Art in the Orchard: Group singing with Hazel Thompson (Wortley)

Come and learn about the tradition of singing in orchards with folk musician Hazel Thompson, and enjoy exploring your voice amongst the excellent company of trees.

Many moons ago, people would gather in orchards at the coldest time of year and sing to the trees to wake them from their winter slumber. This tradition is known as Wassailing, and many people are beginning to revive this ancient practice. In this workshop, you will learn about the lore of Wassailing tradition and learn a collection of folk songs, exploring new melodies and harmonies in a relaxing environment. 

About Hazel

Hazel Thompson is a Sheffield-based musician, performer and facilitator with a love of traditional vocal practices and community-based music-making. With the firm belief that anyone who can make a noise can sing, Hazel adores bringing people together to experience the joy of singing with others. Passionate about the ways music can deepen our connection to the natural world, they often explore the links between voice, place and environment in their work. They are most known for their work in folk duo Lucy & Hazel and solo project wolf peaches.

About the organiser: Fruit Works Co-operative

Fruit Works Co-operative is a Leeds-based social enterprise working to build resilient local food systems and stronger communities through fruit tree planting and care. Our aim is to enable everyone in West Yorkshire to access beautiful orchards and opportunities to take part in growing, harvesting, and enjoying fruit within their local area.

Learn more: fruitworks.org.uk

Venue

Western Flatts Cliff Park community orchard is best accessed by entering the park from Green Hill Lane where it meets Leysholme Drive. Upon entering the park, the orchard will be on your left.

Google maps location

What3Words location: ///rarely.teams.dare

Please walk, cycle or use public transport if you can. The orchard can be reached on the 81 bus route from Leeds City Centre. Bicycles can be stored safely inside the orchard. If you are driving, there is free on-street parking in the residential streets near the park.

Accessibility

The orchard is wheelchair accessible. There is a concrete path around the perimeter of the orchard, and the orchard terrain is flat and grassy.

We will provide a range of seating options, including benches, picnic blankets, and fold-out chairs, to accommodate different comfort and mobility needs.

Maximum group size, including workshop facilitators: 27

Materials

All materials are provided. 

Food & Drink

Hot and cold drinks, biscuits and fruit will be provided.

About Art in the Orchard

Art in the Orchard is a project by Fruit Works Co-operative aiming to inspire connection to orchards through art. Between August and October 2026, we are hosting a series of free creative workshops in different community orchards across Leeds where participants will have the opportunity to learn and practise sketching, painting, singing and poetry writing while surrounded by fruit trees.

This project is part of the Seasons of Culture Programme funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council through the Leeds Cultural Investment Programme.

Learn more: fruitworks.org.uk/art

Supporting Fruit Works Co-operative

This workshop is free to attend, but we welcome donations of £5-10 when booking your ticket to help support our work growing, planting and maintaining fruit trees.

If you have any questions about this workshop please email gini@fruitworks.org.uk