With Georgie Buchanan and Alana Middleton

Celebrate the summer solstice with a 4 day immersion into song, songwriting and nature connection in the beautiful landscapes of Donegal, Ireland.  This retreat will be a unique opportunity to awaken your creativity, write and sing songs with celebrated songwriters and vocal facilitators Georgie Buchanan and Alana Middleton, as well as to connect with the rich musical heritage and landscapes that surround The Song House.

We will sing together in harmony guided by Alana’s welcoming and heart-warming direction, which she has developed over the last five years of leading singing workshops and choirs across the UK. Alana specialises in unearthing, arranging and writing songs to inspire connection with the land, elements and wildlife. We will be tuning into the fiery spirit of the Summer Solstice and learning traditional and original songs in 3-4 part harmony to celebrate the light and embody the richness of this extraordinary point in the year. 

Georgie’s unique approach to songwriting weaves threads of traditional music, myth and story into contemporary techniques for tapping into the intuitive creativity that we all share.  With Georgie’s guidance we will explore playful improvisation games, movement meditations and storytelling exercises as we open up to the limitless ways that we can express our authentic selves through song.

We will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes that surround The Songhouse, venturing out to walk and connect with the land.  We will also get a taste of the rich musical heritage of the area by joining a traditional Irish music session in Falcarragh at The Shamrock.

This retreat is perfect for people who are passionate about singing and are keen to explore their voices more.  No experience of songwriting is required, just a curiosity and openness to dive in!

Costs

Booking requires a €250 deposit.

Course Dates

20th -23rd

June 2025

What to Expect

Over the 4 days of the retreat we will:

  • Connect with each other through songs inspired by the Solstice

  • Sing in 3-4 part harmony with a welcoming group

  • Explore creative songwriting practices in a fun and accessible way, including improvisation games, movement meditations and storytelling exercises

  • Discover ways that myth, folklore and storytelling can be woven into your own songs

  • Enjoy a concert of original and traditional music by Georgie and Alana

  • Celebrate the Summer Solstice with songs around the fire

  • Join a traditional Irish session in the local town of Falcarragh

  • Immerse ourselves in the beautiful landscapes that surround The Song House, nestled in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht

Catering

Price of the retreat includes 3 delicious meals a day.

Arrival and Departure Times

Arrival 16:00 on Friday 20th June.

Depart 11:00 on Monday 23rd June.

For travel to the Song House, please see our Getting Here page.

About the Teachers…

Georgie Buchanan

Inspired by voyages to the Outer Hebrides, tales of ancient Celtic Goddesses and great folk singers from Peggy Seeger to Joni Mitchell, Georgie Buchanan is a unique singer and harpist on the contemporary folk scene.  Interweaving traditional melodies with original compositions, songs and stories, Georgie’s music speaks of a heartfelt connection with the natural world and the folklore that is entwined within it. She is passionate about the power of music to transform and transcend, and has facilitated empowering voice and song writing workshops for the past 10 years. She specialises in guiding participants through a rich and dynamic exploration of their own unique creative potential.

As a performing artist and composer she’s performed with Show of Hands on the main stage of Sidmouth Folk Festival, been selected for Sound and Music’s highly competitive New Voices Programme and had one of her original songs ‘Love is a Rocking Wave’ played on The Nest Collective’s ‘Singing with Nightingales, Homecoming Broadcast’ hosted by Sam Lee. Georgie was selected to take part in the English Folk Expo’s Artist Mentoring Programme and performed at Focus Wales 2022 and Cambridge Folk Festival 2022 and 2023. She has supported renowned folk acts Ye Vagabonds, Katherine Priddy, John Francis Flynn and The Breath.

Georgie released her debut album ‘Wise as a Fool’ in Spring 2023 and toured around the UK with sell out shows in Leeds, London, Sheffield and Bristol. Songs from the album were played on Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour BBC6Music, Hannah Peel’s Night Tracks BBC Radio 3 and Mark Radcliffe’s Folk Show BBC Radio 3. 

Alana Middleton

Alana is a folk singer, fiddle player and choir leader from the woods and hills of Herefordshire. Her rural upbringing instilled a sense of deep connection with the natural world which she explores through traditional song and songwriting. From wild and uplifting fiddle playing, to intimate and expressive singing, Alana's folk musicianship is embodied and heartfelt.

Alana is an experienced choir leader and community facilitator. She is the co-founder of the Farm Choir (Leeds) and runs community singing workshops with people of all ages across the UK/Ireland in schools, at conferences and festivals, and in community settings. As a Natural Voice Network practitioner, Alana brings people together with her inclusive, playful and expressive teaching style. She shares songs in 3-4 part harmony from her extensive repertoire of traditional material and her own compositions, and seeks to bring people in connection with their voice, community and the land. 

Alana gained a First-Class Honours degree in Folk Music from Leeds Conservatoire, where she was trained by specialists such as Nancy Kerr, Jim Moray and Pete Flood. She performs regularly within the vibrant folk scene of Leeds as well as touring UK venues and festivals such as Sidmouth Folk Festival. She is a versatile and skilled musician performing with Captain Bullhead Ceilidh Band, and pianist Ruben Maric.

Bringing people together in song is one of my greatest loves. It is a joy to create and hold inclusive spaces where we can celebrate our interconnectedness with each other and the land we live upon through song. There is healing and nourishment when individual and group expression come together and we release and rest within the sonic landscape of shared voice”

Booking and further information can be found by emailing Georgie and Alana direct. We look forward to welcoming you!

Painting of Muckish by Alana Middleton

Photo of Georgie by @ruh_mi

Group photo by Nico Favretto (@nicoeffe)

Photo of Alana by Ceri Middleton