Bristol is set to host its very first Festival of Wellbeing on Saturday, 20th September 2025, at the scenic Westbury Wildlife Park. Organized by the award-winning charity The Wave Project, this unique event aims to celebrate mental health, community connection, and the healing power of nature. Open to families, individuals, and wellbeing enthusiasts, the festival promises a full day of immersive workshops, creative arts activities, nature experiences, and live music. All proceeds from the festival will directly support The Wave Project’s mission to provide Surf Therapy programmes for young people in Bristol, helping them build confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
Festival Highlights: Workshops, Music, and Creative Experiences
The Bristol Festival of Wellbeing offers something for everyone, with a thoughtfully curated programme that blends physical, mental, and creative wellbeing. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of workshops designed to support relaxation, mindfulness, and personal growth. From Hatha Yoga and Tai Chi to Mobility Training for Surfers and Mellow Slow Flow Yoga, there’s an activity for every level and interest. Children and young people are also invited to join sessions such as Mindfulness for Growing Minds, helping them navigate emotions and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Beyond workshops, festivalgoers can immerse themselves in Fire & Ice Sauna and Swim sessions, a unique wellness experience offering both adult-only and parent/carer sessions. Meanwhile, the Nature Hub encourages connection with the natural world through Wildlife Scavenger Hunts, guided Wildlife Safari Walking Tours, Birdsong Bingo, and engaging talks about the local environment.
Creative expression also takes centre stage at the Art Hub, where visitors can enjoy face painting, nature-inspired temporary tattoos, collaborative mural projects, and drop-in art activities for young people. The Makers Market further showcases Bristol’s local talent, featuring artisans such as She Surfs, Nicko Photo, Jaine Rose Art & Illustration, and Ocean Rose Silver Jewellery, alongside wellness services like Indian Head Massage treatments. The festival also features live music performances from local bands Double Double and Larkwolves, creating a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere for all attendees.
Workshops & Wellness: Mind, Body, and Emotional Wellbeing
The Bristol Festival of Wellbeing offers an extensive range of workshops across two serene locations within Westbury Wildlife Park: the River Room Studio and the Woodland Yurt. These sessions are designed to nurture physical and mental wellness, providing attendees with tools to relax, recharge, and reconnect.
At the River Room Studio, participants can engage in:
Rest and Restore Hatha Yoga with Jessie, a gentle practice focused on flexibility and calm.
T’ai Chi with Mick, combining movement and breath to promote balance and mindfulness.
Mobility Training for Surfers with Niall, helping attendees improve strength, posture, and agility.
Mellow Slow Flow Yoga with Antonia, a soothing session for both beginners and seasoned yoga practitioners.
Finding Your Balance: Journaling and Meditation for Wellbeing with Monika, providing reflective exercises to support mental clarity and emotional resilience.
The Woodland Yurt Workshops offer immersive, nature-connected experiences including:
Interactive Breathwork Workshop with Connor, exploring the power of conscious breathing for stress relief and emotional balance.
Autumnal Deep Rest Practice with Rowan, a restorative session to rejuvenate body and mind.
Sound Healing with Selkie Sounds, using vibrations and music to encourage relaxation and inner harmony.
Mindfulness for Growing Minds with Leia, specially designed to support children’s emotional wellbeing and resilience.
In addition, festival attendees can take part in Fire & Ice Sauna and Swim Sessions, run in partnership with Fire & Ice Wellness. Adults can enjoy dedicated swim and sauna slots from 12–1pm, 1–2pm, and 3–4pm, while a Parent & Carer session from 2–3pm includes childcare support via Nature Nook, allowing families to relax together safely.
All workshops require pre-booking, and a general admission ticket is necessary for participation. These sessions offer a rare opportunity to explore wellbeing practices in a supportive, community-focused environment, while also connecting with nature and creativity.
Nature & Art Experiences: Explore, Create, and Connect
The Bristol Festival of Wellbeing goes beyond workshops, offering a variety of nature and art activities that are included with general admission. At the Nature Hub, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Westbury Wildlife Park and participate in family-friendly, educational experiences. Highlights include:
Wildlife Scavenger Hunt – a fun activity for children and families to discover hidden corners of the park.
