The Guitar Social has been all over the world, from the Jungles of Cambodia to the dive bars of Berlin, but no retreat is adored quite as much as this humble weekend in a countryside paradise in Kent.
The weekend
Our location is a private hidden jewel in the rolling hills of Kent. Spread across a woodland, a meadow and open fields and with luxury toilet and washing facilities, with hot water. The site has quickly become a home away from home in the summer months for the guitar social. We went and visited the site four times in 2020 and the site owners have become quick friends of The Guitar Social, going above and beyond to support out unusual needs; their young daughter even gave the September 2020 group a moonlit tarot card reading!
Food is prepared in teams and the servings are generous. There’s a bottomless bar and a never ending wood supply to keep the fires burning.
The days are spent in idle conversation, joining in on the workshops led by Thomas and playing guitar alone or in groups in preparation for the evenings jam where we play together and sit in silence, eyes on the fire, as some people play songs on their own.
It is a magical weekend. We did our first one in 2015 and we still have the same people from that first band camp turning up every year.
In 2020 we had a record number of people coming to bandcamp who had never been to a Guitar Social event or class before. Many arrived nervous about not knowing anyone; all left with new friends.
Some performed in-front of people for the first time. Some wrote a song for the first time, some played an E chord for the first time. This really is a magical weekend that suits all levels of guitar player from all over.
What will I be eating and drinking?
Here’s a typical menu:
Breakfast – Fry up – veggie and meat versions or cereal or toast and spreads
Lunch – BBQ with greek salad
Dinner – Chillie con-carne – Vegan and non-vegan varieties
Snacks – Crisps, chocolate, fruit
Drinks – Beer, ale, wine, cider, fruit juice, Fizzy drinks
The Price
The location we use has loads of options from luxury tents and cabins to single pitches.
What’s included in the price?
– Your accommodation – varying prices for varying types of accommodation
– All food and drink including bottomless alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, meat and vegan options and endless snacks
– Firewood
– Workshops
What’s not included in the price?
– Travel to and from the campsite
– Bell tent bedding – if you go with this option you can pay for fancy bedding
Prices in full
Shared luxury tent (sharing with up to 3 other people in a luxury Touareg tent including bed) £155
Bring your own tent – £185
Sleep in a large luxury bell tent supplied by the campsite including full size mattress bed – £280 SOLD OUT
Couples luxury bell (share this with a person of your choosing) (this cost covers the both of you) £420 SOLD OUT –
The price covers a place to sleep and all the food and drink you can consume as well as daily workshops and a facilitated evening jam in the woods each night.
How to Book:
There are 4 tent options below; scroll down to find and book your option
Scroll to May 21st for a shared touareg tent
Scroll to May 21st for bring your own tent