Mental health hits the headlines as Big Retreat Festival returns to help cure pandemic blues
3-6 June 2022, Pembrokeshire
After a tough two years for everyone, the UK’s fastest growing wellness festival, The Big Retreat, is back – this time with healing vibes headlining.
While discovery, wellness, music, food and drink are always delivered in dollops, the main theme of 2022 is about reconnecting, celebrating and a bit of much-needed repair.
“Everyone feels something has changed in us during the pandemic and The Big Retreat is changing too,” says Amber, founder of the Welsh festival which takes place in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
“We’re putting more emphasis on mental health on the main stage this year, where you’ll see positive energy, laughter out loud, meditation and breathing sessions, and the usual great music,” added Amber.
The lineup includes wellness presenters Maude Hirst, Dylan Ayaloo and Richie Norton who help us learn the art of meditation and movement, laughter yoga expert Pete Cann and comedic duo, the Outrageously Scummy Mummies funny that bring us the joy of joy and the legend of well-being Mr. Motivator brings our members back to life.
“We are setting up our new Mind Tent for the first time,” Amber continued. “It will host talks and workshops from an inspiring line-up of mental health experts and ambassadors, including Matt Johnson and Shahroo Izardi, supported by local mental health charities Get the Boys a Lift, the DPJ Foundation and The Big Retreat CIC.”
“The fact that festivals such as the Big Retreat can take place again is great news for people who want to come back and get back to (a new) normal,” added Amber.
The festival will run with the usual and special mix of wellness and adventure activities. The Chef’s Kitchen returns with the hugely popular Talk Tent, and on the music side, Reef and Toploader headline a rich selection of talent.
The festival takes place in a historic park in Lawrenny, above the beautiful secret waterway of the Cleddau River. The boundaries of the National Parks of Wales were drawn in the house which stood on this site until 1954.
“The fact that we are ready to bring our festival-goers back here to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has very particular relevance,” Amber continued. “Right here where we are based, our Welsh National Parks were designed to help heal a nation traumatized after the Second World War. They were created so that people can take a break from the difficult times, get out and breathe. Places like this have a special power and we really focus our festival on the joyful and healing qualities that this landscape brings after all that we have all been through during the pandemic.
Tickets start at 185.90 pp (booking fee included) with a choice of 3 camping areas – plus motorhome and caravan pitches, Junior tickets are available at 92.95 (booking fee included) for children ages 5-15 with under 5s entering free
The Big Retreat Festival is being held at the Lawrenny Park Estate from 3-6 June 22 please For tickets, more information and updates
visit thebigretreatfestival.com.
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Editor’s notes:
Contact [email protected] – Tel 07973373833
It’s much more comprehensive than most editors’ notes because we have a lot to do this year. If you have a particular interest in any part of our festival, please contact us
Welcome to the grand retreat festival
Three uplifting and unforgettable days to relax, reflect and rebuild.
Welcome groups, books, inspiration, energy and calm – an adventure for the five senses
Welcome to fitness, yoga, invigorating sea air and a chance to leave the world behind on this beautiful unspoilt western edge of Wales.
Welcome to sumptuous feasts where raw and vegan delights collide with wood-fired pizzas, artisan gins and (and trust us) the best burgers in the world.
Earth.
We left nothing out to help you feel good
We are committed to catering to all tastes and filling your days with wellness magic. Thus, we offer more than 200 carefully curated events, experiences, workshops and conferences in eight key areas included in the ticket price. Experiences you may have had before
discoveries that will amaze you.
The main stage, overlooking the beautiful Cleddau Estuary in the cool open air of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is the feel-good heart of the festival. A wide range of workouts, live music, comedy, meditations and inspiration from our amazing headliners.
Try the latest trends in wellness, movement, and mindful moments from top industry experts. Join Maude Hirst, Dylan Ayaloo, the one
and only Mr Motivator and comedy duo The Scummy Mummies
At night, the dark skies turn into a celestial ceiling of activity with our flagship bands, including Reef and Toploader, taking to the stage.
