Participants in “A soundwalk into the future of St Catherine’s Oratory” take part in a guided auditory exploration of the landscape surrounding St Catherine’s Oratory on the Isle of Wight. Led by artist Hector MacInnes in collaboration with local young residents, the walk traces the site’s archaeological history and envisions its future amid environmental challenges such as coastal erosion and climate change. The event incorporates stories and reflections from youth contributors, connecting present-day experiences with speculative futures shaped by factors including tourism, technological advancements, and ecological resilience.

The walking route begins and ends at Blackgang Viewpoint Car Park, following a path regularly used by the participating groups, inviting attendees to listen closely to both the tangible and imagined layers of the landscape. This sound-focused format encourages an immersive engagement with the oratory’s place in time, highlighting the interplay between heritage and evolving social and environmental dynamics. The event offers a unique artistic perspective on cultural geography by merging historical context with forward-looking narratives.