Caught by the River heads to Elmley Nature Reserve this May, with Music to Watch Seeds Grow By on the bill

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Music

Caught by the River are bringing their long-running celebration of nature, music and writing back into the physical world this spring, with a weekend event at Elmley National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, on 15 and 16 May.

Set across 3,300 acres of marshland wildlife habitat, some 40 miles from London, the event is a small-scale, intimate affair capped at 150 attendees, which feels about right for a site that’s also home to wading birds, barn owls, hares, water voles and marsh frogs. There are bird hides to explore, walking routes to wander, and rangers on hand for site tours. Not your average festival, then.

The music programme is solid across both days. Friday opens with Clémentine March playing material from her new album Powder Keg (PRAH Recordings), before Modern Nature headline with material from The Heat Warps, their much-praised Bella Union record from last summer.

Saturday gives over its afternoon and evening to music too, with plant biorhythm performances from our friends Plants Can Dance with Lamine, a set from our own Music to Watch Seeds Grow By label – artist announce incoming, and a headline appearance from Andrew Wasylyk, the Dundee artist whose work spans contemporary classical, spiritual jazz and experimental electronics. The Heavenly Jukebox closes things out.

Saturday’s earlier hours are given over to talks, with a lineup of writers including Horatio Clare, Zakia Sewell, Emma Warren, Rob St John and Nicola Chester discussing recent work across migration, community and the natural world. Film screenings, workshops, DJs and bird ringing round out the weekend.

Tickets are £65 + booking fee, with on-site accommodation (bell tents through to cottages) available separately. A free electric shuttle runs between Swale station and the site. Full details and booking over at caughtbytheriver.net.