06/07/2025
Details
Event by South Ward Farm
The Enchanted Wilderness, South Ward Farm, Bere Alston, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 7EX
Duration: 6 days
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
WILDERNESS TANGO EVENT – 2025
LINK HERE FOR REGISTRATION
https://forms.gle/U8rvXLtu92nrssa5A
Wednesday 20 August - Monday 25 August (Late August Bank Holiday)
Arrival: 2pm Wednesday 20 August
Departure: 11am Tuesday 26 August
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++This is an 11 Milonga event with a pre and after party, with tango workshops, wellness classes and fun activities, running over 6 days and 6 nights. We aim to be role balanced
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WHERE
South Ward Farm, Bere Alston, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7EX,
HOW TO BOOK
Registrations: Open via the link ABOVE:
Facebook Group: Wilderness Tango
Registration enquiries: [email protected]
HOW TO PAY
Once you have completed and submitted your online booking, you will receive an automatic online receipt. In due course you will then be sent an email to let you know if you have been successful. Please be patient if you don’t hear immediately and this may take a little while. If your place is accepted, we will email payment instructions.
All bookings become valid once we have received your payment.
Privacy, Terms and Conditions will be at the bottom of your acceptance email.
DESCRIPTION
We welcome you to join us for tango dancing and communal fun for 6 days and 6 nights over the late August bank holiday weekend in our beautiful riverside location, near Bere Alston in the heart of the enchanting Tamar Valley, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a serene getaway, surrounded by lush fields and the flowing waters of the River Tamar.
If you are not in the mood for dancing, then relax on the farm under the trees, stroll in wildflower meadows, cool your feet in the stream or swim/kayak in the river. There are wonderful river walks where you can enjoy the sound of rare birds. If you want the magic of the hands of reflexology or Alexander Technique – sign up for these relaxing experiences. Start your day with yoga or Tai Chi.
The huge meadow with views of the Tamar River has plenty of space for tents, caravans, and camper vans. The Buddha Barn, an old barn, which has been restored, provides a lovely dance floor.
New to the site last May is a Marquee which will be available every morning for practice and in the afternoons for private lessons.
PRICES
Full Event Pass:
£125
Includes all milongas and practicas from Wednesday until Monday night
Weekend Pass:
£115
Includes all milongas and practicas from Friday afternoon milonga until Monday night
Single Milonga Pass:
£15
Pre and Late Party drop-ins
£10 on the door
WORKSHOP PRICES
Michael Lavocah
£16 single workshop
£30 for 2 workshops booked together
Kate Miller and Yuri Bellicanta
£15 single workshop
Alberto Ortiz
£15 single workshop
HAPPY TO BE WITH
MICHAEL LAVOCAH
Workshops, DJ, Private Lessons
ALBERTO ORTIZ:
Workshops, DJ, Private Lessons
YURI BELLICANTA:
Workshops, DJ, Private Lessons
KATE MILLER:
Workshops and Private Lessons
EDDIE from [email protected]
DJ
CHRISTIAN WILTON
DJ
WELLBEING
Tai Chi with Michael Lavocah
Alexander Technique
Reflexology
Yoga
Surprises
WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
MICHAEL LAVOCAH
In these workshops Michael brings tango music to life, by connecting us as dancers to the musicians and explaining their stories as we glide around the dance floor A leading expert on the music of tango’s Golden Age, he is a natural raconteur. His seminars are world famous: to date, he has given presentations in more than thirty cities in fifteen different countries.
Each workshop is 1hour and 15 mins
Limited to 36
Saturday
10.45 to 12pm
Workshop 1:
Wild with Biagi
Sunday
10.45 to 12pm
Workshop 2:
Pugliese Intensity
KATE MILLER AND YURI BELLICANTA
Each workshop is 1hour and 15 mins
Limited to 36
Thursday
12.15 to 1.30pm
Workshop 1:
Milonga Express
Friday 12.15 to 1.30pm
Workshop 2:
The orchestra of Carlos Di Sarli as a tool for ‘tango connection’.
