The Big Retreat Wales, now in its third year, welcomed a daily footfall in the region of 2000 visitors to the stunning site at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with an edition that delivered an amazing fusion of all the things that make us feel good.
[aoa id=”1″]The festival ran from Friday 24th – Monday 27th May 2019 with a packed four-day schedule designed to stimulate the mind, body and soul and help adults and children to discover something truly wonderful. [/aoa]
A whopping 200 workshops and activities were enjoyed by festival-goers, including conversations with Toni Jones in the Talk Tent, menopause talk with Jennifer Kennedy and unlocking depression in what GP Dr Ahmed Kazmi has claimed as a career high. In addition, there were in-depth talks with Matt Johnson and Ben Bidwell aka The Naked Professors who bought conversations around mental health matters to a mainstream platform. Ben Bidwell commented on his visit to The Big Retreat, “On Monday I returned to London tired, but with a full heart having spent time in stunning nature, connected with beautiful people and inspired by wholehearted talks.”
Elsewhere instructors, tutors, gurus and mentors got festival-goers up and off their feet with yoga sessions and wild swimming – with over 200 new wild swimmers dipping their toes into the Cleddau over the weekend – as well as nature walks, art, crafting and dancing to name just a few. The Cook Tent was stuffed (literally!) with delicious foodie treats from the likes of Dirty Vegan Matt Pritchard, forager Matt Powell, Apprentice star Alana Spencer and Ryan Riley of Life Kitchen, UK’s first cancer cookery school which will be opened by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson on 4th June. With Lunchbox makeovers, Foodie Adventures and insect pakoras from Bug Farm Foods there was something for everyone. Food and drink lovers also got a chance to learn and discover more about the Festivals very own gin brand “The Cleddau Pineapple Gin”.
Amber Lort Phillips, Co-Founder of The Big Retreat Wales said: “We are overwhelmed by the level of support for The Big Retreat Wales this year, and by the sheer numbers of people who joined us to explore, discover and have fun in this beautiful part of the world. We’re hugely thankful to everyone involved in making this year’s Festival the biggest and best and now we look ahead to 2020. We want to keep our Festival numbers limited to ensure we maintain our vibe & sense of community and you can be sure we will also be surprising and delighting our returning customers!”
One visitor, Tim, said, “Simply the best festival in ages – so much love, understanding and happiness.” Another Big Retreater, Sian said, “An absolutely wonderful experience! So many activities to try in the most beautiful setting. The perfect retreat for singles, couples and families”.
The Big Retreat Wales returns next year from 22nd – 25th May 2020. Festival organisers have released a limited number of Super Early Bird tickets offering discounted tickets.
