Running the app
- Since the app uses your phone’s GPS, make sure you enable location services on your smartphone.
- For the smoothest experience download the walk over WiFi at home, then head to the site and on arrival, hit “start walk”. It is not recommended to stream the experience over your mobile data connection.
- Make sure you allow all permissions to the app – if you deny some it won’t work properly.
- After you’ve pressed “start walk”, you can see your current position as a dot on the map.
- Walking around the zone on the map will trigger sound content, and the zone will highlight on the map.
- Click on each Zone to find out about the composition.
On the walk
- To best experience Earth & Sky put your phone or tablet away for a more organic immersive listening experience, letting the sound guide you through the site in unexpected ways.
- If you wish to follow our recommended route you can follow the line drawn on the map, find written instructions at the bottom of this page, or find the map depicted on the large wayfinding boards on site
- You can also find wooden posts with pictures of headphones along the site which tell you you’re on the path for Earth & Sky
- If you hear running water at any stage, you have strayed away from the world of Earth & Sky. Turn back the way you came to get back on course.
- If you (accidentally) press “stop walk” at any time, and want to re-enter the walk, please go to the site of Tower by Steve Messam, and press “start walk” again. This giant tower made of fleece is very large and visible and is located on the flat open plain at the top of the central hill. Doing this will make sure that the app doesn’t think you’re starting over, and you will not repeat any sound experiences you have already heard.
- Any Questions:
If you have any questions, email earthskyhelp@operanorth.co.uk, and drop us a line.
FAQs
What equipment is needed to participate? Do I need headphones or earbuds?
To experience Earth & Sky, you need a smartphone or tablet with GPS and a wifi connection, the free app installed, and a pair of headphones.
To ensure everyone’s enjoyment of the experience, we do not encourage people to listen to the Earth & Sky on speakers or out loud.
Earth & Sky is most effective as a “phone-in-pocket” experience.
For maximum uninterrupted enjoyment, please be mindful of your phone battery level, put your phone on do-not-disturb or airplane mode, and wear weather-appropriate gear.
There will also be tablets and headphones available at the Bronte Parsonage if you do not own the necessary equipment. You need to book these online in advance via the Bradford City of Culture 2025 website.
Do I need to be able to walk? What if I have accessibility issues?
The length of the walk is 2.6 miles / 4.2km and will take around 1 hour 30 mins. The terrain is rocky and uneven with steep inclines, it is not suitable for pushchairs or people with mobility restrictions.
Audience members with mobility restrictions are encouraged to access the digital version created by York XR Stories which will be available online from 24 May on the Opera North website and YouTube.”
Can children attend?
Yes.
Will my friends and I have a similar experience? / Can I return and try it again?
Earth & Sky changes based on your location, so we encourage you to find new paths and sounds on repeated visits. No two visits will be exactly the same!
How do I find the “entrance?”
We recommend starting from the Brontë Parsonage, but you can enter Earth & Sky from any location on Penistone Hill.
What are the hours I can experience Soundwalk?
Earth & Sky is open 24/7, but we recommend walking during daylight!
The bookable device options allow you to pick up a device from the parsonage between 10am and 1pm, and return it before 4pm.
Will you be collecting my information?
By your downloading the app, we collect app download data and crash reports. We do not collect personal information, and we take your privacy seriously. If you complete the feedback form we collect the data you input and store it securely.
For more details on data security, you can view our privacy policy.
Can I comment about my experience?
We’d love you to share your experience with Earth & Sky! Please share your images and thoughts on social media – tag us on Instagram @operanorth. If you have questions or comments, you can reach us at earthskyhelp@operanorth.co.uk
How long will the walk take? Is there a time limit?
The walk takes about 1.5 hours but you can experience Earth & Sky for as long as you’d like!
The changing soundscape can be experienced for a few minutes at a time or over an entire day spent exploring.
We recommend planning around 90 minutes to explore and enjoy, but some people will find their experience complete with less time, while others will spend longer exploring.
Who do I contact if I have a problem with the app?
If you have questions or comments, you can email us at earthskyhelp@operanorth.co.uk
Is any of the music downloadable and shareable?
No, the music cannot be downloaded to share.
