The unique Westcountry cultural experience known as Tribe of Doris bows out on a high next month, after 20 years of pioneering drumming, dance and song.

Held in the stunning countryside of Devon's Blackdown Hills, the five-day get-together is not so much a festival as a vibrant and inspiring exchange of acoustic music and movement, with its focus on participation rather than performance – although there's plenty of that too.

Showcase highlights this year include renowned polyphonic singer Anita Deaulne of Zap Mama fame; authentic Moroccan Gnawa trance musicians Jil Gnawa; African dance and drum legend Nii Tagoe from Baka Beyond; Seckou Keita from Senegal; flamenco dance sensation Felipe de Algeciras; celebrated Sufi Whirling pioneer Sheikh Ahmad Dede and Mexican shaman Itzcoatl Papalotzin.

And then, where else could you choose from 40 workshops for all levels of experience in everything from flamenco song to samba reggae, Brazilian maracutu drumming and dance, and Orisha song, tribal belly dance, derbouka drumming, Egyptian stick dancing, Klezmer dance and Jewish niggum singing, djembe drumming, traditional and contemporary African dances and songs, English folk songs, Tibetan song and Indian bajans?

These will be intermingled with open mic performances, spontaneous jams, indigenous ceremonies, fireside gatherings and creative and physical children's activities, including football skills, metal work, circus skills, trampolining, hip hop, rap and poetry. And if you just want to relax, there's a wellbeing zone with yoga, tai chi and even a sauna.

"What's so magical about Doris is its amazing cultural diversity," says co-founder Siobhan Kierans. "People say they feel at home here, no matter what their cultural roots. The act of learning and sharing through music, dance and ceremony creates a feeling of belonging that you don't get from passively consuming 'other cultures' at most world music events."

The first Tribe of Doris took place at the Scout HQ in Woodhouse Down, Almondsbury, near Bristol, in 1992, and it has evolved from there. Siobhan says that the time feels right now to call it a day.

"Twenty years later we have achieved what we set out to do," says Siobhan. "Now there are plenty of places where you can learn to drum, dance and sing in various worldwide traditions; there are drumming workshops and choirs all over the UK."

Tribe of Doris regular Chris Weedon from Wiveliscombe says his sons Ben and Alfie have grown up loving the whole experience.

"Of all the pleasures that Doris brings, the one that calls us back as a family each year is the experience of trust amongst people of such varying backgrounds," he says.