The Wooden Roots Experience 2026 – Snape Maltings, Suffolk
The internationally acclaimed Wooden Roots Experience returns to Britten Pears Arts at Snape Maltings, Suffolk, IP17 1SP, from 29 to 30 August, offering an immersive weekend of West African drum and dance led by some of the world’s most respected artists.
Originally created by Wooden Roots Ltd, the event is now proudly delivered through their Community Interest Company, Rhythm with Roots CIC, and is made possible through valued collaborations with Arts Council England and Britten Pears Arts, alongside vital funding and subsidies.
The Wooden Roots Experience has become a flagship annual event, drawing people from across the UK and around the world, including Los Angeles, Japan, Belgium and Spain, who want authentic, culturally rooted education in West African music and movement.
A weekend of drum, dance and culture
Taking place in the newly renovated Britten Pears Building, the weekend offers traditional West African djembe drumming and dance classes which are supported by live drumming. People are free to move between drum and dance sessions, with options for:
* Absolute beginners are most welcome to try out drumming or dance for the first time
* Intermediate and advanced drummers and dancers can develop their skills
* Teachers and community leaders who would like CPD training
* Experienced practitioners looking to deepen their cultural understanding
Whether rhythm, movement, or both are people’s passion, the weekend offers a fully immersive experience.
Education, access and community impact
The event also brings together students who already work with Rhythm with Roots CIC , including teachers, school children and young people from Ipswich and East Suffolk. A number of bursary places are offered to support access for those who may not otherwise be able to attend, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to equity, education, and community engagement.
A landmark finale at Snape Maltings
The Wooden Roots Experience is honoured to close the Summer at Snape programme with a spectacular concert finale. Percussionist extraordinaire Sidiki Dembélé and his band will perform with musicians from the ever-inventive Manchester Collective led by violinist Rakhi Singh on Sunday 30 August, 7.30pm.
The concert that wraps up the weekend fuses West African folksong and storytelling with fresh, energetic interpretations of well-known classical works. This promises to be an exuberant celebration of collaboration, creativity and cultural exchange, where tradition and spirituality meet.
Travel and accommodation
With onsite accommodation available and a wide range of nearby options, the event is ideal for both UK-based and international visitors. Suffolk is set to become a global hub for West African arts this summer!
Limited tickets
Due to limited capacity and high international demand, booking as soon as possible is strongly advised. The Wooden Roots Experience continues to establish itself as a must-attend event on the global West African drum and dance calendar.
Buy tickets for the Wooden Roots Experience here: https://www.ticketsource.com/
Book tickets for Sidiki Dembélé and the Manchester Collective:
https://www.brittenpearsarts.
Wooden Roots Experience weekend or day ticket holders will receive a 20% off code for Sidiki’s concert with the purchase.
