Changing Tides is a public cultural programme aboard Sailing Barge Raybel for Estuary 2025 inspired by the cultural diversity of the heritage and communities of the Thames, and celebrating social movements and expressions of rebellion, freedom and joy.
It will nurture critical discussions about the uneven historical legacies of maritime trade and the manifold consequences of post-industrial decline in contemporary Britain.
The programme has been devised by artist and musician benjin, in collaboration with Raybel Charters.
Included in the programme are two ‘On the Move’ events, for which guest artists have been invited to create work whilst under sail on a traditional Sailing Barge between Isle of Sheppey and Canvey Island. There will also be a series of live music events aboard Thames Sailing Barge Raybel at Queenborough Harbour and Benfleet Yacht Club.
benjin: The Last Days of Sail
Last Days of Sail will explore the multiple ways in which benjin’s instrumental compositions, song poems, and dense sound collage improvisations have been informed (and quite literally formed) through a lifetime of working on the Thames Estuary. Drawing upon pieces written for cello, classical guitar, nyckelharpa and voice the programme will highlight the importance of immersed 'authentic' perspectives within folk music traditions.
Sea Shanties, Race and Erasure in Song with Mataoi Austin Dean
Expect acapella song, discussion and poetic reflections on the politics of Folk music in contemporary culture.
Heritage Work; Class Identity and the Preservations and Performances of Thames Sailing Barges with David Nettleingham
Casting a critical eye over the politics of heritage work in North Kent. Also, how post-industrial decline has forever changed our relationship to class, traditional skills and the sense of community.
Benfleet Yacht Club:
Wednesday 25 June, 7pm David Nettleingham Artists Talk
Thursday 26 June, 7pm Goblin Band
Saturday 28 June, 2.30pm Cirenne / benjin / Goblin Band
Saturday 28 June, 7pm, benjin ‘Last Days of Sail’ / Cirenne
Sailing performance:
Sunday 29 June 3.30-5.30pm SAIL benjin, Mataoi Austin Dean + Sonny. Depart Benfleet Yacht Club arrive Queenborough Harbour
Book for Benfleet Yacht Club (Limited Capacity)
Book for Sailing Performance from Benfleet Yacht Club to Queenborough Harbour (Limited Capacity)
Project photo by Michaela Freeman.
© 2024 Estuary Festival CIC