If you’re looking for a soulful reset and reconnect, then Soul Space is for you. Do you want to know your Hatha from your Kundalini? How? ‘Or’ What
make your singing bowl sing? Discover your limits and surprise yourself with a breathing session in an ice bath. Or turn up the heat with a fire
walking session. create a mandala or discover the magic of a cocoa ceremony
You can find hypnotherapy, gong baths, meditation. yoga classes and the inspirational Talk Tent hosted and curated by Shelf Help founder Toni Jones, filled with inspiring talks and workshops from big names in the wellness industry including Suzi Reading, Amanda Byram, Meg Matthews, Sober Dave and Emma Campbell
Explore The Chef’s Kitchen, packed with cooking demonstrations and workshops including Life Kitchen’s Ryan Riley, Juliet Sear and The Dirty Vegan Matt Pritchard
If you are looking for high energy, join Kate Rowe-Ham, Sarah Gorman, Lawrence Price, Claudia Evan, Ida May and head into the energy field.
It’s the perfect place for all adrenaline junkies who like to bounce, dance and run. Get inspired by mindset and nutrition talks with
big names in the industry. Rise early for a morning run or start the day with a stretching and mobility class with Richie Norton
Get inspired by some of Britain’s leading adventurers at the Roaring Fire Pit. Al Humphreys will show you how to plan an adventure from your doorstep. Laura Bingham will share stories of her ride down the Essequibo River, and Al Mennie will share what it’s like to ride the biggest waves in the world. So if you’re looking for inspiration for your own adventure, grab a toddy, fire a log and get inspired. If you’re looking for more action, join Ayo Akinwolere in an estuary swimming lesson or join the Outer Reef team for paddle boarding.
Uncover mind-boggling science and learn about Darwin’s Den’s latest environmental issues, join Dr. Christian Dunn, Ellen Mary Gardening and Marian Boswell and other experts to discuss what can be done to tackle climate change as part of Big Retreat Festival’s goal to be a carbon neutral festival. Get inspired by talks about natural and earth energy, stargazing, and go green with gardening sessions.
Want to let your creativity run wild? Then, The Tangled Woods creates an umbrella of creativity that you can soak up. This is where you will find both your creative and wild side. Professional artists are on hand with painting, drawing and printmaking workshops or head into the forest, and you’ll learn how to carve your own spoon, bushcraft and survival skills.
Mental health will be a special focus during our 2022 return event.
Lockdown and Covid have meant many of us have struggled. Our new Mind Tent is about uncovering strategies to help you navigate these turbulent times in a non-judgmental, supportive space.
Mental health is just as important as physical.
In the Mind Tent, we have a full program of talks and workshops from an inspiring line-up of mental health experts and mental health ambassadors, including Matt Johnson and Shahroo Izadi
Last but not least, our Little Retreaters sessions organized by Cymbrogi Futures with wellness classes, insect hunts, wild swimming sessions, bushcraft workshops, storytelling, song and dance, arts disco and artisanal and family activities and our fabulous football pitch on the campsite with coaching throughout the day. Guaranteed for a good night’s sleep.
We put our heart and soul into our festival. Our hosts are family. And when the sun serenely sinks into the Celtic Sea on Monday evening, we will bid you farewell as you travel eastward out into the world, brimming with positive good humor.
Tickets start at 185.90 per person (including booking fees) with a choice of three camping areas – plus pitches for motorhomes and caravans. Junior tickets are available at 92.95 (booking fee included) for children 5-15 years old, infants and under 5s entering free of charge.
The Big Retreat Festival will take place at the Lawrenny Park Estate, from Friday June 3 to Monday June 6, 2022. For tickets, more information and updates
visit thebigretreatfestival.com.
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Downloadable press images here https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z250g5r4ui4mj6q/AAArsEJ0RRcNuhhDz…
Other images available on request
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