It’s summer, and after a long week in the office, staring at screens and sitting in uncomfortable desk chairs, the weekends are calling. And they’re calling loudly. That’s because it’s our favourite time of year – festival season! And there are plenty coming up in the UK over the next few weeks – many featuring some of our favorite yogis and chefs. Break from routine, escape the office, and dance, eat, and be merry at these upcoming events.
Not every festival is about donning the chicest bohemian garb, flower crowns, and getting completely lost in the music, although we love those, too. Our choice of summer weekend getaway offers a different flavour to your typical summer gathering. From open talks and debate with neurosurgeons, to extensive kid’s areas, to lounging in wood-fired hot tubs in the open-air, there’s something everyone can enjoy. Be sure not to miss these upcoming health-oriented fun festivals from all over the country.
Yoga Connects Festival: July 3–5 Stanford Hall, Lutterworth, Leicestershire.
Unwind, relax, and work on your form at ‘The Yoga Event of 2015’. This yoga fest welcomes everyone – no experience necessary! People from around the world find themselves at Stanford Hall, all to celebrate the love of yoga. Take a special class with instructor Meghan Currie in the decadent, gilded ballroom. Enjoy fashion, natural food and music all day. When your muscles are in need of a massage, the Wild Wellbeing spa awaits. Relax by the lake, decorated with beautiful lanterns among the trees. There’s a wide range of treatments, with no need to book ahead of time. (Day tickets £85, http://yogaconnects.co.uk/festival-tickets/)
Latitude: July 16–19, 2015. Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk.
Attracting big names like Alt-J and James Blake, it’s the festival’s tenth anniversary and attendees are told to ‘expect some big surprises’. Take a minute to enjoy nature in one of England’s most beautiful parks and woods: swim in the lake and relax in the seaweed baths, or do yoga. Enjoy food from Blixen—the fest’s headline restaurant. Apart from the big music acts, the arts and theatre are booming, too. Step away from the main stages and listen to poetry readings, watch some of the best theatre performances and new films. There are also interesting talks led by a range of professionals, from neuroscience researchers to Guardian columnists. (Tickets from £84.50 for day pass, http://www.latitudefestival.com/tickets)
Camp Bestival: July 30–August 2, Lulworth Castle, Dorset
Camp Bestival has won the accolade ‘Best Family Festival’ for many years, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a hybrid of a festival and a camping holiday, with activities designed for all ages. Featuring fun activities such as circus skills and go-karting, as well as an in-depth arts programme, there’s something for everyone in the family. This festival attracts a hefty number of foodies due to its ‘gastronomic smash hit’ The Feast Collective. Welcoming the top names from speciality chefs to street-food producers, cooking demonstrations, and pop-up supper club, it’s truly a festival for the family and for your taste buds. (Adult day tickets £65, http://www.campbestival.net/tickets/camp-bestival-day-tickets/)
Port Eliot: July 30 –August 2 St. German, Cornwall.
Quite the eccentric creative festival, Port Eliot claims that it is an uncategorisable feast ranging from all things food, music, writers, history, etc. And it certainly doesn’t disappoint. A festival with a colorful fashion scene (the Wardrobe Department welcomes the Game of Thrones’ own costume designer this year), it also boasts a huge foodie scene. Check out the Flower & Fodder stage, which features a fine collection of chefs, food writers, gardeners and growers. Indulge yourself with food from top chefs such as Rick Stein and taste the huge selection Cornish food served throughout the weekend. Yum! (Adult day tickets from £53.50, https://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/tickets/port-eliot-festival-2015/10032762?wlid=6754;2)
Wilderness: August 6–9, 2015. Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire.
Equal parts music and wellbeing, this festival offers an amazing place to learn. Jam-packed with workshops such as glass art, woodworking and running, there are loads of activities to do – try your hand at fly fishing or join a philosophy walk. This year, the event is debuting ‘The Dining Room’– a collection of some of London’s best eateries, such as Raw Duck, Duck & Waffle, Patty & Bun and others. After eating, head to The Sanctuary, run by Colette Crespin and Claire Hamilton of Wild Wellbeing,
which features meditation, yoga, massages and facials with a distinct wellness angle. See for yourself! (£187.62 weekend pass, http://wilderness.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options)
The Green Man: August 20– 23, 2015: Brecon Beacons, Wales.
With 10 tent areas, you’ll find everything you need, ranging from music, literature, comedy, theatre, kids stuff and film. Each area has a specific theme and artists where you can discover and create. Phone need charging after documenting the day’s festivities? Use the bike-powered phone chargers in Einstein’s Garden. Need a little relaxation? Head on over to the Nature Nurture area for massage treatments, Pilates, and all types of yoga amidst ancient Welsh oak trees. The Green Man is deeply rooted in music, recruiting artists specific to each area of the festival – sure to make this an amazing experience you don’t want to miss! (Standard tickets sold out, but hot tub, yoga, and therapy tickets are still available at http://www.greenman.net/tickets/)
The Big Feastival: August 28–30 Alex James’ Farm, Kingham, The Cotswolds.
Eat, learn, and be merry. Wander through the festival eating some of the industry’s top-notch chefs’ creations while listening to artists such as Paloma Faith in the near background. Not only will you be able to watch celebrity chefs prepare meals and teach you the tricks of the trade, but you’ll also be able to cook alongside them in the AEG Cooking Club. This year marks the first year with the Healthy Living Zone, which encompasses healthy eating and wellbeing. From technology, skin care and raw foods, it should be the epicentre of healthy living and great eating. (Adult day tickets £47.25, http://www.jamieoliver.com/thebigfeastival/buy-tickets/)
Bathing Under the Sky
These luxurious wood-fired hot tubs and barrel saunas pop up at some of our favourite festivals this summer, so be sure to check them out. Making an appearance at Wilderness, Green Man Festival, Latitude and Camp Bestival, among others, you get an amazing break from the crowd and commotion that all festivals bring. Recharge in the spa area, which features the tubs, chairs, showers, and a beauty corner. To mix it up, Bathing Under the Sky features its new ‘double decker hot tub bus’ with premium western red cedar tubs parked on the top of a bus, with a sauna on the first level. Check it out for yourself! Sessions cost between £25 and £45 and can be booked online at bathingunderthesky.com.
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