Singing Ringing Tree

The Singing Ringing Tree is a wind-powered sound sculpture located on Crown Point, overlooking the town of Burnley in Lancashire. Completed in 2006, it was designed by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu as part of the Panopticons project, a public art initiative aimed at creating distinctive landmarks across East Lancashire.

The sculpture stands around three metres tall and is made from stacked layers of galvanised steel pipes. These pipes are arranged to resemble a twisted, windswept tree, and some are tuned to produce musical notes when the wind blows through them. The result is a haunting, melodic sound that changes with the strength and direction of the wind.

Set on an exposed hillside, the Singing Ringing Tree offers sweeping views over East Lancashire. From the site, visitors can see across Burnley, towards Pendle Hill, and on clear days as far as the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales. The location adds to the atmosphere, combining natural beauty with an eerie, ever-changing soundscape.

The sculpture has been widely recognised for its innovation and design. It received a National Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2007. Access to the site is straightforward, with a car park nearby and a short walking path leading to the sculpture, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

The Singing Ringing Tree has become one of Lancashire’s most iconic modern landmarks, blending contemporary art, landscape, and natural forces in a striking and memorable way.

Created: 12  April  2025  Edited: 12  April  2025