Workshops & Events
Wooden Roots’ latest events and experiences for this year.
The Wooden Roots Experience is a completely immersive and interactive, authentic West African Drum & Dance event. It is accessible to ages 8 to adult and is a ticketed event. The event is organised by Wooden Roots and is an annual event that runs over a a full weekend in August. 2025 see’s us at a new venue called DANCEEAST, located on Ipswich waterfront in Suffolk UK, just a 50 minute train ride from London. We work with top class teaching artists from around the world and this year have already announced huge names such as Melissa Hie, Monette Marino, Harouna Dembele, Aida Diop, Sidiki Dembele & Mohamed Gueye – with more names to be announced!
The Wooden Roots Experience is a completely immersive and interactive, authentic West African Drum & Dance event. It is accessible to ages 8 to adult and is a ticketed event. The event is organised by Wooden Roots and is an annual event that runs over a a full weekend in August. 2025 see’s us at a new venue called DANCEEAST, located on Ipswich waterfront in Suffolk UK, just a 50 minute train ride from London. We work with top class teaching artists from around the world and this year have already announced huge names such as Melissa Hie, Monette Marino, Harouna Dembele, Aida Diop, Sidiki Dembele & Mohamed Gueye – with more names to be announced!
We hold regular djembe and other West African percussion workshops such as N’Goni and Dunun at Wooden Roots and often with guest or resident artists from West Africa. Our workshops range from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours and we always set the skill level as a guide for you. Generally mixed level is open to everyone, however, if you are a complete beginner we suggest that you come to our FREE INTRO, which we hold once a month. The cool thing about doing the free intro is that you get to meet the Wooden Roots team too! All our workshops are fun, exhilirating and uplifting and require no musical experience at all.
You will find all upcoming workshops listed below and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Drum Workshops
We hold regular djembe and other West African percussion workshops such as N’Goni and Dunun at Wooden Roots and often with guest or resident artists from West Africa. Our workshops range from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours and we always set the skill level as a guide for you. Generally mixed level is open to everyone, however, if you are a complete beginner we suggest that you come to our FREE INTRO, which we hold once a month. The cool thing about doing the free intro is that you get to meet the Wooden Roots team too! All our workshops are fun, exhilarating and uplifting and require no musical experience at all.
You will find all upcoming workshops listed below and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
80’s Family Game Night – Don’t miss this night of fun
March 28th FRIDAY 6pm-11pm
It’s time for some nostalgia at Wooden Roots with our 80s Game Night fundraiser on March 28th with bar, burgers and music!
A day of West African drumming IMP/INTERMEDIATE Djembe Workshop w/GUEST
March 29th, April 26th, May 10th 2pm-4.30pm
Improver/Intermediate level drumming With Guest ARTISTS & Dunun Support. Come and join us for these fun and in-depth workshops.
A DAY OF WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING: MIXED LEVEL DJEMBE WORKSHOP W/GUEST
March 29th, April 26th, May 10th 10.30am-1:00pm
Mixed Level Drumming with GUEST ARTISTS & Dunun support. Come and join us for fun and in depth workshops.
Free Introduction to Traditional West African Drumming
29th March, 26th April, 10th May
Learn the rhythms and techniques of traditional West African drumming!
Rhythm @ Roots Djembe & Dunun workshop
March 15th, April 5th 1pm-2:30pm
Get ready to feel the beat of the drums at Rhythm @ Roots – Djembe & Dunun, where we’ll be grooving to traditional West African rhythms.
Rhythm @ Roots Mini Dunun workshop “ballet style”
March 15th, April 5th 10.30am-12pm
Calling all kids and adults – feel the beat of the drums at Rhythm @ Roots – Dunun, is an integral part of traditional West African rhythms.
Rhythm @ Roots N’Goni workshop
March 15th, April 5th 10.30am-12pm
Let the rhythmic and soothing melodies take you on a musical journey like no other. No experience required.
Rhythm @ Roots Student Led Practice Sessions
March 18th | April 1st, 15th, 29th | May 13th, 27th 7pm-8.30pm
Enjoy this student led practice session and hone your drum skills. Suggested Donation is £5 minimum towards our Bursary Programme
Rhythm @ Roots: PARKINSON’S
April 12th 2025 1pm-3pm
Rhythm @ Roots PARKINSON’S, is a fun and uplifting drumming workshop designed for anyone living with Parkinsons. FREE to carers and £10 for attendees.