Understand the music, feel it and express it in the dance.
ALBERTO ORTIZ
Each workshop is 1 hour and 15 mins
Limited to 36
Saturday
12.15 to 1.30pm
Workshop 2:
An extraordinary Vals movement!!
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons can be booked at the event or on the booking form. Private lessons are charged at £55 hour and are paid direct to the teacher. Kate and Yuri teaching as a couple are £65 hour.
Michael Lavocah
Michael Lavocah is a highly experienced teacher, using his knowledge of both music and tango to create a truly unique teaching experience for his pupils. You will leave his classes with new tools and skills to take to the dance floor.
Alberto Ortiz
Alberto Ortiz from Argentina has been dancing and teaching tango for over 25 years. He has immersed himself in the world of tango as a teacher in London, but started his career working for a renown school in BA for the Disparis. His style is traditional, and is happy teaching in the Milonguero style or that of the Salon
Kate and Yuri (teaching as a couple)
Yuri ‘Gaúcho’ Bellicanta and Kate Miller are champions of the Baltic Open Tango Cup 2018 (Tango Pista and Tango Vals), achieving also 2nd place in Milonga. They were also finalists at the Munster European Tango Contest 2018 (3rd place Milonga category) and 2019. They met dancing and have an elegant dance style fuelled by powerful subtle musicality. They are very dedicated to sharing their passion and knowledge of Tango with others. There is a link to YouTube and instagram, where you can find more info on this couple
https://www.metafierrotango.com/about
SCHEDULE – AUGUST 2025
WEDNESDAY
BUDDHA BARN
2pm onwards
Check in
2pm to 6pm
Pre-Party
included in the event pass
DJ: Wilderness Team
£10.00 on the door for walk-ins
7.30pm to 11.30pm
Evening Milonga
DJ: Christian
CIRCUS MARQUEE
2pm to 6pm
Private Lessons
THURSDAY
BUDDHA BARN
09.30 to 10.30
Free: Yoga
10.45 to 12pm
Workshop Pop Up:
To be advertised at the event
12.15 to 1.30pm
Workshop 1: Kate and Yuri
Milonga
2 to 6pm
Afternoon Milonga
DJ: Alberto Ortiz
8 to 11.30pm
Evening Milonga
DJ: Yuri “Gaucho”
CIRCUS MARQUEE
10.30 to 1pm
Open practica (playlist)
For dance and would be DJ’s
1pm onwards Private Lessons
FRIDAY
BUDDHA BARN
9.30 to 10.30am
Free: Tai Chi with Michael Lavocah
12.15 to 1.30pm
Workshop 2: Yuri and Kate
The orchestra of Carlos Di Sarli as a tool for the 'tango connection': understand the music, feel it and express in the dance.
2 to 6pm Afternoon Milonga
DJ: Eddie
7pm to 8pm
Free Workshop with Yuri
The universe of tango music beyond the orchestras and the dance
8 to 12.30 Evening Milonga
DJ: Michael Lavocah
CIRCUS MARQUEE
10.30 to 1pm
Open practica (playlist)
For dance and would be DJ’s
1pm onwards Private Lessons
SATURDAY
BUDDHA BARN
9.30 to 10.30am
Free: Tai Chi with Michael Lavocah
10.45 to 12pm
Workshop 1: Michael Lavocah
Buzzing, Brilliant Wild Biagi!!
12.15 to 1.30pm
Workshop: Alexander Technique for tango
Find your embrace, and posture with freedom in mind and body
2 to 6pm
Afternoon Milonga
DJ: Yuri “Gaucho”
8pm to 1am
Evening Milonga
DJ: Alberto Ortiz
CIRCUS MARQUEE
10.30 to 1pm
Open practica (playlist)
For dance and would be DJ’s
1pm onwards Private Lessons
SUNDAY
BUDDHA BARN
9.30 to 10.30am
Free: Tai Chi with Michael Lavocah
10.45 to 12pm
Workshop: Michael Lavocah
Pugliese intensity!
