By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
What comes to mind when you think of British summer festivals? Thumping basslines, moshing crowds and tens of thousands of voices chanting iconic lyrics in unison? Well, naturally, but the festival scene extends beyond the Glastonburys and All Points Easts of this world. In fact, there is a thriving culture of festivals that celebrate other facets of culture and the arts. From literature and comedy to food and wellness, this month, we’re rounding up some of the finest festivals outside the music scene. Just don’t forget your wellies…
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
4th – 28th August
The largest arts festival in the world, Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes over the storied Scottish city for the month of August every year to celebrate the very best in comedy, theatre, dance, cabaret, poetry and even circus. The festival is an incubator for some of the finest emerging talent: big names like Rowan Atkinson, Graham Norton and Mel & Sue found their fame thanks to the festival. Established performers also flock to the city for the festival, making lineups excitingly unpredictable. The decentralised nature of the festival means that shows by all kinds of performers take place in unlikely venues, from pubs to parks, people’s homes, and of course, established performance venues.
Book your tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/
Hay Festival of Literature & Arts
May 25th – June 4th
A globally recognised hub for lovers of literature and the arts, Hay Festival brings together the leading luminaries of the sector. Expect to rub shoulders with the greatest authors, journalists, performers and philosophers of our time. Named for its location, Hay-on-Wye in Wales, the festival has taken place there since the late ‘80s. A classically British affair, the festival is surrounded by lots of pretty cottages, B&Bs, campsites and even yurt sites for visitors looking for a more authentic festival experience. Every year, the festival offers a packed schedule of talks, readings, workshops and debates, and now it’s on the horizon, festival-goers should book now to avoid disappointment.
Book your tickets: https://www.hayfestival.com/home
Cheltenham Literature Festival
6th – 15th October
The Cheltenham Literature Festival is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious literary events. The Cheltenham Festival organisers are also responsible for music festivals, including a jazz-specific event, The Cheltenham Jazz Festival, which wrapped up on 1st May this year. Its literature festival features talks and readings from some of the world’s most celebrated authors. Its 2023 programme is yet to be announced, but visitors should expect thought provoking workshops on language, history, reading and philosophy.
Book your tickets: https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/
Big Feastival
25th – 27th August
Now, while this might look like cheating, I promise it’s not. While Big Feastival does include musical acts in its impressive lineups and takes place on Blur bassist, Alex James’ farm in the Cotswolds, it’s not just a music festival. It also brings Michelin-star chefs and street food greats into the picture for an exciting weekend of entertainment for your ears and your tastebuds. Visitors have the opportunity to sample food from across the world, participate in workshops, and attend demos, talks and interviews with food world experts. Big Feastival is also kid-friendly. Beyond eating, the extensive programming offers the opportunity to take part in crafting and wilding workshops, as well as interactive cookery sessions.
Book your tickets: https://thebigfeastival.com/
ALSO Festival
14th – 16th July
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, this diverse and eclectic festival has been dubbed an event of wellness and ideas. Taking place on the beautiful Park Farm in Warwick, the festival also incorporative comedy performances, music and food. On the wellness side, visitors can enjoy sound bath sessions in a natural amphitheater, Tai Chi classes, creative writing sessions, herbal tea ceremonies and insightful talks on topics from manifestation to misinformation. ALSO’s lineup of keynote speakers includes author and activist Nimco Ali, comedian Sara Pascoe and Labour MP Jess Philips.
Book your tickets: https://www.also-festival.com/
Weightlifting and How It Changed My Life
By Mirella, Personal Trainer – Mirella Fitness
Many women opt for hours of cardio in their fitness routines and neglect the power of weightlifting. I was always a cardio bunny, spending hours pounding the streets around my hometown. I loved it…it gave me an escape. But I never achieved the type of body I wanted. I also enjoyed workouts with weights, classes at the gym, home workouts via VHS, but it wasn’t anything serious. By serious, I mean, lifting real weight!
Like many women, I was all about the ‘burn’, and that was only felt through smashing myself with lots of endurance! Hours pounding the streets or the treadmill. It wasn’t until I got serious about the weights that I realised how addictive building strength could be. And how easy it can be to change my body and maintain the results.
There are many misconceptions about women and weightlifting, particularly when it comes to women’s physical appearance. Not only can lifting weights help women achieve their fitness goals, but the health benefits (both mental and physical) are huge. Here are just a few…
- Increased muscle mass – not only does it make you look leaner, but it raises your BMR (calories your body burns at rest). This means you’ll need to eat more to maintain your muscles, win win!
- Increases strength – from the age of 30, women begin to atrophy (lose muscle) so it really is important to strength train so you can continue to carry shopping, sit on the toilet, climb stairs or even mountains as you go into old age!
- It’s fun – weight lifting itself is a fun and effective form of exercise. Using your newfound strength to do things you couldn’t previously do, like a chin up!
- Confidence – knowing your own strength (and knowing how easy it is to get stronger) is a huge confidence booster, not to mention going into the gym and feeling like you are a warrior woman! Forget the cardio for achieving a toned body… weights are where it’s at!
