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Django On The Island

october 3rd-6th 2025

An annual retreat for violinists and guitarists interested in working on the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.​

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Set to the beautiful backdrop of the Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight (UK)

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With a focus on giving real world guidance and help to musicians in the form of workshops, guided jam sessions and group practise.

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Small group sessions, 1-1 lessons and genuine feedback from professional jazz musicians Matt Holborn-violin, Harry Diplock-guitar and Sol Grimshaw-guitar

tutors

The Tutors

Matt Holborn-violin

Matt Holborn is an improvising violinist based in London. 

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Performs with The London Django Collective, The Already In Berlin Band and his own jazz quartet.​

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As a composer he had collaborated with and written music for The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, Domenico Angarano, Hull Jazz Festival, Elaha Soroor and the Spitalfield Music.​

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As an educator he has worked extensively with UK Jazz education organisation Tomorrow's Warriors.

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Harry diplock-guitar

Harry Diplock is jazz guitarist from Devon based in London.

 

Now at the forefront of the jazz scene in the UK and co-founder of the London Django Collective, Harry has played all over Europe at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Torino Jazz Club, 606 and The Green Note as well as being regularly played on TSF Jazz Radio, BBC 3 and Jamie Cullum’s Radio show

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sol grimshaw-guitar

Sol Grimshaw, from the Isle of Wight, is a jazz guitarist inspired by Django Reinhardt. Trained at the Purcell School and Guildhall, he’s performed internationally and at London’s top venues, including Ronnie Scott’s and the Barbican.

 

Despite his busy career, he enjoys returning home to the Isle’s peaceful charm.

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Accomodation and food

yurts

  • Sleeps up to 4.

    • 2 sharing: £410 per person

    • 3 sharing: £340 per person

    • 4 sharing: £310 per person

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Email accommodation@thegarlicfarm.co.uk to book.

Cottages

  • Options for shared or private rooms.

    • Shared twin room: £360 per person

    • Private room with shared bathroom: £410

    • Private room with ensuite bathroom: £460

Camping

Basic options for outdoor stays.

  • Tent pitch: £290

  • Campervan pitch with hookup: £330

  • Use of communal kitchen

more info

Food

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Self-Catering

  • Cook your own meals in the provided facilities.

  • Includes breakfast and one main meal daily.

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On-Site Restaurant

  • Meals available to purchase at the Garlic Farm’s award-winning restaurant.

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Other Info

  • Accommodation-only options are available for those focusing on jamming and hanging out.

  • Discounted ferry fares are available to help keep travel costs down.

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For more details or to book, email accommodation@thegarlicfarm.co.uk.

A typical day at DOTI

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  • Morning:
    You wake up in your comfy cottage and make yourself breakfast with the provisions from the Garlic Farm. If you’re camping, head to the communal yurt for breakfast, or visit the Garlic Farm restaurant, open from 9 AM.

    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Start the day with a workshop focusing on techniques to improve your playing.

    • 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Follow up with a session exploring creative approaches to improvisation.

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  • Lunch:
    Take some time to relax and have lunch. Cook in your accommodation, visit the Garlic Farm restaurant, or drive to the nearby pub just two minutes away.

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  • Afternoon:

    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Join a workshop exploring harmony and its application in your playing.

    • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Build on the day’s earlier workshops with more practical exercises and ideas.

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  • Evening:
    After a break, join the guided jam session to play and refine ideas with others, led by the tutors.

    • 8:00 PM: End the day with a concert in the Garlic Farm restaurant. Arrive early if you’d like to have dinner before the music begins.

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schedule
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