The ultimate feel good festival in the heart of the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park will return in 2022 with a line-up of excitement, adventure, music and magic in the shape of headliners Toploader, Reef, comedy from the likes of Scummy Mummies, plus wellbeing experts such as Richie Norton and the legendary Mr Motivator.
The Big Retreat comes back to help us find our feel good on June 3-6 next year, stimulating the senses and offering an escape into the gorgeous natural surroundings on the site of a former castle, offering a source of restorative energy, soul food for the mind and body after some challenging times – with over 200 activities and workshops by top experts including musicians, chefs, comedians, adventurers, fitness and yoga instructors, artists, authors and speakers.
Set in the Pembrokeshire village of Lawrenny, the music and wellbeing adventure began in 2017 and returns to this scenic area of Wales to offer a complete escape from the challenges we’re currently living through.
Organiser Amber Lort-Phillips said: “I’m so excited to make our first announcement on next year’s festival. We’re working with Orchard Live to enhance our offering with some amazing musical headliners, along with the fantastic activities that focus on people’s mental and physical health. We just can’t wait to welcome the Big Retreaters back next summer to laugh, sing, dance, share their stories and look after each other as they create memories for life.”
What’s the line up?
Toploader have sold over two million albums in a 20 year career, and they’ll get us dancing in the moonlight on the Friday; festival favourites Reef will headline the Saturday, joined on the bill by Rusty Shackle, Climbing Trees, comedians Scummy Mummies & Dr Ahmed and loads more outstanding entertainment. The Big Retreat 2022 will also feature over 200 free activities covered under the entry fee, from main stage music to cookery demonstrations, yoga classes and all kinds of workshops you can take part in, as much or as little as you like.
The fitness, breathwork and yoga workshops include classes with the legendary Mr Motivator, Richie Norton, Kim Ingleby, Natalie Garry and the Nordic Sisters.
The Adventure Stage will include tales of daring feats from the likes of best-selling author Jordan Wylie, Anna Mcnuff, Alistair Humphreys, Laura Bingham and big wave surfer Al Mennie.
The Cookery Tent will be headlined by the founder of Life Kitchen, Ryan Riley, and This Morning Chef Juliet Sear, plus forager Matt Powell.
Speakers and presenters include Matt Johnson and Countryfile presenter Sean Fletcher, Toni Jones, Sharoo Izadi and Ayo Akinwolere.
New features
New to The Big Retreat in 2022 are Darwin’s Den and The Roaring Fire Pit. Darwin has deep rooted links with Pembrokeshire and scientific discovery, so the festival gives you the opportunity to explore mind boggling and magical mud, snorkelling for science, how to capture carbon in your own backyard, and learning why plastic is not so fantastic. This new feature is curated by Dr Christian Dunn who will be serving up explosions, experiments and explanations; and the power of plants will be demonstrated by Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek, Ellen Mary Gardening, and landscape architect Marian Boswell
Guests will gather around The Roaring Fire Pit under the stars to hear tales of daring adventures from some of the UK’s leading adventurers, including, Jordan Wylie, Laura Bingham, Alistair Humphreys, Anna McNuff, Ayo Akinwolere, and Big Wave surfer Al Mennie. There’ll be telescopes and tales of astrology to take you on a stargazing journey to another galaxy, torch light swims and tales of sustainability and the environment.
The festival works equally for couples, friends or families looking to strengthen bonds. Together they can relax, reflect and recharge in the great outdoors.
How can I get tickets?
Due to rolling over tickets from 2019, and a limited capacity of 3,000 to maintain the unique appeal of the festival, there are a limited number of tickets available. To find your feel good and snap up your tickets, please go to www.thebigretreatfestival.com