12.15 to 1.30pm
Workshop: Alberto Ortiz:
Extraordinary Vals movement!
2 to 6pm
Afternoon Milonga
DJ: Michael Lavocah
8pm to 12.30am
Evening Milonga
DJ: Eddie
CIRCUS MARQUEE
10.30 to 1pm Open practica (playlist)
For dance and would be DJ’s (please let us know)
1pm onwards Private Lessons
MONDAY
SUPER MILONGA DAY
-------WITH AFTERNOON TEA INCLUDED------
BUDDHA BARN
9.30 to 10.30am
Free: Tai Chi with Michael Lavocah
12 to 4pm
Early Afternoon Milonga
DJ: Christian Wilton
4 to 8pm
Evening Milonga
DJ: Yuri “Gaucho”
8 to 11pm
After Party
DJ: Team Wilderness
£10.00 on the door for drop-ins
CIRCUS MARQUEE
10.30 to 1pm
Open practica (playlist)
For dance and would-be DJ’s
1pm onwards Private Lessons
DAYTIME ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES
BOOK AT THE EVENT
WELLBEING ACTIVITIES
Start the day with a lightness of heart, mind and body
Yoga
0930 until 1030
Free morning class on Thursday
0930 until 1030
Tai Chi with Michael Lavocah
Free morning class on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Alexander Technique with Gunda Fielden and her crew
Learn the connections between your mind and body. Start to regain poise and lightness of movement.
Private Lessons will be available
2.15 to 1.30pm on Saturday
Workshop in the Buddha Barn
Alexander Technique for tango
Find your embrace, and posture with freedom in mind and body
Reflexology
Enjoy a foot massage to give your feet a holiday
River Activities
Bring your own paddle board - kayak - water craft – swim, there is a tidal estuary. Follow this link to hire watercraft from Plymouth - https://tkwatersports.co.uk/home
SOME FACILITIES
CHILL OUT BARN
The Chill Out Barn is our communal area for cooking and dining with a pretty outside garden, where you can hang out and chat. It is equipped with 2 electric hobs, dishwasher, 2 fridges and a freezer, toaster, microwave. There are saucepans and cooking utensils, plates and cutlery etc, but it is advisable to bring some your own if possible. Two large tables with chairs which are ample for everyone to gather around and chat about life and Wild things. A gathering place for all mealtimes and relaxing off the dancefloor.
DANCE
Each day throughout the course of the Wilderness event, there will be an afternoon and an evening milonga. We have exciting and vibrant workshops from our tango teachers and lucky to have Michael Lavocah with us to share his vast musical and dance knowledge. Alberto Ortiz will be whizzing us about the floor with his dynamic move sequences and Kate and Yuri will be taking us not only on a Milonga Express workshop, but inspiring us on how to dance to the famous Carlos di Sarli. For those wanting to practice, we have a daily practica and private lessons to take your dance to another level with our friendly, expert teachers – Michael, Beto and Kate and Yuri, and perhaps a few surprises. There are 2 areas for dance – The Buddha Barn used for all milongas and the new Marquee for practice and private lessons.
MUSIC
We will play Tango, Vals and Milonga with cortinas. In the afternoons there will be mainly traditional tango and depending on the DJ, with some modern flavours. During the evening milongas, there will be traditional music mostly from the Golden Age period. We would expect people to respect normal Código of the milonga.
OVERNIGHT STAY/ACCOMMODATION
South Ward Farm will be open from 2pm Wednesday 20 August. You are welcome to have an early stay and explore our beautiful countryside. Please contact us for availability, if you would like to arrive or depart outside of the event date or need info on
There are many local B&B and it is also possible to hire camper vans, caravans, motorhomes, tents and yurts, delivered and set up on our site:
Bell Tent hire: devonbelles.co.uk/empty-tent-hire
Campervan, Caravan, Motorhome hire: www.camplify
MOTOR VEHICLES
email: [email protected]
Jonathan: 07811 163560
CAMPING
READY MADE TENT AND PITCHES
2 Pitches available
Event price £160
Wednesday until Monday inclusive
We supply and erect a 6 man tent size. Available for 2 people. These are quite large and have 1 room with standing space. All you need to do is move in with your camping gear.
