Thank you, Into the Wild, from the heart.
In the heart of the forest, we found a sacred space to reconnect – with the Earth Mother, with our loved ones, our little community of kindred spirits, and with the deepest parts of ourselves. As we stepped away from the rush and noise of daily life, we laid down the burdens of expectation and the masks we so often wear. Slowly, the layers of who we thought we had to be fell away, revealing our true essence – pure, unbound and free.
A weekend escape
Our goal in spending time at the festival was to forget about our normal lives and for three days spend time relaxing, laughing, dancing, learning and making new friends. What we particularly liked about this festival was that profits go into nature recovery, helping wildlife and biodiversity.
There were more than 200 workshops to take part in over the weekend, with a huge choice providing something for everyone. We were immediately taken by how safe and friendly it was for children, and while ours, long grown up, weren’t with us, we appreciated how this setup would help harried parents to relax into the break.
The weather was changeable during the weekend, and although it rained and was very windy on Friday morning, by the afternoon the sun was shining. After witnessing the opening ceremony, we set off to survey what was available.
Learning new skills
With over 200 activities to choose from, we were spoilt for choice about where to start. If you would like to see what activities were on offer, click this link:- Workshop timetable.
I was particularly interested in attending some of the talks about paganism, drumming workshops and five-rhythm dancing, while my wife Pea decided on yoga, a poetry workshop and a soul writing session.
As we were wandering around, we came across an improvisation workshop which looked really fun, and so we stopped at the door and had a look. Everyone in the workshop seemed to be having a great time, getting up on the stage and improvising songs with a backdrop of guitars and drums played by the organisers – who we found out were called ‘The Way of Play‘.
We went back to another of their workshops on the Saturday: totally out of our comfort zone we learnt to do improvised rap, and we watched as a very shy child slowly came out of her clammed-tight shell and ended up in front of the mike on stage, bold and as comfortable as can be. It was remarkably joyous to witness.
Later, walking to the back of the field we discovered the craft area, primarily designed for children but not surprisingly full of adults, all keen to learn about some of the ancient crafts – such as flint knapping, felting, bow making, loom weaving – using natural materials and that are still practised worldwide.
Nourishment for our bellies
As a long-term festival goer of over 30 years, I have to say the food offering was a really high standard. There were, as you would expect, many stalls offering vegetarian and vegan food, but for the carnivorous amongst us there was a great choice too – Indian, Spanish, Thai, Mediterranean and English – to name just a few of the options. There was a lovely chai tent with amazing cakes and very chilled vibes – and, importantly, somewhere to rest weary feet for a minute and maybe meet up with friends.
There were no bars with alcohol, although you were welcome to bring your own, so drinks tents were a mix of smoothies, chai, juices and cacao.
Ethical shopping
While we had little inclination to go clothes shopping this weekend, again the choice and quality of the products in the boutique stalls were high, and also, more importantly, ethical and unusual. The stallholders came from all over the world and there were some really different offerings to the commercialised ‘tat’ that is normally found at festivals.
We have an important party coming up next year and my wife has been looking for the perfect dress for ages. While I was helping the stall holder fix her electrics and encouraging her not to electrocute herself, Pea found the perfect outfit (at a very reasonable price).
Moving in more ways than one
In the Enchanted Forest, we loved watching the bands, while children ran around the trees and up and down the sloping sides – safe as their parents could easily see them, but with none of the normal boundaries that restrict their freedom of expression and fun – laughing and playing together as they’re born to do.
Each evening we finished with dancing, whether it was in the chai tent, the love jam tent, or the main dance tent, where a variety of diverse musicians and really good DJs played new and familiar music while we danced and laughed till we dropped. What was particularly great about these was the inclusivity and diversity – there was everyone from tiny babies to grandparents and all colours and ethnicities, not something we see very often at other festivals we go to.
Nourishment for the soul
In summary, we came away feeling that together, we had laughed, danced, drummed, sung, learnt, and at times felt so joyful, as the wisdom and kindness demonstrated and shared by others nourished our souls.
Even when the skies opened, showering us with water and mud, it didn’t dampen our spirits. Instead, it lifted us. We embraced our inner child, splashing in puddles, playing in the mud, and remembering that life is about celebration, growth and love.
I found simple peace in the stillness of nature, away from the distractions of modern life, and felt the powerful connection between all of us. What I take away is a heart full of love, the beauty of simple connection, and a renewed sense of wonder at the magic of just being.
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