Bursary Programme

We never want finances to be a barrier to experiencing the Nightingales.

Our bursary programme offers discounted and free places to people who cannot afford the full ticket price. We particularly welcome applications from young people, local residents, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, musicians, and environmentalists – though anyone experiencing financial hardship can apply.

Bursary applications for the 2027 season will open in Autumn 2026.

Why we offer bursaries

We believe that connection with the natural world is a fundamental human need, not a luxury. Financial barriers shouldn't determine who gets to experience the magic of standing in the woods after dark, listening to Nightingales sing. This bursary programme exists to open up access to our events for people who want to be there but can't afford the full ticket price. We know our work is just one way of connecting with nature amongst many, but we also know it can be transformative – and we want that transformation to be available to more people, regardless of their financial circumstances.

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What’s included

  • Reduced cost event ticket for your chosen date (subject to availability)

  • Free camping

  • Free workshop access if there's one on your event date

  • Additional support available for camping equipment, transport or clothing if needed

Bursaries do not cover other add-ons like bell tent hire, parking or merchandise.

Support available

We offer four levels of support, from 35% to 100% discount. You'll choose which level honestly reflects your financial situation.

The application takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Who can apply

Priority groups:

  • Young people aged 18-25

  • Local residents (within 20 miles of Barcombe, Sussex or Strawberry Hill, Bedfordshire)

  • Black, Indigenous and People of Colour

  • Musicians (professional or semi-professional)

  • Environmentalists (career or deep voluntary commitment)

But anyone experiencing financial hardship can apply, regardless of whether you fit these categories.

You must be 18 or over, and this must be your first time attending our events.

Bursary applications for the 2027 season will open in Autumn 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We wish we could say yes to everyone, but we receive many more applications than we have bursary places available. We do our best to allocate places fairly based on need and availability.

  • If you're applying for a smaller discount (Partial Support or Medium Support), these are processed quickly - you'll hear back within a few days. Larger discounts (High Support or Full Support) take more time to be reviewed by our small team. We'll work as quickly as we can, and we're grateful for your patience.

  • Unfortunately, we don't operate a waitlist. If your application isn't successful this year, we encourage you to apply again next season. We know this isn't ideal, but our small team doesn't have the capacity to manage a waitlist fairly.

  • Please let us know as soon as possible by emailing bursary@singingwithnightingales.co.uk. We can't transfer codes between people, but knowing you can't attend means we can offer that place to someone else. Discount codes expire on 31 May 2026 and are for one-time use only.

  • We used to run a simple concession system, but we found it didn't reach the people who needed it most. This bursary programme allows us to be more intentional about creating access for specific groups who face the greatest barriers to nature connection, and to offer higher levels of support to those with the most significant financial need. It's more work for us, but we believe it's fairer and more effective.

  • This bursary programme is made possible by the generosity of our community. It's funded by our crowdfunder supporters who helped us launch as an independent organisation, and by donations from individuals who believe in making nature connection accessible to all. If you're able to contribute to the bursary fund, you can make a donation.

  • Yes, absolutely. The priority groups help us ensure we're reaching certain communities, but anyone experiencing financial hardship can apply. Just select "Other" when asked about group identification.

  • No. We work on a trust-based system. We ask you to honestly assess your situation and choose the bursary level that genuinely reflects your financial circumstances.

  • No, applications must be individual. Each person needs to submit their own application. We can't process group bookings through the bursary programme.

  • If you have access requirements for attending the event (mobility, sensory, dietary, or other needs), please contact us at info@singingwithnightingales.co.uk and we'll do everything we can to support you. You can also mention this in your bursary application.