Wellness at a Festival 🌿 What I Learned in the Welfare Tent

Wellness is one of those big, stretchy words — it can mean so many things depending on who you ask. For some, it’s about physical health or eating well. For others, it’s about mental clarity, a sense of belonging, or feeling spiritually aligned.

This summer, I wanted to expand my own understanding of wellness — not just by practicing it, but by contributing to it. So my husband and I did something new: we signed up to be part of the welfare crew at music festivals.

Our first shift was on July 5th, and it was a beautiful, eye-opening experience.

🎪 Festivals & Wellness: Not an Obvious Pairing — But Maybe They Should Be

Festivals are usually associated with hedonism, chaos, and a whirlwind of sensory experiences. But tucked behind the noise and glitter is a quiet, often overlooked corner: the welfare tent.

That’s where we spent the day. And what I learned there is still settling in.

💬 Safe Spaces Matter — Especially for Neurodivergent People

Festivals can be incredibly overwhelming — especially for those who are neurodivergent. The crowds, noise, unpredictable energy, and constant stimulation can be a lot to process. Having a place to simply be — no expectations, no pressure — is vital. Sometimes, all someone needs is a seat, a friendly face, and a moment of stillness.

It reminded me how important it is to offer quiet support in loud places.

♿ Accessibility Is More Than Ramps

Even when festivals are well-meaning and include facilities for wheelchair users or others with physical access needs, it can still be exhausting just to get there, navigate the grounds, or find rest.

I realised that inclusion isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about empathy, awareness, and creating systems that make people feel genuinely welcome.

🧠 “Just In Case” Support Saves People

So many people visited the welfare tent simply because they needed to know someone was there — just in case. They weren’t in crisis, but they needed a reset, a conversation, or a moment to exhale. That kind of presence — soft, non-judgmental, and available — can make all the difference.

🕰️ I Would Have Used This in My 20s

There was a moment during my shift where I remembered myself in my twenties. I had been to festivals back then too — overwhelmed, overstimulated, unsure of what to do with my feelings. If welfare spaces like this had existed (or been visible), I would have absolutely used them.

Back then, we tended to medicalise overwhelm. Now, we’re finally starting to humanise it.

💛 Giving Back Feeds Your Own Wellness

Volunteering at a festival was a shift from taking it all in to giving something out. And that act of service — quiet, unseen, humble — left me feeling grounded. I felt like I was contributing to something that truly matters.

Sometimes, giving is the best wellness practice of all.

✨ Next Stop: Latitude Festival

This was just the beginning. My husband and I are heading to Latitude Festival next, continuing our journey of supporting others while learning more about ourselves. I’ll be sharing more from behind the scenes — from muddy boots to magical moments.

🌀 What Does Wellness Mean to You?

Take a moment to reflect:

Have you ever found wellness in an unexpected place?
What does a safe space look like for you?