These pitches are a small distance away from the main camping area. Each pitch is level, has its own view and is accessible by car. 100 metres from the facilities for the camping meadow.
1 TENT PITCH
Wednesday until Monday inclusive
Per Pitch (Bring your own tent)
£90 event price for 6 nights for 2 people
£16 per night - 1 tent and 1 single person
please email separately for additional nights
£3 per night - extra person sharing
Facilities - Outside toilets and showers
Field is sheltered and sloped. Main camping area.
PRIVATE CAMPING PITCH
Bring your own tent
£110 event price for 6 nights
Wednesday until Monday inclusive
8 pitches available
Facilities - Outside toilets and showers
Each private pitch is level and has it own view and is accessible by car. They are a small distance away from the main camping area.
SMALL CARAVANS, MOTORHOMES CAMPERVAN
£120 – event price for 6 nights
Wednesday until Monday inclusive
£22 – individual nights per night
Facilities - outside toilets and showers
Accessible for an up to 7.3 metres motorhome or caravan. (if your motorhome or caravan is longer, please check with us)
Please state the size of your vehicle
Sloped site
Outside water tap
No chemical disposal point.
Please email for hook up availability £10 per night
UNICORN COTTAGE NEW!!
£450 for 5 nights
Thursday until Monday night inclusive
1 bedroom (sleeps 2) available in a 2 bedroom shared cottage
Fully equipped kitchen
Lounge
Shared bathroom lounge and kitchen with other occupant
BOAT SHED NEW!!!
Event price £400 max 6 nights
With hook ups
Double bed
Electrics, camping gas hob, small fridge
Facilities: Please ask for a full list of what is included
Shared shower and compost and mains toilet nearby
DRIFTWOOD COTTAGE (Sold Out)
GYPSY WAGON (Sold Out)
Event price £300 max 6 nights
With hook ups
1 pull out double bed
Facilities: Please ask for a full list of what is included
Shared shower and compost and mains toilet nearby
BEEHIVE CABIN (Sold Out)
Event Price £500 max nights
With hook ups
Double bed
All facilities: Please ask for a full list of what is available
Own shower and compost toilet
DORMITORY
Max 7 spaces
£15 per night
Floor space sharing
Mattress provided on floor
4 single beds in female side
3 single beds in male side
Bring your own bedding.
Facilities: Shared shower and toilet.
The kitchen is in the chill out barn and is shared.
COMMUNAL AREA FOR COOKING
The Chill Out Barn is the main communal area, which has kitchen facilities - fridge, hob, sink, several kettles and dishwashing facilities. Space in the fridge is limited, please bring your own cool box if possible. There is a limited supply of crockery, so please bring your own bowls and utensils if possible. Perfect for visitors to gather, chat and dine together at the large dining table. We hope people will hang out and eat together so if you feel like it, please bring food and drink to share.
LOCAL SUPERMARKET
CO OP - Bere Alston, 5 min drive or 15 min walk
PLACES TO EAT LOCALLY
The Olde Plough Inn - Fore Street, Bere Ferrers PL20 7JL
Fish and Chip Shop - 7 Station Rd, Bere Alston PL20
Edgecumbe Hotel PUB only- 2 Fore St, Bere Alston, Yelverton PL20 7AD
Hope Cottage - Coffee Shop, 41 Fore St, Bere Alston PL20 7AB
LOCATION/DIRECTIONS
South Ward Farm, Bere Alston, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 7EX
Your blissful and idyllic escape is within reach by both road and public transport (check Bank Holiday schedules in advance)
• 30 minutes by foot from Bere Alston train station.
• 28 minutes by train from Plymouth
• About 1 hour from Exeter Airport by car
• 35 minutes from Plymouth by car or train
The Empty tent is pitched ready for you to move into bringing all your own equipment & bedding. It still comes with bunting and fairy lights!
