“In the time of AI, human connection and art is more important than ever.” The voice of singer Will Varley echoes out around The Clay Pit – a new music venture nestled in what was once an industrial clay mining pit, but is now one of the most stunning music spots I’ve ever experienced. The sun is setting and a warm orange glow is bouncing off multi-coloured bunting, fairy lights glimmer in the trees, and the smell of wood-fired pizza fills the air. A fire pit crackles and there’s a rumble of excited chatter. People sip crisp glasses of rose, clink cans of cider and close their eyes to soak up the last of the warm rays.
The brainchild of Firestory Events, the Clay Pit is in its inaugural year, but you’d never think it. It’s so well organised, with every little detail taken care of, it feels as though it’s been running for years. Running nightly from 6-10pm on the 6th, 7th and 8th of August it brought together a myriad of acts, with 2-3 singers and bands performing each evening. The line-up consisted of Will Varley supported by Hannah Grace on the Thursday, Keston Cobblers Club on the Friday supported by Gina Larner and James Lloyd Smith, with Girl in the Year Above closing the event on Saturday, supported by Frances Mistry and Tommy Rodger. Smaller than a festival, but bigger than a gig, Clay Pit brought together the best bits of both – with an atmosphere that would be difficult to beat.
Rustic log benches peppered the inside of the pit, families and friends sprawled on picnic blankets laid in a tapestry on the floor. There’s something beautiful about events like this that make you remember just why they’re so important. The air was calm, but electric, the event polished with a rugged edge, and you just feel part of something special. Food was provided by Java and Jazz, with stone-baked pizzas packed with toppings, while the beer on tap came from local Missing Link Brewery. You could sit near the back and soak up the views, or get right to the front and dance the night away.
Each of the acts were fantastic, fitting the vibe of the space perfectly. The shape of the space meant the acoustics were fantastic, each twang of a guitar string, hit of a drum and note sung filling the space. As night fell and a cloak of darkness slowly draped over the venue, it turned to a truly majestic wonderland, illuminated with fairy lights and coloured lights in trees, in shades of green, blue and red. It was simple, yet magical.
The Clay Pit is an event that once it has ended, you don’t quite know what to do with yourself. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, algorithms and AI, there’s something wonderfully simple about sitting beneath the stars, listening to live music with a drink in your hand and just singing along with strangers. Clay Pit proves that there’s still something deeply powerful about coming together in the same place, at the same time, to share something special.
Find out more about The Clay Pit and keep updated on future events here. Location: Chiddinglye Estate in West Sussex.
