This weekend I stepped into a little bubble of joy, calm, creativity and connection. I’m talking about the Happy Place Festival, which took over Gunnersbury Park on the 12th and 13th of July. I left feeling uplifted, sun-kissed and inspired.
Thinking about going next year or the Cheshire festival this August? Consider this your nudge. Whether you’re a self-development nerd like me or just curious to try something different, the Happy Place Festival is worth it. Bursting with activities, experiences and good vibes that make it one of the most empowering events I’ve ever been to.
A festival for the mind, body and soul
Let’s start with what the Happy Place Festival is all about. Curated by Fearne Cotton and her team, this wellness festival is a big hug for your mind, body and soul. The festival day flows through different zones, each bringing to life one of the core pillars: Sound, Meditation, Yoga, Craft, Nutrition, Movement, and Hormones. Yes, this event is all about wellness, and it caters to every part of you.
You can dip in and out of talks, try out new fitness classes, chill under the trees while listening to poetry, or get creative in a craft workshop. It’s an immersive and joyful experience that makes you feel like you’re part of something special.
Going solo? You’ll feel right at home
“I get it – you’re a happy little hermit, you like being at home.”
Same. But trust me when I say, this is one of those events that’s absolutely worth stepping out for.
A lot of people feel nervous about going to things on their own, but honestly, just go. I went solo and I’m so glad I did. The minute I stepped off the train, I spotted a several girls with yoga mats, some in pairs, some alone and simply asked, “Are we all going to the same place?” They smiled, replied ‘Happy Place?’ and we walked to the festival together chatting about our plans for the day. It was effortless and kind, and that vibe carried through the whole festival.
During activities, I chatted with other women who had also come alone, some local, some who had travelled across the country. There was zero judgement. No one batted an eyelid. It felt inclusive and open and I genuinely think going alone allowed me to be more present and more connected.
Activities, movement and magical moments
There’s so much to get involved with at Happy Place Festival. From the Talk Stage to the Centre Stage, every corner is full of energy, creativity and good vibes.
I headed to the Yoga Tent (supported by Sweaty Betty), to take part in a Deep Beats Barre class with Yasmeen Mohamed. Despite the 30-degree heat, the energy was electric. Yasmeen’s warmth and enthusiasm were infectious, she encouraged us all to move for ourselves, to find our own limits and more importantly – enjoy it. She was fantastic, everyone felt welcome and I walked out feeling strong, happy and just a little bit glowy (read: very sweaty).
Over at the Centre Stage, there was a load of sessions to get stuck into, from yoga and dance to breathwork and poetry. It had such a warm, welcoming vibe, with people of all ages getting involved. No pressure, no judgement, just fun. Everything on the Centre Stage is free, so you can throw down your mat, try something new and enjoy being part of the Happy Place community.
Don’t forget to head back there at the end of the day, there’s live music to close the festival, and it’s the perfect way to wind down and soak up those final golden hour vibes.
Talks that mattered
The Talk Stage is home to live podcast recordings, discussion and inspiring interviews. From Fearne Cotton’s own Happy Place Podcast to inspiring guest speakers, there’s so much to listen to.
What stood out most to me was how inclusive it all felt. Fearne gave an audio description before each session and there was a sign language interpreter on stage for every talk. It was a simple but powerful reminder that wellness should be accessible to all.
The Rewriting the Y2K Beauty Narrative panel was thought-provoking and important, a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much more awareness we need, especially around the messages we take in online.
Julia Bradbury was as warm and open as you’d imagine, chatting about how to live longer and healthier and Dame Kelly Holmes gave one of the most powerful talks of the weekend. She spoke with honestly about her time in the army, the Olympics and her journey to coming out later in life and why she felt she had to keep it quiet for so long. She touched on mental health, her new lease of life navigating the menopause and the power in finally living as her authentic self. Her story was emotional, inspiring and left the whole audience in awe. I bought her book the second her talk ended.
Speaking of books, the Book Stall is packed with gorgeous reads, all of Fearne Cotton’s books, plus titles from the Happy Place Book Club. You can even meet some of the guest speakers for signings and grab a photo so it’s definitely worth a browse.
Music, creativity and community
If you fancy something a little bit more chilled, the Expressive Arts area is where you want to be. I wandered through this space to the sounds of live music and poetry readings under the shady trees. It felt like a pocket of calm within the festival, a place to just sit, listen and feel.
There is plenty of nourishing food and drink on offer. The street food stalls were all vegetarian, with lots of vegan options. Every vendor focused on sustainability and mindful living and it really showed in the quality and care behind each dish. The Cub Coffee frozen Kinder latte was just what I needed after a sweaty barre session.
You won’t find alcohol at Happy Place Festival and honestly, that felt so refreshing. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle – the refill stations around the festival are perfect for keeping cool in the sunshine. Oh, and there’s luxury loos – clean, comfortable facilities that made the whole day feel that little bit more lovely.
There were also plenty of fun props and colourful photo spots dotted around the park, perfect for capturing those happy festival moments.
There’s even a Children’s Corner, perfect if you’re bringing the family along. It’s a bright, fun space with free activities like crafts, face painting and movement sessions. There’s plenty to keep kids entertained, and it’s a great way to share the day and let them soak up the festival magic too.
The Shopping Village was another highlight, showcasing indie brands focused on wellness, sustainability and creativity. I picked up a handmade candle and had lovely chats with stall owners who were genuinely passionate, with no hard sell, just great conversations.
One stall that caught my eye was Weird Stock, with bold, retro-inspired bedding. The best part? Their products are made with people and the planet in mind. Johanna, who runs it, was lovely to chat with and really passionate about what she does.
Should you go? 100% Yes
If you’re thinking about going next year or eyeing up the Cheshire edition at Tatton Park on 30 & 31 August, I can’t recommend it enough.
Whether you want to take a yoga class, listen to honest conversations, eat amazing food, or just be around good people, Happy Place Festival delivers. It’s joyful, welcoming, and a full-on hug for your soul.
Don’t wait for someone to come with you. Go for you. Say hello to strangers. Dance in the sunshine. Sign up for that class even if you’re nervous. You’ll be so glad you did.
Day and weekend tickets are available, just a heads-up that there’s no camping at either festival, so you’ll want to plan travel or accommodation nearby if you’re making a full weekend of it.
See you there?
So if you’ve got a bit of FOMO from this weekend, don’t worry, you’ve got another chance. The Happy Place Festival Cheshire takes place at Tatton Park on 30 and 31 August, and you better believe I’m tempted to go again.
Until then, I’ll be soaking in the good energy, replaying Yasmeen’s barre beats in my head and reaching for my yoga mat with a big happy grin on my face.
See you at your happy place. 💫
For more details visit The Happy Place website.
Happy Place Festival FAQ
The Happy Place Festival skips the alcohol, so everyone can fully dive into wellness, creativity, and connection.
No, bringing your own alcohol isn’t allowed. This keeps the festival inclusive, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
The Happy Place Festival the festival first took place at Chiswick House and Gardens in 2019 and has since grown into a celebration of wellness, creativity, and connection.
The festival teams up with wellness-focused brands such as Sweaty Betty, Dove, Tempur, British Airways, Frenchic, and Never Fully Dressed, all sharing its mission of positivity and mindful living.
Tickets typically range from £46.75 for a day pass. Check the official Happy Place Festival website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Yes! The Children’s Corner offers crafts, face painting, and movement sessions, keeping kids entertained while adults enjoy the wellness activities and talks.
Bring a reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, sun protection, a yoga mat if you want to take part in classes, and an open mind ready for fun, connection, and creativity.