- You can shape and sculpt your body – weight training gives you the ability to focus on certain muscle groups and attain the physique you desire. Some of my favourite exercises for women focus on achieving perky glutes!
- Bone health – women’s bones are at risk of osteoporosis as we age. Lifting weights increases bone density, particularly around menopause, and helps keep bones healthy.
As well as the many benefits above, weightlifting also helped me to build a better relationship with food. I now love food, without having a guilty relationship with it. I no longer restrict myself or use it as punishment. Instead, it nurtures my body and fuels my workouts.
As a Personal Trainer, I have really enjoyed helping so many women learn to lift safely and effectively, and ultimately find a love for lifting weights too!
So, if you’re tired of working out endlessly, living a miserable life by restricting foods and calories, and still not seeing the results you want, then perhaps it’s time to look at how weights could make you feel amazing!
Luxury Boat Staycations
By Amira Hashish
There is something so soothing about being close to the water. So how about spending the night afloat? From a ‘boatel’ close to Edinburgh’s historic centre to a lakeside hideaway in Wales and a central London luxury barge, here are some characterful staycations that you can enjoy on your very own houseboat…
Mistery 2, Falmouth
This characterful barge is beautiful inside and out. She sits alongside her own quay, dating back to 1720, which was connected to the famous Perran Foundry to export castings around the world and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The creative owners have incorporated the history and nature into an escape that feels very special. The two bedrooms are set at each end of the ship and sunshine streams in through the port windows throughout the day. The master has an en-suite shower room and separate toilet. The second cabin has a V-shaped double bed, which can also be turned into two singles so this spot could work well for families or a getaway with friends. Recycled materials are used throughout. Our favourite design nod is in the kitchen surfaces which have been carefully hand-crafted from recycled Falmouth dock pilings.
Book: From £115 per night, uniquehideaways.com
Woodfarm Barges, Suffolk
These Dutch Sailing Barges go way back to the late 1800s and ooze character. Onderneming is moored at Snape Maltings on the River Alde and sleeps up to eight, whilst Twee Gebroeders is at the Tidemill in Woodbridge on the River Deben and can accommodate up to four. Both are dog friendly and all the owners pride themselves on the little details to make you feel at home including a welcome breakfast basket filled with local produce. Snape Maltings has a fabulous farmers market too.
Book: from around £140 per night, woodfarmbarges.com
The Boathouse, Central London
Fancy a night on the water in London? The Boathouse Paddington-West is a one-bedroom bolthole that can accommodate up to four guests by converting the lounge into a second bedroom. The wide beam barge has a cosy, Scandinavian style and the private roof deck is a dreamy spot to watch the sunset. It is very handily located next to Paddington Basin’s buzzy boat restaurants including London Shell Co. and Darcie & May Green. Little Venice and Maida Vale are around the corner. You can book add-ons such as spa treatments or Champagne on arrival if you are in the mood to splash out.
Book: From £360 per night, boathouselondon.co.uk
The Four Sisters, Edinburgh
The Four Sisters family are bringing boatels to Edinburgh and the latest member is The Camillia. Built by the craftsmen at Collingwood Boat Builders in Liverpool, sustainability is at the forefront. Sleeping up to eight adults, from three private two-bed cabins and a double sofa bed in the lounge area, it is ideal for a family getaway. Pets are welcome too. Permanently moored in Lochrin Basin, just a 10-minute walk from the historic city centre, this is a fun place to unwind after a day exploring the sights.
Book: From £220 per night, thefoursisters.co.uk
The Lakes by Yoo, Lechlade
Luxury rural estate The Lakes by Yoo has a collection of waterside cabins and apartments that are super sumptuous. They have been thoughtfully designed by YOO Studio, founded by international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox, alongside celebrated designer Philippe Starck. The nine two-bedroom cabins and 18 three-bedroom apartments are available for short bookings, with guests able to opt for two-night stays. With sustainable touches throughout, including natural and local materials such as Cotswold stone and locally woven willow, the aesthetic of these new spaces blends seamlessly with its rural surroundings. Highlights include a split-level deck overlooking Marley Lake and a four-poster bed with views over the lake.
Set amongst 850-acres of nature, The Lakes is a wilderness oasis with facilities and activities that range from fishing and boating to tennis and zip-wiring. A dedicated concierge service is able to arrange bespoke experiences and events.
Book: From around £400 per night, thelakesbyyoo.com
Lodge on a Lake, Cardiff
Just a 20-minute drive from Cardiff City Centre lies a secret lakeside escape nestled in 35 acres of lush Welsh countryside. On a family farm in Michaelstone-y-fedw, Bridgefarm has been in the same family for more than 100 years but it was during the early 90s that Cefn Mably Lakes was constructed. A successful fishing business blossomed and this was voted number one spot in the UK for carp fishing. The lodges are the latest venture and part of a vision for turning the farm into the Welsh capital’s most coveted retreat.
This is a couples only resort and prides itself on its seclusion. Cabins come with private hot tubs and are perched over the lake so you can soak up the bubbles from the comfort of your deck.
Book: £280 per night, lodgeonalake.com