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Festive Retreat

Are you looking for an opportunity to take some time away from the December hullabaloo? Then look no further than our Festive Retreat - a chance to sing, make music, craft, relax, walk and generally enjoy the festive surroundings of Halsway Manor decked for Christmas.

The flexible programme might include options such as:

  • Sing and play traditional folk carols in harmony

  • Learn some great new folk tunes and creative things to do with them

  • A spot of seasonal crafting with tree decorations to take home

  • An introduction to Dartmoor step dancing and playing for dancing

  • Optional walks in the beautiful Quantock Hills, weather permitting

  • A storytelling session

Each session includes something for instrumentalists and non-instrumentalists, so we'll keep you entertained - however, if you're looking for some time out, that's OK too! We hope to see you there and will light the fire in anticipation.

Who is it for?

All are welcome - guided sessions will mainly cater for singers and instrumentalists, all instruments, all abilities, but you are also welcome to use this time as a getaway if you would prefer.

There will be a range of parts, notation parts in all clefs and keys available. We will work both by ear and with dots. We want this week to be fun for all, with guidance and support to help you develop your musicality, at whatever level you're at.

The Team

Matt Norman is a performer, teacher, composer, arranger, workshop leader and conductor.

He predominantly works with traditional English music, steeped in the traditions of Devon and Dartmoor. He is also blues and classical musician, and a Dartmoor Step Dance Champion!

As a multi-instrumentalist, Matt plays mandolin, fiddle, mandola, banjos, piano and also sings. He performs solo and in bands including Gadarene and A New Vintage ceilidh band, and regularly deps in other line-ups. He's also a singer and choir-leader.

Matt's extensive teaching experience includes working in community and festival settings with all ages and abilities. He has a relaxed, fun and accessible approach to learning, tailored very much to the group. He has a broad expertise embracing mixed-instrument ensembles, choral and voice work, instrument specific tuition (mandolin, fiddle, banjo), and also step dancing.

Rosie Butler-Hall is a Sheffield based English-folk fiddle player, morris dancer and textiles artist. Her work - whether that be music or weaving - is directly influenced by the Yorkshire landscape, which she spends much of her time in. In 2022 Rosie became the Dance Director for the Shrewsbury Folk Festival.

She has a wealth of experience as a performer, appearing at festivals across the UK and around the world. She can often be found MC’ing, playing fiddle for ceilidhs (Relentless Ceilidh Band, Urban Folk Theory), for audiences (The English Fiddle Ensemble, The Rosie Hood Band), dancing morris or at sessions. Rosie has taught on our Young Folk residentials at Halsway.

We’re sorry that Laurel Swift can’t join us for our Festive Retreat.