Experience The Sleeping Tree at Wakefield Exchange – A Journey Into the Sounds of the Sumatran Rainforest

Ever wondered what it feels like to be deep in the Sumatran rainforest at dusk, surrounded by the sounds of rare and endangered animals? Well, now you can—without even leaving Wakefield.

From Thursday 3 April to Monday 21 April 2025, Wakefield Exchange (WX) is bringing an unforgettable free sound and light experience to the city centre. The Sleeping Tree is an immersive installation that transports visitors into the heart of the rainforest, using real recordings of Siamang Gibbons, Sumatran elephants, hornbills, and orangutans.

Let’s dive into what makes this experience so special.

A Rare Glimpse Into the Lives of Siamang Gibbons

Every night in North Sumatra, Siamang Gibbons return to the same six towering trees to sleep—trees they have used for generations. Their calls echo through the dense jungle, creating a soundscape that has existed for centuries.

Now, that ancient rhythm is coming to Wakefield. The Sleeping Tree lets visitors hear the gibbons wake, move through the forest, and settle down for the night, just as they would in the wild.

And it’s not just about the gibbons. The recordings also capture the rich, layered sounds of other endangered species, immersing visitors in a world few will ever get to experience firsthand.

More Than Just a Soundscape – A Call to Protect Our Rainforests

This isn’t just an artistic installation; it’s a powerful environmental statement.

The rainforest audio was recorded over three months by a dedicated team of rangers, primatologists, and conservationists in Sumatra. The project aims to highlight the biodiversity of these forests and support conservation efforts against deforestation.

Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, emphasises why this matters:

“Preserving our animals and environment for future generations is something that resonates globally as well as locally. Protecting natural habitats and biodiversity is crucial—not just for the survival of the animals that live there, but also to tackle the impacts of climate change.”

The installation encourages visitors to slow down, listen, and connect with nature in a way we rarely get to.

The Artists Behind The Sleeping Tree

The experience is the work of Invisible Flock, an award-winning arts studio based at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. They partnered with LEAP (Landscape, Ecology and Primatology) at Bournemouth University, the Leuser Conservation Forum, and teams on the ground in Sumatra.

Originally commissioned by Brighton Festival, the piece debuted in 2023 and has now found its way to Wakefield Exchange, a brand-new creative venue in the city centre.

Victoria Pratt, Creative Director of Invisible Flock, explains why this project is so important:

“The Sleeping Tree is the only recording of the Sumatran rainforest of its kind. The sound was initially collected to illustrate the huge range of biodiversity in Sumatra, so that our local partners could evidence species living in the forest and lobby to protect these ecosystems from deforestation.”

She invites visitors to fully immerse themselves:

“The installation comprises three months of audio. We urge people to spend time in the work as the forest wakes and sleeps around them. Nature doesn’t perform for us—what you hear or stumble across is always spontaneous. We invite you into this rare soundscape; to come and go, to take time, to let it seep into you.”

What Else Is Happening at Wakefield Exchange?

During The Sleeping Tree, WX will also be hosting a series of ticketed events, including talks from conservation experts and artists.

If you haven’t been to Wakefield Exchange yet, this is the perfect opportunity to check out the city’s newest cultural hub. Open seven days a week, WX offers:

• Exciting art installations and events
• A rotating lineup of street food vendors
• Creative studio spaces
• A vibrant spot for community gatherings

Whether you're a nature lover, an art enthusiast, or just looking for something different to do in Wakefield, The Sleeping Tree is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Where: Wakefield Exchange (WX), Wakefield city centre
📅 When: Thursday 3 April – Monday 21 April 2025
🎟 Tickets: Free entry (with additional ticketed events)

For more details, visit www.wxwakefield.co.uk or follow WX on social media for updates.

Take a moment. Close your eyes. And listen. The rainforest is waiting. 🌿✨