.
The 55, 646 and 376 Mendip Explorer buses come close to the venue , stopping at Collard Hill Post Box, and then it's a 5 min walk.
Before the retreat we will make a WhatsApp group where lift shares can be organised, or buddies found for public transport.
ACCESS
The retreat will take place in a Youth Hostel. You can read their access statement that should answer any access questions, or reach out and we can assist with any queries.
To find out more about what to expect from the venue and the location please see the Youth Hostel Association Street webpage.
Collaboration Connection Confidence
At the CHORUS Songwriting Retreat you will have the opportunity to co-write in a welcoming and friendly space, make new connections with fellow musicians and build your confidence as an artist.
This video was recorded at the CHORUS Songwriting Retreat 2023 where a participant Marta (23, from Bristol) taught us her arrangement of the Lorde song Fallen Fruit.
Questions?
Fill in this form and we’ll get back to you within 3 days.
Or you can email anna[at]chorussongwriting.co.uk