Come and sing Sacred Harp in Durham
Sacred Harp is a communal folk hymn singing tradition from the United States. The Sacred Harp is also the name of the book we sing from.
Our singings are friendly and open to all. We aren't a choir because we don't rehearse or perform and no-one's in charge. Everyone just sings for their own enjoyment. You don't need to be able to read music yet or have a "good" voice to come along. Singers of all religions and none are welcome.
We won't be singing on 28th December. Edinburgh has a Sacred Harp singing on that day though from 2-5pm at St. Columba’s by the Castle, Episcopal Church, 14 Johnston Terrace (blue door).
We'll sing again in Durham on 11th January.
We sing every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 2pm - 4pm at Antioch House, 66 Crossgate, Durham, DH1 4PR.
Our next singings are on: Saturday December 14, December 28, and January 11.
We have loaner books for you to sing from. If you want your own copy you can buy a book for £25 cash.
Feel free to bring along children. You'll be responsible for your own children but there are toys to play with and baby changing facilities.
Venue
Antioch House is opposite St Margaret's Church, less than 10 minutes on foot from Durham train station and less than 5 minutes from Durham's central bus station.
There is paid-for parking right outside the front door of the singing.
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More information about Sacred Harp
The Wikipedia page on Sacred Harp is an excellent place to find out more about the history and conventions of Sacred Harp singing.
UK Shapenote has information about other UK and Europe singings from the Sacred Harp and other shapenote books.
YouTube has hundreds (thousands?) of recordings and videos from across the Sacred Harp community.
Awake My Soul is a great documentary about Sacred Harp singing.
Newcastle Sacred Harp sings Sacred Harp and other shapenote music every Tuesday from 7.30pm at the Bridge Hotel and every 2nd Sunday from 8pm in Gateshead.