Ness Speaks: Words and Music
Join writer Robert Macfarlane and singer-songwriter Hayden Thorpe for an unmissable acoustic performance on Orford Ness.
- Booking essential
“Ness speaks. Ness speaks gull, speaks wave, speaks bracken & lapwing, speaks bullet, ruin, gale, deception”
Ness Speaks: Words and Music will feature an intimate, acoustic performance by Hayden Thorpe – joined by the cross-genre musical ensemble, Propellor – as well as a Q&A session with and reading from Robert Macfarlane. Book a ticket and a ferry crossing for one of four timed performances across the weekend, and enjoy exploring a reduced visitor route to get a feel for the place which has inspired so many artists and writers over the decades.
Hayden Thorpe is best-known as the front man of indie pop band Wild Beasts. His new album is inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s 2019 book of the same name, a critically acclaimed combination of novella and prose poem, illustrated by Radiohead artist Stanley Donwood.
A packed ploughman's lunch can be booked with your ticket, provided by The Kings Head in Orford. If you require any ingredient or allergen information please contact Suzanne at The Kings Head on 01394 450271. These will be available for you to collect when you arrive on Orford Ness.
Return ferries do not need to be booked in advance. Return ferries will run until 6pm when the site closes.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All Event only | £35.00 |
| All Event& Lunch | £50.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 2491895 Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the National Trust.
- Suitability
Not suitable for children
- Meeting point
Check-in at the Orford Ness Quay office 10 minutes before your booked ferry time.
- What to bring and wear
Orford Ness is an exposed coastal location - please dress for the weather.
- Accessibility
Access to Orford Ness Involves a ferry crossing. Visitors must be able to negotiate steep and sometimes slippery steps with a step down onto the ferry. The site is made up paths, some uneven. The walk itself is around 3 miles.
- Other
Tickets include a timed performance either in the morning (11am) or the afternoon (2pm). Please ensure you attend the correct performance.
Upcoming events
Island of Secrets Walk
Join us on a walk past the usual 'no entry' signs into the heart of the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment area and learn about these fascinating buildings.
Orford Ness Half Day Trailer Tour
Take a leisurely guided tour of the Ness in our 24 seat passenger trailer, including access to the Cold War Atomic Weapons Research Establishment area, normally 'off-limits' to visitors.
Young Ranger Day
Aged 5-12? Want to get up close to the nature that calls Orford Ness home? Then come along to our Young Ranger event and learn how our Rangers care for this amazing place.
Stargazing - Overnight on Orford Ness
The coastal location of Orford Ness offers some truly wonderful views of the night skies, affected only by the ports of Felixstowe to the South and Rotterdam faintly in the East. Join us for an overnight event gazing at the stars on Orford Ness.