Beachy Head inspires music

Young people from Felpham and Ifield have been part of an exciting project that celebrates the South Downs through music. 

The South Downs Songbook project was created by the Orchestra of Sound and Light in 2022, featuring new works by composers Rowland Sutherland, Evelyn Ficarra, Ed Hughes and Shirley Thompson, workshops in schools and colleges, and new digital resources. 

As part of this scheme in 2025 the Beachy Head Project has continued this theme, with a programme of songs and music inspired by the poem Beachy Head (1803) by Charlotte Smith, taking place at four schools across Sussex.  

West Sussex Music, working in partnership with the University of Sussex, has supported the events happening locally. 

Most recently it was the turn of Ifield Community College on Monday 7 July and Felpham Community College on Friday 4 July to take part in these workshops inspired by the poet who used to live in Bignor Park near to Petworth. 

During the sessions the students were invited to take part in a varied programme of compositions and performances of their own inspired by the poetry of Charlotte Smith.  

James Underwood, Chief Executive for West Sussex Music, said:  

“I’m delighted that Ed Hughes and his team were able to include two West Sussex schools in the Beachy Head Project. I’m indebted to the supportive music colleagues at Felpham and Ifield Community Colleges who hosted the sessions and to their talented students. It was fascinating to hear their responses to the poetry and celebrate the work of someone who lived locally to us and who was inspired by the Sussex countryside. 

The Beachy Head Project was supported using public funding by Arts Council England, supported by the University of Sussex, and the Music Department at the University of Sussex. 

For more information on the Orchestra of Sound and Light, the South Downs Songbook and the Beachy Head Project, go here.