Telling The Bees

‘Telling The Bees’ is an art installation and performance weaving storytelling, folklore and ritual to reimagine how we can process love and loss collectively.

Our story begins at Tintern Abbey, where the monastic tradition of beekeeping still endures. Journey with a mother along the banks of the River Wye to uncover three golden beehives and rekindle the ancient Celtic practice of “telling the bees.” In this 18th century tradition, beekeepers informed their colony of births, deaths and marriages to stop them from swarming, dying or ceasing honey production.

Telling The Bees is a call to nature, inviting a conversation with the land, each other and, most importantly, the bees.

Please note that all ages are welcome and that the performance includes themes around death and funerals.

Wye Valley River Festival 2026
Performance running time: 40mins

Sat 2nd May | Drybridge Park, Monmouth | Performances at 12:45, 2 & 3.30pm (Free)
Sun 3rd & Mon 4th May | Tintern Abbey | Performances at 11.30am & 2.30pm (Free with Abbey admission)

https://wyevalleyriverfest.com/merry-monmouth-may-day/