🌍 Dynamic Harps Global: Kalajoki Performance 2025

A Cultural Exchange Celebrating 500 Years of Kalajoki

📅 When: October 24–26, 2025
📍 Where: Santa’s Resort & Spa Hotel Sani, Kalajoki, Finland
🎶 Who: Open to harpists of all levels and their non-harpist companions

🎵 A Unique International Harp Experience

Join two passionate educators — harpist Shelley Fairplay and Finnish Kantele player and harpist Jane Ilmola — for a truly extraordinary musical weekend on the Finnish coast.

Dynamic Harps Global: Kalajoki Performance 2025 is a three-day cultural exchange and performance event taking place during Kalajoki’s official 500-year celebration.

Hosted at the beautiful Santa’s Resort & Spa Hotel Sani, this event brings together harpists from across the globe and the Finnish Harp Society for a joyful celebration of international music-making.

As co-creators of the event’s concert programme, Jane and Shelley will be arranging and composing collaborative works that blend the voices of harp and Kantele, traditional and new — culminating in a stunning ensemble performance on Sunday afternoon.

✨ Event Highlights

🎶 Cultural Exchange & Concert Performance

Rehearse online in advance and meet in person to rehearse and perform in a collaborative concert. The performance will include ensemble pieces, newly created works, and international repertoire — some composed and arranged specially for this event by Shelley and Jane.

🎼 Kantele & Welsh Music Workshops

Participate in a rare Kantele workshop led by Jane Ilmola, and attend a Welsh traditional music workshop with Shelley Fairplay and members of the Finnish Harp Society.

🎤 Welcome Concert & Celebration Dinner

Enjoy a Friday night concert showcasing traditional Finnish music, and come together on Saturday evening for a cultural celebration dinner and informal open mic night, where attendees can share music from their own traditions.

🏖️ Scenic Seaside Venue

Set on Finland’s breathtaking west coast, Kalajoki offers a tranquil and inspiring environment for music-making. With spa facilities, sea views, and northern charm, Santa’s Hotel Sani provides a welcoming full-board retreat setting.

🤝 Global Community Connection

Connect with fellow harpists from around the world, form new friendships, and experience a weekend filled with creativity, exchange, and musical joy.

🧳 Optional Monday Day Trip

International guests are invited to take part in an optional group day trip on Monday 27th October. Final plans will be confirmed based on numbers — you’ll be able to express interest during sign-up.

📌 Important Notes

All participants must book their own travel and full-board accommodation directly with the hotel.
This ensures everyone is included in group meals and hotel-organised scheduling.
A £90 voluntary contribution is invited upon registration to support local harp hire, instrument admin, and event coordination.
Ensemble parts and teaching materials will be shared in advance via Shelley’s online learning platform. All playing levels are welcome.

🎟️ Be Part of Something Extraordinary

Dynamic Harps Global: Kalajoki Performance 2025 isn’t just a retreat — it’s a unique international performance opportunity, a collaborative cultural exchange, and a chance to celebrate 500 years of Kalajoki’s rich heritage with music at its heart.

Come create, connect, and perform with us.

✅ How to Join

We’re so excited that you’re interested in taking part in Dynamic Harps Global: Kalajoki Performance 2025!
This is a community-led cultural exchange, not a commercial tour, so here’s how to get involved:

📝 Step 1 – Complete Your ‘Expression of Interest’ Application – Deadline MIDNIGHT (your timezone!) 30th June 2025

Fill out the application form here:
👉 Apply Now

You’ll be notified in July if you’ve been allocated a space.

Please do not book any travel or accommodation until you receive a confirmation email from Shelley or Jane.

🏨 Step 2 – Book Your Hotel (Once Accepted)

Once your place is confirmed, you’ll book your full board 2 day package (and friday Dinner and/or additional nights as required) directly with Santa’s Resort & Spa Hotel Sani.

✈️ Step 3 – Arrange Your Travel

After hotel booking, you’ll organise your own travel, insurance, and transfers to Kalajoki.

💷 Costs & Contributions

This is a community-led musical exchange — not a commercial retreat or tour.
As such, you are responsible for booking and paying for your own:

Flights and local travel
Full-board accommodation
Insurance and visas (if applicable)

✨ Voluntary Contribution

All confirmed participants will be invited to make a £90 voluntary contribution to help cover:

Harp hire and local logistics
Admin, materials, and event coordination
Any shared costs to support the cultural exchange

This contribution is non-refundable and will only be requested once your place is confirmed.

🏨 Hotel & Full Board (Estimated)

Participants will book directly with Santa’s Resort & Spa Hotel Sani, Kalajoki. The cost of a the package (Friday–Sunday) is expected to be in the region of:

🏨 Hotel & Full Board (Estimated)
Participants will book directly with Santa’s Resort & Spa Hotel Sani, Kalajoki.

