PENCHMI CAMP IN GLASTONBURY: THE AFRICAN DRUM + DANCE + CHANT PORTAL

PENCHMI CAMP IN GLASTONBURY: 

THE AFRICAN DRUM + DANCE + CHANT PORTAL

from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th July 2025

A FESTIVAL BRINGING THE SPIRIT & MAGICAL RHYTHMS OF AFRICA

CALLING ALL WORLD DRUM FAMILIES TOGETHER

✨ 3 DAYS OF CAMPING

✨CALLING DRUMS, RHYTHMS, VOICES, STORYTELLERS, MOVEMENTS FROM AFRICA & THE DIASPORA

✨LIMITED DRUMS WILL BE PROVIDED, PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR OWN INSTRUMENTS.

✨JUICES, HEALTHY BEVERAGES & NOURISHING SOUL-FOOD AVAILABLE. ALCOHOL-FREE ENVIRONMENT, FAMILY FRIENDLY.

✨IN THE HEART OF THE LEY LINES. IN SACRED GUARDED LAND. CROPS NOT SHOPS FIELDS. ASHCOTT, GLASTONBURY, SOMERSET.

✨ALSO CALLING IN SOUL-LED & HEART CENTRED SPONSORS.

✨LIMITED TICKETS AT £155.55 (EARLY BIRD UNTIL 29th APRIL 2025).  KIDS UNDER 16 ALWAYS FREE.

✨STAY TUNED FOR ARTISTS ANNOUNCEMENTS, THE SCHEDULE & FURTHER DETAILS via SOCIAL MEDIA

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Immerse yourself in the rhythms and movement of  Africa & All Diaspora while nourishing your soul in one of English most sacred land: the heart of the ley lines in Glastonbury. Calling all drums, rhythms, voices, storytellers and movements from Africa and the entire Diaspora - a unique experience, a celebration of togetherness led by Senegalese master drummer Dembis Thioung, alongside other community leaders (TBA)—offering a transformative, uplifting & empowering journey through drum circles, traditional, contemporary & urban dances, spoken word circles, open mics, live music performances and further creative spaces, all driven by the power of the ancestral technology of the rhythms.

✨WHAT IS PENCHMI?✨

The word PENCHMI (in Wolof is written as “Penccmi”) is used to describe the gathering of ancestors, transcending time and space, as well as the gathering of the elders of the traditional Senegalese villages, in the centre of the community under a baobab tree. Penchmi is the space to discuss matters of LIFE, FREEDOM, and PEACE. Most importantly, it serves to remind us of the LOVE and RESPECT shared among each other.

Dembis takes pride in being guided by the highest Senegalese value of "TERANGA": welcoming, sharing and supporting each other in happiness always, valuing wealth not for its quantity but for the generosity extended to others. "TERANGA" represents the essence of Senegalese culture and it can be translated with the word hospitality.

Launched in 2020 in London, Penchmi is The African Drum + Dance + Chant Portal,  a series of community gatherings around the New Moon & Full Moon at Folklore (Hoxton), Roundwood Park and Hampstead Heath. Following its first edition of PENCHMI IN SENEGAL, we are honoured to launch ithis next series in English Sacred Land GLASTONBURY.

✨WHAT TO BRING TO PENCHMI IN GLASTONBURY?✨

Drums will be provided, participants are encouraged to bring their own favourite percussion instruments. Bring a stool/chair. Dress comfortably, ready to move, dance and celebrate. For sleeping, bring a tent, your favourite sleeping set for comfortable overnights. For eating, pack a portable stove or camping cookware, utensils, non-perishable food and snacks, as well as reusable plates, cups, and cutlery to reduce waste. There will be stalls with available juice, nourishing, healthy food & smoothies. 

Earplugs recommended for sound sensitivity. 

✨WHAT DO YOU EXPERIENCE AT PENCHMI IN GLASTONBURY?✨

We will come together through the unifying power of the drums.

A GROUNDING & SOULFUL EXPERIENCE embodying drum, voices and movement languages from around the world.

PENCHMI is a safe space to express your soul's dance moves alongside live drumming. Embody traditional and new rhythms, improve your drumming & movement language, and express confidently, all supported by the circle. A grounding experience, connecting to ancestral wisdom through voice, sounds and movement from respected artists & community leaders. 

We will gather, drum, dance and sing our hearts out, we will nourish our bodies, share with others, celebrate togetherness and the artistic expressions of all, and part ways until the next one, in peace & happiness.

All levels, backgrounds, faiths, and ages are welcome. 

✨DEMBIS THIOUNG✨

Dembis Thioung, Griot by blood and Baye Fall at heart, is a mesmerizing keeper of ancestral West African rhythms and a creator of new ones. A Senegalese master drum-maker, percussionist, educator, and community gatekeeper, he specializes in the powerful ancestral technology of Dundun, Djembe, Sabar, and Asico drums, bridging tradition and innovation through his artistry. In the UK since 2010, Dembis has collaborated with artists and companies across Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Founder of PENCHMI: the African Drum + Dance + Chant Portal, hecreates spaces for community connection and spiritual exploration. Lead member of BENE TALLY BAND & friends, he summons a collective of artists bringing the magic rhythms and the spirit of Africa to stages. He is also known for his GRIOT+BAYEFALL DRUM BLESSING, a solo act that blends rhythm, spirituality, and storytelling, performed at the Soho House, Cafe Oto, Peckham Levels, Jamboree and Dalston Curve Gardens. www.dembisthioung.com

✨ENERGY EXCHANGE✨

Early bird tickets from £155.55.

Final Release tickets £222.222. 

Kids under 16’s always free (please book a free ticket for your child if above 5 years old so we can account final number of people attending)

Let us know if you would like a payment plan with installments

We do not offer refunds. However, we appreciate your support and allow ticket reselling, provided you inform us of the person & contact details to whom you sold the ticket

✨STAY CONNECTED✨

If you have any question you can email us at dembis.thioung@gmail.com

Would you like to join Dembis Thioung's open Whatsapp group and receive updates on his workshops, gigs and connect with the community? Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CJkAcvfpWxqAeHW3piBSk9

You can also follow us on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE

www.dembisthioung.com

with HAPPINESS ALWAYS, 

DEMBIS THIOUNG & CREW