We checked out the long-awaited Awakening Festival of Wellbeing at Northwood House on the Isle of Wight this week and it was fantastic.

The only introduction to give to you about this event is the one organiser Kate Taylor gave everyone pre-event in her programme.

‘I cannot tell you how freaking happy I am that you are here. It’s been quite the journey over the last three years since the first Awakening Festival took place. Most likely what has shaped the last couple of years is the very reason you are here. I am so grateful you are.

We know how much it’s taken for you to be here- physically and energetically. It can often mean leaping hurdles before you give yourself permission to take time for you, and you have taken the leap, so let us take care of you.

It’s the reason the festival is here, so that you can don the oxygen mask of self-care. What’s in store for you over the next couple of days is everything you will need to fill your cup.

When I was feeling into the theme for this year, JOY & CONNECTION came through loud and clear.

After the challenges of the last few years, and the ongoing pressures of everyday life, joy can often be put on the back burner, and yet it is the moments of JOY that help us come back to ourselves time and time again, and help us even in the toughest of times.

And CONNECTION because, well, again, we don’t have to talk about the last few years, but disconnection from others and ourselves is not good for any of us.

You will find joy and connection woven throughout every element of the festival. So, here it is… The Awakening, your time for you. Make it your own.’

The event, packed with an assortment of wellbeing professionals raring to support festival goers was quite the site. Sessions were run by some rather incredible individuals including, ‘Bringing the Joy’ on the Joyful Wellbeing stage with Kate Taylor, Donna Easton, Carolyn Creel, Samantha Mayo and many more.

The glitter party was a favourite highlight of mine with live DJ sets, yoga raves, menopause comedy and a feel good dance battle with a silent disco.

Treating ourselves to a card reading and massage in the zen zone was rather fun before we headed over to grab a cup of kindness with a slice of cake on the lawn.

One of my absolute highlights was watching Miss Autumn Star featuring the Burlesque Belles on the Joyful main stage. She was incredible! What a woman!

Sparking conversations was a great area to get involved in with workshops around empowering yourself and others. I also really enjoyed, ‘The journey Sessions’ with Mel Burrows sound salutation sound sessions and sound alchemy with Josephine Warren.

So much was going on at this festival that it was hard not to find something that you couldn’t connect with. I met Southsea locals representing their business, Therapia Pura in the market area. They were glorious to chat too and have such a beautiful brand with lots of products to support health and wellbeing, all gorgeously packaged.

The festival was a long time coming at a time when people most needed it and the vibe was that people can’t wait for it to be back. A smashing weekend, a cracking festival that was easy to access with our pals at the Wightlink Ferry. A must attend for next year!

Website: awakeningfestival.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/awakeningweekend
Instagram: instagram.com/awakeningweekend

Photos: Radoslaw Krol