Estimated cost: Between £250 and £350 for two nights full board
(This includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hotel amenities.)

Optional add-ons may cost around £25–£100, including:

Extra nights (£55–£100) per night depending on room type
Friday dinner (~£25)

Final prices will be confirmed once bookings open. Please wait until you receive a personal acceptance email from Shelley or Jane before booking accommodation.

Final prices will be confirmed once bookings open — please wait for your acceptance email (early July) before contacting the hotel.

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🎟️ Application Process

Both harpists and non-harpist companions are warmly invited to apply. Here’s how:

Read this full information page, including the Terms & Conditions before applying.
Complete the online application form here:
👉 Apply Now
Wait for confirmation — places are limited and you will be notified early July 2025 if your application has been accepted.
Once accepted, you will:
- Be invited to make a £90 voluntary contribution to help cover harp hire, admin, and shared event costs.
- Receive instructions to book your full board accommodation directly with the hotel.
After hotel booking, you can arrange your own travel to Kalajoki and connect with other attendees for tips and travel buddies.
Optional: If harp sharing or special requests are needed, these can be submitted via the form or in response to your confirmation email.
🎶 Online Rehearsals!
Join Shelley for online rehearsal sessions via Dynamic Harps Virtual Ensemble, our next one is Tuesday 3rd June 8pm–9:30pm GMT+1
Sit back… and get REALLY excited for this unforgettable cultural exchange!

What will I expect from you?

Commitment and enjoyment!

Terms & Conditions

Dynamic Harps Global: Kalajoki Performance 2025
A community-led cultural exchange event – not a commercial travel package or group tour

Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

By completing this application (sign-up and voluntary contribution form), you confirm that you have read and agree to the terms and conditions outlined below.

Nature of the Event

This event is a community-led musical and cultural exchange, not a commercial tour, package holiday, or travel experience.
It is not organised or sold as a travel product.
All participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, insurance, and logistical arrangements.

Dynamic Harps Global: Kalajoki Performance 2025 is hosted in collaboration with local harpists and musicians in Finland, as part of Kalajoki’s 500-year celebrations.

Voluntary Contribution

There is no mandatory fee to attend this event.
However, participants are invited to make a £90 voluntary contribution to help cover shared costs such as harp hire, event administration, and small practical expenses.
Any surplus will be used to support additional community elements of the weekend (e.g. a welcome drink or reception).

By submitting this application form, you acknowledge that this contribution is voluntary, non-refundable, and does not imply a contract for services.

Application & Confirmation

Submitting this form constitutes an application to attend the event.
Spaces are limited and will be allocated by the organisers. You will be notified by 30th June 2025 if your place has been confirmed.
Please do not book any travel or accommodation until you receive a personal confirmation from Shelley Fairplay or Jane Ilmola.

Travel, Accommodation & Insurance

All attendees are fully responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel, accommodation, insurance, and any applicable visa or documentation requirements.
Neither Shelley Fairplay, Jane Ilmola, nor any partner organisations will be liable for losses relating to missed flights, travel delays, visa issues, or any force majeure circumstances (e.g. strikes, illness, pandemics, or natural events).

We strongly recommend that all participants take out appropriate travel insurance covering cancellation, medical needs, instrument cover, and disruption.

Postponement, Venue Change or Cancellation

In the unlikely event that we are required to cancel, postpone, or relocate the event, we will notify you as early as possible.

Our sole liability will be limited to the return of your voluntary contribution (if made).
We will not be liable for any related or consequential losses (including but not limited to travel or accommodation costs).

Refund Policy

As this is a community event supported by voluntary contributions, no refunds will be issued if you are unable to attend for any reason.
You may offer your place to another harpist, but must inform the organisers of this change in writing.

Safety, Conduct & Responsibilities

By attending this event, you agree to:

Comply with all local health and safety guidelines
Treat fellow participants, venue staff, and organisers with respect
Take personal responsibility for your belongings and instruments

Any damage caused by a participant to the venue or equipment will be the responsibility of the individual, not the organisers.

Photography, Filming & Promotion

Photos and videos may be taken during the event for future promotional use.
If you would prefer not to appear prominently in any images or recordings, please let the organisers know in advance and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.

Medical, Access, and Dietary Requirements

Please inform us at the time of booking of any relevant medical conditions, accessibility requirements, or dietary needs. We will do our best to ensure appropriate arrangements are made in collaboration with the venue.

Data Protection

We will store your data securely and use it only for communication relating to this event.
We may share essential details (e.g. dietary needs, name for hotel bookings) with third parties such as accommodation providers, but only where necessary.
You can request that your information be deleted at any time after the event (excluding payment records, which we are required to retain for tax purposes).

Limitations of Liability

While we will do all we can to facilitate a safe and enjoyable experience, all participation is at your own risk.
Our total liability shall not exceed any voluntary contribution made.