Hosted by Craig Shankster (Silence In Sound) & Shankara Andy Bole (http://www.andybole.co.uk)

STARGATE is an interactive Sound Workshop & Retreat designed for dedicated, open-minded, and seasoned sound practitioners and musicians.

A soundscape is the distinctive array of sounds that characterize a particular environment, including natural sounds (biophony, geophony), human-made sounds (anthropophony), and the way humans perceive and interpret these sounds. It serves as an "audible landscape" that defines a location, narrates stories, or creates ambiance in music and film. STARGATE is hosted and presented by Craig Shankster and Shankara Andy Bole, who compose, perform, and deliver a creative sound collaboration under the name SILENTIUM. With extensive experience in Live Performance, Singing Bowls, Gongs, Electronics, Guitar, and other exotic instruments, Craig and Andy will provide comprehensive and technical guidance throughout the weekend, inspiring participants to develop their own unique SoundScaping style.

The goal of the weekend's program is to help practitioners break free from the conventional notion of a SoundScape. Through detailed and supportive guidance, you will enhance your existing skills and expand the compositional boundaries of SoundScaping using a variety of stringed and percussive instruments, all enriched with modern technology. The program includes:

A closer examination of a Gong and Singing Bowl based kit. A detailed exploration of microphoning and amplification. Utilizing modern technology and effects to enhance and broaden the scope of the SoundScape. Evening Sound Journeys. Practical instruction throughout the weekend. Group exercises. Discussions and problem-solving.

WHERE?

Limited to just 12 participants, our STARGATE - An Interactive Sound Workshop & Retreat takes place at the stunning converted Gothic Chapel, Ty Capel (www.SunsetbayRetreats.com), which harmoniously blends contemporary design with timeless charm. The conversion preserved the property’s rich heritage, featuring stunning original elements like the galley and captivating feature ceilings. Ty Capel is located in the seaside town of Tywyn on the southern tip of Snowdonia National Park, mid Wales.

Our STARGATE - An Interactive Sound Workshop & Retreat offers full-board accommodation with delicious vegan and gluten-free food freshly prepared and presented by Anastasia Eden of Kind Earth (www.kindearth.net); refreshments are also provided throughout the weekend.

Accommodation is luxurious, with most rooms being ensuite. In addition to Ty Capel, we have secured additional single/double accommodations at the venue's designer beach house located on the seafront, just a seven-minute walk from the Chapel.

Ticket options include Double, Twin, and Single room (with supplement) occupancy. However, the availability of each room type is very limited, so early booking is essential. A £300 deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your place, with the balance due by 1st September 2026.

Ty Capel is just minutes from the train station and the mainline to/from Birmingham, Shrewsbury & Wolverhampton. The venue is also a short walk to the beach and a brief bike ride to forests, lakes, and beautiful rolling hills.

We take great pride in curating this truly transformative experience for our guests and look forward to welcoming you to our space where Silence weaves between the Sounds.

Bedroom information and costs are detailed in the 'more info' section under ticket information. Some rooms are available as Twin Bed (Sharing) or King Bed (for a couple).

Single Room £650-£750

Twin Room £550

Double - £1050