The Lawrenny Estuary in Pembrokeshire is possibly the most perfect place to reflect and relax, in front of the ever-changing and wildly beautiful landscape of the Cleddau River, and The Big Retreat is a festival with wellbeing and self-care at its heart. Billed as a “festival of the body and mind”, its return after three years provided a holistic nurturing experience which felt very different to the frantic pace of most festivals. Indeed, you’re likely to leave feeling better than when you arrived, thanks to a plethora of activities and experiences designed to nurture your soul, heal your heart and open your mind.
In the Energy Field, a variety of yoga practices including Vinyasa, Hatha and Kundalini were taught in two dedicated tents, tailored to suit both novices and master yogi. Following a few hours of yoga, we relaxed and meditated to the vibrations of a wonderful and immersive gong bath. It felt like a total mind and body cleanse, and left us feeling as though we had experienced a transcendental journey of the soul.
For the more adventurous, there were aerial yoga classes and demonstrations – amazing to watch – and for the more traditional fitness fan, the ever-youthful Mr. Motivator was on hand to deliver fitness routines in his celebrated, brightly coloured lycra threads. For those who prefer their exercise wet, there were wild swimming guided walks down to the estuary to dip at dawn and when the tides permitted throughout the day.
In keeping with its holistic approach, The Big Retreat also focused on food and nutrition, with a variety of cookery classes and dietary talks and even a laughter class in the Mind Tent. Following the pandemic, mental health was a real focus this year: self-help talks, meditation and rewilding activities designed to calm the soul and reconnect with nature were very popular. In fact, the most sought-after activity seemed to be the spoon carving in the Tangled Woods! Forest bathing, campfire stories around the Roaring Firepit, science talks at Darwin’s Den and bushcraft sessions attracted Retreaters of all ages, and Little Retreaters were well catered for with games, crafts and stories.
Of course, festivals and music are synonymous, and the Big Retreat definitely didn’t disappoint – with Glastonbury rockers Reef, Fun Lovin’ Criminals Huey Morgan going it solo, and Toploader delivering an energetic, crowd-pleasing set in the sunset-lit field (Reef, by contrast, rocked out in the rain). We left the Big Retreat feeling relaxed, reflective and reconnected with nature.
Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, Fri 3-Sun 5 June
Tickets for The Big Retreat 2023 are on sale now. Info: here
words SARAH EDWARDS photos OWEN HOWELLS PHOTOGRAPHY
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