Guided Wildlife Safari Walking Tour – explore habitats and learn about local flora and fauna from expert guides.
Birdsong Bingo – a playful way to engage with nature while developing observational skills.
Panel Talk: Framing the Wild – Nature as Inspiration – a discussion with photographers and filmmakers sharing insights into capturing the wild.
Q&A on the History of Westbury Park – providing context about the park’s role in local conservation.
What We Can Do for Nature – an educational talk encouraging attendees to consider ways to support and protect wildlife.
Meanwhile, the Art Hub allows visitors to engage creatively, offering:
Face painting and nature-inspired temporary tattoos for all ages.
Collaborative mural projects exploring the theme “What Does Wellbeing Mean to You?”
Drop-in art and creative play activities designed to encourage imagination and self-expression in children.
The Makers Market showcases the creativity and skill of local Bristol artisans and small businesses. Attendees can browse and purchase unique handcrafted items, including:
She Surfs – surf-inspired goods and accessories
Ocean Rose Silver Jewellery – handmade jewellery
Nicko Photo – professional photography services
Jaine Rose Art & Illustration – original artworks
Bristol Girls Surf Club – supporting local youth surf initiatives
Uppy Bags – sustainable, handmade bags
Drop-in Indian Head Massage Treatments – providing quick relaxation sessions
Together, these activities offer a vibrant blend of nature, creativity, and community, ensuring there’s something for everyone while supporting a good cause.
Supporting Young People Through Surf Therapy
At the heart of the Bristol Festival of Wellbeing is its mission to support The Wave Project, an award-winning UK charity using Surf Therapy to help young people struggling with mental health challenges. All funds raised during the festival go directly towards providing more young people in Bristol with access to life-changing surf therapy courses, which build confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
One powerful example of the charity’s impact comes from Ava, a young participant who faced severe anxiety before joining The Wave Project. According to her parent, “When Ava was referred to The Wave Project she was suffering from crippling anxiety; she couldn’t sleep, wouldn’t go anywhere, and struggled to try anything new. Last week she took part in her school play, went to see Taylor Swift, and went surfing—stood up and caught the wave effortlessly. Surfing has given her confidence to try new things and believe in herself.”
Two years on, Ava still attends the Wave Project Surf Club and is planning to become a Surf Mentor later this year, helping other young people access the same transformative experience she did. By attending the festival, the community is directly contributing to this kind of positive impact, helping more young people gain confidence, overcome challenges, and embrace opportunities for growth.
Tickets & Participation: How to Join the Festival
Attending the Bristol Festival of Wellbeing is simple and open to everyone interested in a day of relaxation, creativity, and community connection. General admission tickets are priced at £12 for adults and £8 for children, granting access to the festival grounds, including all Nature Hub and Art Hub activities, the Makers Market, and live music performances.
For those wishing to participate in workshops or Fire & Ice Sauna and Swim sessions, pre-booking is required in advance to secure a spot. All workshop and sauna experiences are led by expert facilitators, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for attendees of all ages.
Tickets can be purchased directly via The Wave Project website www.waveproject.co.uk, making it easy for individuals, families, and wellbeing enthusiasts to plan their visit. By booking a ticket, attendees are not only enjoying a full day of engaging activities but are also supporting The Wave Project’s vital work in helping more young people in Bristol access transformative Surf Therapy programmes.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Wellbeing and Community
The Bristol Festival of Wellbeing offers a unique opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate mind, body, and emotional health in a vibrant, supportive environment. With a full day of workshops, creative activities, nature experiences, live music, and local artisan stalls, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
More importantly, the festival serves a meaningful purpose: raising funds for The Wave Project to expand its Surf Therapy programmes, giving young people in Bristol the chance to build confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. By attending, every participant contributes to this important cause while experiencing the healing power of nature, creativity, and community connection.
Whether you are a family, an individual seeking relaxation, or someone passionate about supporting youth mental health, the Bristol Festival of Wellbeing promises an inspiring and unforgettable day. Don’t miss this chance to connect, create, and contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference.
