We’re only halfway through 2020 but, already, most of us would agree that it’s not been the easiest of years. To put it mildly. If you feel like the superhuman resilience required to deal with all that the new decade has, so far, thrown at us, sit back for a moment and take a deep breath. A fresh offering of online escapism has arrived in the shape of Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival.
The British presenter and – more recently – podcaster extraordinaire has taken her Happy Place series to a whole new level with a month-long virtual wellness festival. From Friday, June 12th, onwards, a programme packed with online talks, workshops, music sessions, fitness and yoga classes is accessible via just a few clicks.
For ‘real life’ festival vibes, the full programme can be accessed via a digital map that reminds us of summer adventures at Glastonbury – although the line-up is a little more wholesome. Head to the Main Stage for a pep talk from Mr Motivator, yoga flow and breath work sessions, poem recitals, dance cardio and HIIT workouts, salsa or writing classes to name just a few.
The Talk Lounge welcomes a variety of guests from Fearne’s star-studded network of musicians, wellness gurus, fellow podcasters and more to open up inspirational conversations and thought-provoking discussions. From our fear of failure to addiction and disability, from ‘mindful home styling’ to gaining confidence, a wide variety of topics await. Over in The Kitchen, a selection of chef talent is ready to share their recipes for nourishing and delicious dishes the whole family will enjoy, such as Vegan Sweet Potato Pizza or Rose and Pistachio Macaroons.
Learn how to mix a killer cocktail at The Bar or get creative in the Craft Village, featuring workshops on how to make holistic bath salts, paint with watercolours or origami yourself some pretty paper flowers. The Marketplace showcases a selection of artisanal and sustainable vendors, while Meditation Mountain invites you to find your inner Zen with guided sound and story-telling meditation sessions, a talk on the basics of Ayurveda and a herbal tea blending workshop. Make a promise to yourself or show your support for others on the Pledge Wall. Last, but not least, plenty of fun activities to keep the little ones entertained await in the Family Retreat.
All of these amazing online classes and activities with some of the industry’s most respected and creative minds are brought to you for completely free, but you can show your gratitude with a donation to one of the Happy Place Festival’s charity partners, which include mental health organisation Mind, NHS Charities Together, Black Lives Matter, breast cancer charity Coppa Feel and The Prince’s Trust. Want more Happy Place? Make sure to check out Fearne’s latest podcast episodes, including her in-depth chat with Alicia Keys! In these challenging times, they offer a little virtual silver lining…
Get all the latest updates on the Happy Place Festival and podcast here or head to the event website to see the full programme.
