What an incredible experience performing my Earth Tree Healing live set at North Wales Paganfest 2026 at Halkyn Castle Wood.
From the moment we arrived, there was a feeling of warmth, openness, and genuine connection that seemed to flow through the entire festival. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of North Wales, surrounded by rolling hills, ancient trees, and the vibrant beauty of nature, it felt like the perfect setting for the music to unfold.
As I stepped onto the stage, I could immediately sense the unique energy of the gathering. There was a shared understanding among everyone present—a deep appreciation for the natural world, spirituality, creativity, and community. It wasn’t simply a performance; it felt like a collective journey that we were all taking together. In the summer rain it was magical.
Playing the Earth Tree Healing set in such beautiful surroundings added an extra dimension to the music. The sounds seemed to blend with the landscape itself, carried on the breeze through the trees and across the fields. Looking out at the audience, I could see people relaxing, meditating, smiling, and connecting with the moment in their own way. It was inspiring to witness.
One of the highlights of the festival was meeting so many wonderful people. Conversations throughout the weekend, whether around the stage, wandering through the festival grounds, or sharing stories over food and drink. There was a genuine sense of kindness and authenticity that made every interaction meaningful. I felt deeply connected not only to the audience but also to the wider community that had gathered there. You know when you have found your tribe!
The festival atmosphere encouraged people to slow down and reconnect—with themselves, with each other, and with nature. Everywhere I looked, there were moments of beauty: sunlight filtering through the trees, laughter drifting across the campsite, the sound of drums in the distance, and the peaceful presence of the surrounding landscape. These experiences perfectly complemented the intention behind Earth Tree Healing and the music I create.
Throughout the set, I felt an incredible exchange of energy. The audience’s openness and participation helped shape the performance, creating a powerful flow between performer and listener. Those are the moments that remind me why I love sharing music live. It becomes something greater than sound alone; it becomes a shared experience of presence, healing, and connection.
I left North Wales Paganfest feeling grateful, inspired, and energised. Thank you to everyone who listened, danced, shared conversations, and contributed to the beautiful atmosphere throughout the weekend. Your support and positive energy made the experience truly special.
The memories of performing Earth Tree Healing amidst such stunning natural surroundings and alongside such wonderful people will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to crossing paths with many of you again and continuing this journey of music, nature, and connection together.
Until next time, keep your roots deep, your heart open, and your spirit connected to the Earth.
Gratitude and high fives for Kate, Mel and everyone that volunteered and helped. You all did
A spectral, antlered forest spirit (originating mainly in Windsor folklore but associated with Sherwood in later tales). Said to haunt the forest, especially around the oaks, appearing during storms or misty nights.
Often viewed as a guardian of the wild—part ghost, part ancient nature deity.
With the world filling up on A.I. – (Whilst I still think of the Terminator outcomes and wonder how quickly jobs, manufacturing and dating will be replaced by non humans)
it’s a thing to embrace that is revolutionising some tasks. But taking away one’s own speech, creativity and efforts. I’m intrigued to see where it all leads.
Note – I do not use Artificial Intelligence in the creation and performance of my musical works.
I’ve challenged myself to document, compose and record an album of monuments, folklore and magical places – entirely using acoustic instruments. The title to be imagined.
As of September 27th 2025. When I made this. (Editing the video on iMovie on my phone was time consuming)
I composed, improvised and recorded ‘Herne The Hunter’ with Acoustic Guitars, Native Flute (by Nightstar flutes) and Mandolin. Featuring Bill’s Guitar. His widow said he would have been very happy.
Music has a remarkable ability to heal—emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Here’s how it works across different dimensions:
Emotional Healing
Expression and Release: Music gives voice to emotions we struggle to articulate. Whether it’s sadness, joy, anger, or nostalgia, hearing or creating music helps us process and release those feelings.
Mood Regulation: Listening to uplifting or calming music can reduce anxiety and depression, while sad music can offer catharsis and validation during tough times.
Mental and Cognitive Benefits
Stress Reduction: Music lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Slow tempos and soothing melodies can calm the nervous system.
Memory and Focus: Music therapy is used to help patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia recall memories. It also improves concentration and learning in educational settings.
Neuroplasticity: Engaging with music—especially playing instruments—stimulates brain regions involved in coordination, planning, and emotional regulation.
I do love improvising and drumming in our Band Stinking Rita.
Stinking Rita – Barefoot Festival 2025
Physical Healing
Pain Management: Music can reduce the perception of pain by distracting the brain and triggering the release of endorphins.
Heart and Breathing: Rhythmic music can synchronize with heart rate and breathing, promoting relaxation and even aiding recovery after surgery.
