The Dandelion Daily

A recent gathering brought community members together in Ideford, near Newton Abbot, for an evening of shared sound and reflection. Hosted at the Namaste Barn Yoga and Meditation Studio and Retreat, Kirtan with Elise & Charlie Premanjali invited people to take part in traditional chanting and devotional music. The session gave attendees of all backgrounds a chance to sit together and participate in call-and-response singing led by the two musicians. Those who joined the circle valued the uplifting feeling in the room, warmly praising the beautiful quality of the music and the warm spirit fostered throughout the studio. Nobody suggested any changes to the format, with the gathering leaving its singers refreshed and deeply thankful for the shared experience.

A selection of community gatherings has been listed for Devon. At The Climate Hub at The Mansion in Totnes, Film & Discussion: Who's Shaping the Climate Debate? screens a Cornwall Climate Care documentary following a TikTok-savvy hairdresser who meets people on all sides of climate conspiracy theories. The venue also hosts We Are Water: Talk with Colin Moore & Mike Pulson, an interactive session exploring threats to rivers and seas, from the River Dart to the oceans, and how marine protections and personal choices can help heal them.

Those seeking quiet reflection can visit Spirit Ash Studio in Ashburton for Inner Light - Winter Solstice Mini Retreat, featuring candlelit warm yin yoga, yoga nidra, Ayurvedic spiced winter milk, cookies, and a song circle. In Dartington, dancers can join Outdoor dance on the land of Pondfield for drop-in conscious movement without talking or guidance, soundtracked through solar-powered speakers.

A variety of gatherings are lined up across the region, offering an assortment of music, spoken word and dance. At St Mary's Church in Totnes, Martha Tilston and Dartsong Chorus will take to the stage for an evening of community song and Christmas cheer, with proceeds going to support a local charity.

Down the road in Buckfastleigh, the Moor Imagination Centre hosts HEATHENS!, pairing slam champion Jackie Juno with comedian Edward Tripp for an evening of chaotic poetry and performance, open to pagans and non-pagans alike. Further afield at Nettlecombe Court near Taunton, dancers of all levels can attend the WINTER WARMER CONTACT IMPROVISATION FESTIVAL 2026. Running across five days, the gathering provides accommodation, organic vegetarian meals and sauna access alongside dance classes, morning singing and workshops led by visiting teachers.