Singing Ringing Tree: Burnley's Wind-Powered Musical Sculpture

A Sculptural Symphony in Steel

The Singing Ringing Tree is a remarkable musical sculpture made from galvanized steel pipes, designed to harness the natural wind to create haunting melodies. Standing approximately three meters tall, its twisted, layered pipes are arranged to resemble a windswept tree bent by the elements. Each pipe varies in length and diameter, with strategically placed slits that modulate sound, allowing the sculpture to produce a range of discordant yet beautiful chords that change with the wind’s direction and strength.

Origins and Architectural Vision

Completed in 2006, the sculpture was designed by award-winning architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu as part of the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network’s initiative to create landmarks that connect urban residents with the surrounding countryside. The site at Crown Point was formerly home to a disused transmission station, which was dismantled to make way for the sculpture. The project was part of a broader regeneration effort for the Lancashire Regional Park, aiming to create visually striking and acoustically engaging public art that also serves as a viewpoint.

Setting and Panoramic Views

Perched high above Burnley on Crown Point, the Singing Ringing Tree commands sweeping views of the Pennine hills and the Lancashire countryside. The sculpture’s elevated position makes it visible from miles around, often appearing ethereal in mist or silhouetted against the sky. Visitors can enjoy not only the sculpture’s unique soundscape but also the expansive vistas of rolling moorland and distant landmarks such as Pendle Hill.

Interactive Experience and Atmosphere

The Singing Ringing Tree offers an immersive sensory experience. On windy days, the sculpture sings a different tune each time, inviting visitors to linger and listen to its eerie, melodic hum. The sound is both melancholic and mesmerizing, blending natural elements with human creativity. The site’s open moorland setting adds to the atmosphere, with the wind’s presence felt physically and sonically, enhancing the connection between art and environment.

Recognition and Cultural Significance

The sculpture has received multiple architectural awards, including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Award in 2007. It is one of four 'panopticons' in Lancashire—landmarks designed to provide panoramic views and cultural enrichment. The name also nods to a cult 1960s/70s BBC children’s TV series, adding a layer of nostalgic intrigue to the modern installation.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

Visitors can reach the Singing Ringing Tree via a short walk from a nearby free car park on Crown Point Road. The path is roughly 500 meters and takes about five minutes, with some uneven terrain typical of moorland. While public transport options to the immediate vicinity are limited, Burnley is accessible by bus and train, with taxis or walking completing the journey. The site is open year-round and free to visit, making it an accessible cultural highlight for locals and tourists alike.