Singing Week 2027
7 August 2027 @ 4:00 pm - 13 August 2027 @ 9:00 am
Whether you’re an experienced singer or simply enjoy joining your voice with others, Singing Week offers an opportunity to experience the joy of singing in community. Led by the Wild Goose Resource Group, this singing retreat explores songs from around the world and the rich musical tradition of the Iona Community.
Through shared song, reflection and conversation, we’ll discover how music can deepen connection, inspire hope and bring people together. Rooted in community singing and participation, the week offers a welcoming space to learn new songs, share familiar favourites and explore the relationship between music and spirituality in the unique setting of Iona Abbey.
Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 07.08.2027 – 13.08.2027
Led by: Wild Goose Resource Group (Jane Bentley and Iain McLarty)
About the programme
Singing has a unique ability to bring people together. It can help us express joy and sorrow, deepen our sense of connection and create community across cultures, traditions and generations. This programme offers an opportunity to explore the power of song in the company of others, within the inspiring setting of Iona Abbey.
Led by the Wild Goose Resource Group, this singing retreat is for anyone who enjoys singing, regardless of experience or musical ability. You don’t need to read music or belong to a choir. The emphasis is on participation, enjoyment and discovering the richness of singing together.
Throughout the week, we’ll explore songs from around the world alongside music from the Iona Community tradition. Through community singing, reflection and shared conversation, we’ll discover how songs can tell stories, express faith, inspire hope and strengthen our connections with one another and the wider world.
At its heart, this programme explores the relationship between music and spirituality, inviting us to experience singing not simply as a performance, but as a way of building community, nurturing reflection and expressing what matters most. Whether you’re coming on your own or with others, you’ll find a warm welcome and a place to join your voice with the voices of others.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
Iain McLarty is an experienced church musician who has worked extensively with the Church of Scotland and the World Council of Churches. Through music, worship and collaboration, he helps create engaging and inclusive worship experiences that encourage participation and connection.
Jane Bentley specialises in community-building and participatory music-making. Her work focuses on creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, contribute and discover the joy of participatory worship through music and shared experience.
What to expect
Each day will include opportunities to sing together, learn new songs and explore music from the Iona Community and around the world. Through community singing, reflection and conversation, we’ll discover how music can connect people, tell stories and inspire hope.
Alongside singing sessions and workshops, you’ll share in the daily rhythm of life at Iona Abbey, including worship, meals and community life. There will also be time to enjoy the island, connect with fellow guests and continue conversations beyond the formal programme.
No previous musical experience is required, and you do not need to read music to take part. This singing retreat is designed to be welcoming, participatory and accessible to all. Together, we’ll explore the relationship between music and spirituality while experiencing the joy of singing in community.
Key Information
Before booking, it’s helpful to know that this programme is open to anyone who enjoys singing, regardless of experience or musical ability. You do not need to read music, belong to a choir or have any formal musical training to take part.
The focus of the week is participation rather than performance, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can join in and enjoy singing together.
Booking Information
What's included
Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience:
+ Accommodation in the Abbey
+ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
+ All programme sessions
+ Music, art and craft opportunities
+ Guided walks
Pricing & discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay.
- Standard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)
- Reduced rates available from £480
- Children aged 5–15: £480
- Children under 5: free (contact [email protected])
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
We offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents, including:
+ Students
+ Those on state benefits or pension
+ Those earning below the real living wage
+ Refugees, asylum seekers, or those experiencing homelessness
A 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price).
We also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Food & dietary
All meals are provided, with a focus on:
+ Healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week)
We can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), but please let us know in advance.
Accommodation
+ 21 guest rooms (single, twin, triple and family rooms)
+ Some rooms are accessible, with lift access available to certain areas
+ Guests may be asked to share a room, particularly if travelling alone
+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room
If you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type), please let us know when booking.
For full room details and accessibility information, see our Accommodation FAQs.
Support our Access Fund
While you are making your own booking, please consider making a donation towards the Access Fund if you are able to, which allows financially disadvantaged people to stay at Iona Abbey. Thank you.
Your gift would help to pay towards:
| £1,000 | A week for a family on Iona |
| £300 | A week for a person on Iona |
| £200 | A week for a child on Iona |
| £100 | A week for a person at Camas |
| £50 | A night on Iona |
| £25 | A night at Camas |
Planning your stay
Getting to Iona
Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves:
+ Ferry from Oban to Mull
+ Bus across Mull
+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona
We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Arrival and Stay
+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards
+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival
+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life, including optional worship and light shared tasks
Important to know
- No previous singing experience is required
- You do not need to read music
- Full balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival
- Cancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- The Abbey is an alcohol-free environment
- WiFi is available but may be limited Important to know
Need help?
If you have any questions before booking, you can contact the team at [email protected]
USA North East