Sleep Aid: Gentle music before bed can improve sleep quality by calming the mind and reducing insomnia.
Social and Spiritual Connection
Community and Belonging: Singing in groups or attending concerts fosters connection and shared experience, which is vital for mental health.
Spiritual Uplift: Many cultures use music in rituals and meditation to promote inner peace and transcendence.
Music doesn’t just fill silence—it fills us. Whether through a lullaby, a symphony, or a simple hum, it reaches places words can’t.
Flow state in music is that magical zone where everything just clicks. It’s when a musician becomes so deeply immersed in playing, composing, or even listening that time seems to vanish, self-consciousness fades, and the music feels effortless and alive.
What Defines Flow in Music?
Total Absorption: The musician is fully engaged—mind, body, and soul—with the music. Distractions disappear.
Effortless Execution: Technical skills feel automatic. Fingers move without conscious thought, and ideas flow freely.
Loss of Time Awareness: Hours can pass in what feels like minutes. The musician is “in the moment.”
Merging of Action and Awareness: There’s no separation between the player and the instrument. It’s as if the music is playing through them.
Intrinsic Reward: The joy comes from the act itself, not from external praise or outcomes.
After my 50th Birthday celebrations in Cyprus. We’ve had a busy summer of events and festivals.
In other personal news. We recently saw the brilliant Miriam Margolyes live in Derby. The lady ‘signing’ on stage translating Miriam’s vulgarities was utterly brilliant and hilarious!
Whilst I’m embracing sound therapy, exercise, health good food and meditation more and more. Paramount during menopause.
Reflexology, Acupuncture, Massage, gong baths. Giving my body, mind and soul nourishing experiences pays dividends. And yes I have to work hard to pay for them. (I get Reiki free as trained ‘properly’ in it.)
I’m in love with sound therapy. It was the progression I was designed to embrace. Gong bath addiction is real!!
Whilst friends and acquaintances come and go. The older I get. The more folk pass over. The more I see this world filling up on hatred. I’m never surprised at how disappointed I am a some peoples actions and behaviours. Good riddance.
And folk falsely kiss arse, all in the name of networking and getting a small piece of the pie or to ladder climb.
I find being true to oneself and principles even more important.
The ones that are running and telling the world they are ‘good people’ who aren’t actually free at all. They are full of negativity … in complete denial. Pitiful really.
Is there an argument for joining an argument about something that you have no control over, no ability to change it. Just using social media to spread a sheeple opinion. Would time not be better spent helping others, animals, environment where you are? Doing that little bit that actually makes a small difference.
I observe the egos and self importance. It’s not pretty. I’ve become more humble, less of a dick the more I age. (I still do have my moments) Dare I say I am content at the age of 50.
We recently played the game Uno. One of the funniest nights of arguments I’ve ever had.
Watch!!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
I don’t enjoy competing. Or playing games. Weird.. but it’s just what I’ve become. I wasn’t always like that.
That is true in my work and music – I don’t compare ‘me’ to anyone else, as I am unique to me. This is my journey alone – I’m just travelling on the same journeys parts of the way with others.
I do enjoy YouTube and audiobooks more than TV nowadays. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, Atomic Habits by James Clear. Breath by James Nestor and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. Have accompanied me on my exercise bike journeys recently.
Then there is the burger to my buns-but her buns are bigger 😉 My Wife Ange. ❤️ with domestics, adventures, twatting about, areas being stuck to freshly varnished toilet seats….loving one another. It’s never boring.
If you want to see some of the things we get up to – Watch our Adventures With Clange YouTube channel.
Then there is Dogman Encounters Radio with Vic Cundiff and other Cryptid explorations. It’s definitely made me think twice about the woods and wilderness!!
The more I seek out the pockets of calm, beauty and happiness. Whilst others delve into the darkness. I revitalise in the light of good things.
Whilst we are currently working through a family tragedy. It reminds us all to get help if depression and suicidal thoughts enter. There is help. You can feel better.
Life flies by in the blink of an eye. Embrace, Enjoy the Energies. Be Kind.
P.s I now live very near Sherwood Forest. Beware the moon!
On my birthday. Waking up in our E-den Camping Cabin, going for a wander. Recording the birdsong while looking at the Glastonbury Tor. We love Somerset. Inspired, I made this music to accompany. From my forthcoming 2018 album to be released on 30th May. Written, performed, recorded by Claudine West (Earth Tree Healing)
Currently exclusive to Bandcamp.
Watch the making of Glastonbury at Claudsville Studios.
Earth Tree Healing 