I was thrilled when I was asked to work at the 2-day Happy Place Festival in September 2019. I was to work alongside other therapists from Professional Reflexology. The attendees at the festival had already booked their therapy treatments, so there was a tight schedule for both days.
Setting up was a challenge, as we had initially been told we could drive up to our teepee with all the gear, to set up. However, there had been heavy rain a few days before, and cars had to be left in the car park. Our gear then had to be brought in by hand – mine took 4 trips. It was quite muddy – I should have taken wellies, in the true spirit of a festival!
We were allowed a few breaks throughout the day, so had chance to look around. It was so exciting, and if I hadn’t been working there I would have loved to attend. There were yoga classes, sound baths, meditation, and workshops. Throughout the day inspirational talks on the live stage attracted huge crowds (Dame Kelly Holmes and Joe Wicks to name just two from the fantastic line-up). There were also all kinds of funky and holistic retail tents, food outlets and a free Smoothie bar.
Pledge Wall
One of my favourite areas in the festival was the Pledge Wall. People spent a quiet moment writing their own personal pledges for the year ahead on a note. It was then pinned to a wall. You could almost feel the energy and intentions coming from the wall when you were near it. I wonder if all these wonderful pledges would have been so different had we known what was going to happen in our world just a few months after. I think not. The most popular pledges were love, health and happiness, and still would be.
It was great to have the opportunity to work here, and to introduce reflexology to some for the first time . Many of the clients were amazed at how it can help with different conditions. They were also surprised at how it can easily become a pleasurable part of their health and wellbeing routine. The feedback was brilliant.
At the time of writing, the organisers are not sure if the festival will return in 2020, due to the current climate with Covid-19. Fingers crossed it will be back at some point!
Pledge Wall
