PSA: WellFest is going virtual and it’s for charity, so you can feel good on every level

For many of us, WellFest is an annual highlight.

It signals the beginning of summer, goes a long way towards motivating flagging intentions, and is one of the few festivals you leave feeling better than you arrived. And while we could all probably benefit massively from the WellFest ethos, atmosphere and environment right now, the much-loved event has been rightfully postponed during lockdown. All is not lost, however. Why? Well, Ireland’s largest health, fitness and wellness festival will be hosting an online event entitled ‘WellFest LIVE’ on the festival’s Instagram channel on May 9th and 10th - the same weekend the traditional event was due to take place. Run in association with KBC Ireland, the event will be free of charge, however those tuning in can choose to donate to WellFest’s charity partner Barretstown Children's Charity. So, what can you expect over the course of the weekend? Well, as close to the original line-up as possible. Believe us, organisers have gone all out to recreate the WellFest activities you know and love. From WellYoga, WellPilates, WellMind and WellFood to festival favourites including Roz Purcell, Faisal Abdalla and Maeve Madden, the gang behind the event organisers have thought of everything.

"We wanted to give our amazing followers and attendees something to look forward to, and we thought it would be a nice way to mark the dates when the festival was originally due to take place," WellFest co-founder Fionnualla Cleary explained.

“This is the first year we have an official charity partner and we are delighted to be working with Barretstown. It’s a really tough time for charities at the moment, as all fundraising events have had to be cancelled. So, while this is a completely free event, we are hoping that anyone who is in a financial position to do so might give a small donation to Barretstown," she added.

With a nod to those hosting talks, leading work-out sessions and teaching classes, Fionnualla said: “The presenters that we have lined up have been amazing and really generous with their time, as well as innovative with how they’re going to bring their offering to the online event."

"We’re really excited to bring all of these amazing people together and create a little bit of the WellFest magic for people at home, while supporting a great cause." Sounds like the perfect antidote to Lockdown Lethargy, right? The schedule for the weekend is as follows: Saturday – 

• The Food Medic (Dr Hazel Wallace) in conversation with Roz Purcell
• A parents and kids fitness session with MarcinsMonkeys
• The Strength Temple, AKA former rugby player Richie Norton, will be leading a ‘Mind Body Movements’ session
• Gerry Hussey will be speaking about the ‘power of our thoughts’
• Faisal Abdalla will be leading a ‘HIIT Rave Workout’

Sunday – 

• Lee Tracey will help kick start our day with a Morning Meditation, suitable for all levels and a great way to get warmed up for a full day of activities
• Maeve Madden will be leading a ‘Crunch & Burn’ session
• Parents and kids can join in for the Barretstown ‘Kids Craft’ session
• Dietitian Orla Walsh will be live to answer all your nutrition questions
• WellFest’s official gym partners FLYfit will close the two day event with their DanceFit class

Oh, and word to the wise - the main WellFest 2020 event is now scheduled to take place on September 26th and 27th 2020 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8.