Art and Craft at The Big Retreat Festival

Welcome to the Arts & Crafts at The Big Retreat 2027

Step into a world of colour, creativity and calm. Here you’ll find everything you need to explore the hands-on, heart-filling experiences that make our Arts & Crafts offering so special.

From mindful making to playful expression, 2027 brings even more opportunities to unleash your inner artist – whether you're trying something brand new or reconnecting with a forgotten passion.

Brush, carve, weave, paint… let’s get making!

Right in the heart of the Village Green, our Drop-In Arts & Crafts Station in the Mind Space is open daily from 10am to 4pm – ready to spark your creativity whenever inspiration strikes.

Whether you're taking a break between sessions or fancy a moment of mindful making, this is your space to get hands-on, unwind and create something meaningful.

Drop by and:

Weave a colourful friendship bracelet
Decorate your own memory stone to take home or leave behind
Try your hand at mindful knitting
Craft a unique piece of paper art to express yourself

No bookings, no pressure – just relaxed, joyful creativity for all ages. Pop in, stay as long as you like, and leave with something handmade and heartfelt.

In the Tangled Woods

Venture into the wilder side of The Big Retreat with our hands-on Bushcraft Area – a space to slow down, learn ancient skills, and connect more deeply with the natural world. These immersive, family-friendly experiences are suitable for all ages, with a mix of guided workshops, drop-in sessions and nature walks throughout the weekend.

Art and Craft Tent

Our small craft workshops are moving into a brand new Artisan Arts & Crafts space for 2027 – a cosy, creative hub at the heart of the festival.

Bookings for these sessions will open in November, so be sure to grab your festival tickets in advance if you’d like to take part – places always go quickly!

Workshops include:Lino Printing · Button Making · Spoon Carving · Macramé · Candle Making

Please note: for our more specialised 2–3 hour workshops, there will be a small additional charge (ranging from £10 to £30).

Darwins Den

Head to Darwins Den to take part in Cymbrogi Futures change maker arts and craft sessions .. you'll have the chance to craft your own story through words, art, and play.

Therapeutic Group Art Sessions – Creative Calm All Weekend

Step into a space of calm and creativity with our large group art sessions, running across the whole weekend at 1pm and 3pm daily. With 100 spaces per session, these workshops are designed to ease the mind, lift the mood and help you reconnect through simple, expressive art. No pressure, no experience needed – just come as you are.

Mini MasterpiecePaint without expectation. Create a vibrant canvas using playful techniques that soothe the mind and free the imagination.

Collage & Kind WordsSlow down with a cut-out collage postcard. Reflect, create, and write a note to your future self – a gentle moment of self-kindness.

Affirmation ArtA feel-good session to reinforce your worth and joy. Use words, colour and mindful making to create a piece that uplifts and empowers.

Colour Therapy PaintingLet your intuition lead. Guided by the principles of colour psychology, this workshop helps you explore and express your mood through colour.

All sessions are free to attend and offer a beautiful moment of stillness in the heart of the festival.