I’ve never been to Body & Soul Festival before. I’ve heard stories of course from friends who had gone before me but nothing could capture or put into words the magic of the festival quite like experiencing it for yourself.
Festival Day had finally arrived. I packed my car full of sleeping bags, cans and of course friends who I had met at Life Festival who quickly became like a family to me. We shared the mantra “Your Vibe Attracts Your Soul Tribe”. It wasn’t long before we set off in an excited convoy of cars and camper vans. We got lost several times on motorways and twisted back roads but it was a delight to be met with sun-kissed country air and cow studded fields.
The temperature reaching easily 25° was unheard of for Ireland so there were no complaints that the journey was taking longer than expected. While quarrelling with each other on our navigational skills and a few twists and turns we were pleased that we finally found some gentlemen in workers high vis jackets, that assured us we had arrived at the festival.
A2, that was us our home for the weekend. It wasn’t long until we had our festival chairs out, cracking cans and jokes alike. Soon to be joined by “THE DEREKS”, a name which we bestowed upon on our car park security friends. After settling in and greeting the rest of our Festival Family we set out to find the entrance so we could gain our luminous wristbands and begin a weekend filled with fun, friendship and what turned out to be beautiful lifelong memories.
Upon walking into the main arena of the festival, one was met by a diverse crowd of like-minded people, ravers, dancers, campers, hippies, groovers and shakers of all kinds and for the first time, Children. I have never been to a Music Festival or Dance Event that welcomed children and family. However, it actually added a certain childlike magic and wonder to the overall ambience and experience of the weekend. In every corner and every minute detail heartfelt effort was made, from hand scripted signs hung from trees to fairy lights strategically placed on funky little huts where random friendships were soon to be formed.
The following days were spent meandering through wild forests to the unknown. You could roam freely finding refuge from the midday sun amongst the trees. The sun met with melodic disco beats as music filled the air. The whole festival was scattered with Bo-Ho boutiques with hand-crafted novelties and food stalls catering to all tastes and delightful cocktail huts that played 80s classics as we sipped on peach daiquiris in the sun.
In the Sanctuary one was greeted by peaceful melodies from a Ukele played by a woman perched upon a tree branch. Good vibes and good auras were home here and one could avail of numerous holistic treatments for the mind, the body and the soul. Including massage, Reiki treatments, and avail of delicious kale smoothies or vegan treats or practice meditation or yoga.
Fun was to be had everywhere, from the children waiting excitedly at the carnival for their turn to ride on the carousel, to the Absolute Bar Dance tent which played an array of music from Funk to Disco, to the Reckless in Love area. My personal favourite was a 4am forest rave which gathered the music-loving night owls.
On the main stage, there was traditional Irish music playing softly to the crowd as everybody gave their best attempt of a high reel jig. There were many dance tents and huts with a huge variety of acts and entertainment. If music wasn’t your main focus for the weekend you could enjoy a giggle at the comedy tent which played host to the Irish Comedy legend Tommy Tiernan.
On Saturday the drums banged and the people cheering and rainbow flags were flung in the air throughout the campsite as the festival welcomed Mother and Gay Pride to celebrate Oneness & Pride in Diversity.
The whole festival was beautifully decorated with spirituality. Around a bend and through the trees lay a wish. A handmade star for every person ” The best things in life are free, place a small wish upon the tree”. Wonderful and filled with magic and hope, something you don’t see too often at “Star Studded” lineup festivals.
Overall the weekend was wonderful playing home to many cherished memories I shall hold dear forever. The star-filled skies at night hung over the deep and meaning full conversations had with friends. The game of beer pong we played in the car park in the scorching sun and the vibes of a community of like-minded people who were also there to have a good time.
Singing beneath the trees where pigs could fly as children’s laughter filled the air. The music which seemed to cling from tree to tree or the overall common idea that we all held true to our hearts. This was the first festival I had ever been to that the priority was geared towards the people and the environment rather than musical line up placing a strong emphasis on the fact that all we need in life is love, art, music and each other,
Thank You, Body & Soul truly the weekend was magic and one which I hope to repeat next year. Namaste.
Body & Soul Festival Website: http://bodyandsoul.ie
