Soul Singing for Calais

Indira and friends warmly invite you to an evening of bhajans, songs and images, that take you on a musical and visual journey into the refugee camps of northern France. A story of exile, displacement and hope, the evening is a celebration of the fortitude of the human spirit.

A child of refugees (due to Partition and WWII) and part of the Indian and European diaspora that settled in the UK, Indira first travelled as a volunteer to Calais with her beloved harmonium Sushumna and a car packed with material donations from the Findhorn community in 2017. She started singing simple mantras with the children, many of whom were deeply traumatised by their experiences, and saw how the warm soothing vibration of the harmonium touched and comforted them in profound and unexpected ways. She has been back many times since.

This evening is in aid of families living in appalling conditions in these camps. As winter approaches their basic needs are greater than ever. The money will buy sleeping bags and tents; hygiene and medical items; and art materials, educational resources, percussion, and small instruments for the children, which they love to play. Music is a lifeline in the camps, a way for people to feel and express their joy and sadness in the darkest of times. 

Entry by donation – suggested £5 minimum

Please bring any shakers, percussion, small instruments and art materials you’d like to gift. Thank you!

The Phoenix Cafe will be open from 7pm on the night, with a set from DJ Deborah Lewin from 10pm – midnight.