Short Courses Songwriting Camp with Chris Difford
Songwriting Camp | Chris Difford | 4 days | Brighton | Age: 18+ | £750 | 3 – 6 August 2026
Join legendary songwriter Chris Difford (Squeeze) for an immersive four-day songwriting camp focused on co-writing, professional songwriting techniques, and creative collaboration.
Join us for this extraordinary Songwriting Camp Experience
Join legendary songwriter Chris Difford (Squeeze) for an inspiring four-day songwriting camp focused on co-writing, professional song writing techniques, and creative collaboration, hosted and facilitated by the expert musicians at WaterBear. This immersive camp is designed to help you write better songs, faster, while learning how professionals approach the craft in a supportive, energising environment.
Each day begins with inspirational talks and practical suggestions from Chris and the team on songwriting methods, structure, lyrics, and collaboration. You’ll then move into dedicated writing sessions, co-writing with fellow participants and supported by WaterBear’s professional musicians. The day concludes with arrangement and performance, bringing your new songs to life.
Chris Difford is one of the UK’s most respected songwriters, with a career spanning decades and countless iconic songs. His songwriting camps are renowned for producing strong new material and fostering long-lasting creative partnerships.
Who is the course for?
Songwriters and lyricists looking to develop their craft with hands-on guidance
Musicians wanting to collaborate and take ideas through to performance ready finished songs
Creatives eager to strengthen storytelling, structure, and lyrical confidence
What’s Included?
- Four full days of songwriting sessions and workshops
- Tuition and guidance from Chris Difford and WaterBear’s professional musicians
- Exclusive access to a professional venue, stage, PA system and backline, and multiple breakout spaces for collaborative working
Location
Join us at WaterBear Brighton’s performance venues, offering a professional yet relaxed creative setting throughout. Brighton is a vibrant city renowned for its thriving music scene, live venues, bars, and restaurants, providing the perfect backdrop for inspiration and networking.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
This is a fully immersive songwriting experience that takes you from first idea to finished performance in a professional, real-world environment. Across four intensive days, you will:
Learn professional songwriting techniques covering structure, lyrics, melody and collaboration
Take part in daily inspirational talks and practical sessions led by Chris Difford and the WaterBear team
Co-write new material with fellow participants in supported writing sessions
Develop your songs through arrangement and rehearsal
Perform your finished songs with professional musicians
Live house band
A house band of professional musicians is provided to help you arrange and perform your songs
Learn how songs evolve from initial ideas into performance-ready arrangements
You’ll leave with:
New original songs
Increased creative confidence and momentum
A deeper understanding of professional songwriting workflows
Lasting connections with fellow songwriters and musicians
Many successful and hit songs have emerged from Chris Difford’s songwriting camps, and we’re excited to bring this unique opportunity to Brighton — combining world-class expertise, collaboration and creativity in an inspiring setting.
Course Location
14 – 17 Manchester St
Kemptown
Brighton
BN2 1TF
SECURE YOUR PLACE
Register now. Places are limited to ensure a high-quality collaborative experience.
- Dates: 3–6 August 2026
- Duration: 4 days
- Times: 10am – 5pm
- Location: WaterBear MusicBar Brighton
- Cost: £750
- Age requirement: 18+
On registering we’ll confirm availability and send you an online payment link to secure your place. Full terms and cancellation policy apply.
Songwriting Camp FAQ
Please find WaterBear Brighton campus accessibility document here, the WaterBear MusicBar details can be found on page 14. Participants with additional access requirements should contact us in advance.
Please register now on the form below and we’ll check availability, confirm your place, and send you a secure link for payment. If no spaces are available we’ll add you to the waiting list on a first come first serve basis. Terms and conditions will apply so please read carefully.
The minimum age requirements is 18+.
Light refreshments, tea and coffee are included. Please inform us in advance of any dietary requirements.
Details what you need to bring and preparing for your course will be included in your course itinerary. This will be emailed closer to the event date.
By foot
Our Brighton Campus HQ, Hanover House is a short 5-minute walk from Brighton Station along Queens Road.
By car
There is no parking at the campus. For parking options visit The Lanes car park or NCP for car parks near Brighton Pier.
By bus or coach
There are regular bus services across Brighton and surrounding areas. For times visit Brighton and Hove Buses. If you are travelling by coach, Pool Valley coach station is a 15-minute walk away.
By train
There are regular train links to and from London, Gatwick and across the UK. For train times visit National Rail Enquiries.
By air or ferry
Brighton is half an hour away by train from Gatwick Airport. The cross channel ferry is a short bus ride away in Newhaven.
By taxi
There are several taxi companies within Brighton & Hove and it is also serviced by Uber.
There is a huge variety of accommodation in Brighton close to our Brighton HQ. Visit booking.com, Hotels.com or airbnb.com to find availability and accommodation to suit your budget.
Please contact the WaterBear short courses team for further information at [email protected]
You should have some prior songwriting experience. This course is best suited to intermediate and experienced writers.
Instrumental ability is helpful but not essential.
Register to secure your spot
On registering we’ll confirm availability and send you an online payment link to secure your place. Full terms and cancellation policy apply.
Short Courses at WaterBear
Short courses and workshops with legendary musicians and industry professionals. Explore your creativity in WaterBear’s studios and venues in Brighton or Sheffield, collaborate with other creatives, and build your music, performance and technical skills in a real-world setting. Take a look at our range of short courses and find the right one for you.
