Wild swimmers invited to become part of a magical theatrical experience at Hele Bay this July

Audiences can literally become part of the show and immerse themselves in an intriguing mix of wild swimming, storytelling and magic coming to Hele Bay in Ilfracombe this July.

Swim from the Wild Shore from award-winning theatre-makers Burn the Curtain invites the audience to take to the waves themselves with a daring and dreamlike fusion of wild swimming and storytelling, where myth, magic, and imagination meet the sea.

From Tuesday, July 8 to Thursday, July 10 intrepid swimmers will gather on Hele Beach to join the mysterious Shore Sisters in a ritual unlike any other. Their mission? To fetch the Sea Runes and tell a story so enthralling it pacifies the ocean's rage and secures a year of calm waters for all.

In association with Beaford Arts, the one-and-a-quarter hour interactive events at Hele will be held twice each day, one later in the afternoon and one early evening, with times varying slightly (the earliest is 4pm) and places limited.

They are open to confident swimmers over the age of 14, who are happy in 100 metres of sheltered water. Participants should bring a swimming costume, towel and something warm for afterwards. Imagination is essential.

Above: Will you be the one to discover the Sea Runes as you take part in Swim from the Wild Shore? Credit: Theo Moye

Joe Hancock, artistic director of Burn the Curtain, gives a little more detail: “There’s been a huge rise in wild swimming across the UK, as people seek deeper connections with nature.

“With Swim from the Wild Shore, we’re taking that one step further, inviting swimmers not just to enter the sea, but to enter a story.”

Each year, a flower blooms in the ocean, an invitation from the deep. To keep the sea monster, the storm, and the spirits of the ocean at bay, a story must be fetched from the surf, one so enchanting it holds the forces of nature spellbound.

Will you be the one to retrieve the sea runes and share the tale?

Burn the Curtain says this theatrical swim is a unique fusion of folklore, adventure and ocean magic. With only a limited number of spaces available, this is a rare opportunity to take part in a powerful ritual of creativity and connection.

Above: Swim from the Wild Shore promises magic, myth and wild swimming where the audience gets to become part of the story. Credit: Theo Moye

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Burn the Curtain once again, following many years of successful collaboration,” added Claire Ayres, creative producer for Beaford Arts.

“Their work is always bold, imaginative and deeply engaging. We know they’ll deliver an experience to remember, something truly magical for audiences and participants alike.”

Produced in partnership with Beaford Arts, Swim from the Wild Shore is a prologue to a major immersive theatre production coming to Bucks Mills later this summer and there’s more to explore in the lead-up.

A series of craft and music workshops have begun to pop-up in the area, helping to weave the wider story and community together. To find our more visit https://beaford.org/events