Soul Journey

Local resident Kate Whyman, of St Nicholas Road, founded the World Sacred Music Festival in 2004 and has been the artistic director ever since. This year the Festival will create a soul journey that spans the mountains in Tibet, the streets of Pakistan, the villages of West Africa and Bengal, and our own beautiful South Downs.
Here are some of the highlights:

Sand mandala 3 – 8 October Free admission
Sallis Benney, Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY
Tibetan Buddhist Monks of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery create a stunning sand mandala from millions of grains of coloured sand.
Mon – Fri 9.30am – 6 pm, Sat (closing ritual) 10.30-11.30am

Monks of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery 7 October
Sallis Benney Theatre
Friday 8pm Tickets £15 (concs £12)
The sacred world of Tibet is filled with the chanting of Buddhist text, the recitation of mantras, the ringing of bells, the clash of cymbals, the booming of the great long horns and the beating of drums. Eight Tibetan monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in India offer a dramatic presentation of their unique sacred dances, music and prayers, with colourful traditional costumes and ceremonial masks. The performance offers a rare opportunity to witness a unique and endangered culture.

A night of African kora music 15 October
Sallis Benney Theatre
Saturday 8pm (doors open 7pm) Tickets (standing): £12 (concs £9)
A celebration of the wonderful sounds of the West African kora, showcased by seven of the best masters of the instrument in the UK. The kora is an integral part of the ancient griot tradition of story-telling, which has been passed down through generations. Come and join the family for this magical night.

Red Earth: CHALK 8 and 9 October
Start 4pm. Meet from 3pm at Chantry Farm, Pyecombe St, BN45 7EE
A performance journey on the South Downs, featuring Japanese artist Atsushi Takenouchi, Mongolian singer Badamkhorol Sandandamba and local choirs.
Tickets: £10 (concs £6). Family tickets: £25 (concs £15)