Covid-19 Update

We are monitoring updates daily from the Welsh and UK Governments and from Public Health Wales. As you can appreciated, the situation remains dynamic regarding large events and gatherings and any decision we make will be governed first and foremost by the Welsh and UK Governments or from Public Health Wales. Should the Big Retreat Wales be postponed until a later date, any fully purchased tickets will remain valid and rollover for our next get together. You are part of the Big Retreat family now and we want to keep in touch, to keep sharing the positivity and ensure our little community sticks together through some challenging times ahead.

Accessibility

The Big Retreat team are working hard to make the festival as accessible as possible. If you have any suggestions or have any questions about accessibility at the festival, please don’t hesitate to email hello@thebigretreatwales.co.uk

Accessible Parking

We have accessible parking on the main site along a hardstanding road. To reserve an accessible parking space, please contact amber@thebigretreatwales.co.uk . You must display your blue badge in your car upon arrival and throughout.

Free Personal Assistant Tickets

We operate a free personal assistant ticket. You are automatically eligible for this scheme if you can supply one of the following:

• Front page of DLA / PIP (no specific rate required)
• Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required)
• Evidence that registered severely sight impaired (blind)
• Recognised Assistance Dog ID card

Accessible Camping

We provide an accessible camping area very close to the main festival site. The area is grassy but firm and close by to a hard standing roadway, (which continues onto the main site and back down to reception). We will send out car passes to anyone that has booked accessible camping 2 weeks prior the festival. This camping area will open at 9am (one hour before the standard opening time, so you can set up and relax for the festival). You will be able to pitch your tent to the left of your car. This area will also have a accessible toilet and water point close by. Both the festival entrance and First Aid are manned 24 hours a days, so there will always be someone close by if you need assistance.

Can I bring my well behaved Dog?

No we are really sorry - we are set on an organic farm and we cannot allow dogs. We do have a really lovely boarding kennels right in the Village - To Book contact Broadlane Kennels, Lawrenny SA68 0PS or call 01646 651049. No cats, parrots, lizards, hamsters or other pets either -- much as we love them, this event is not for them.

Solo Travellers

The big retreat is great for the solo traveller as you have a fantastic opportunity to make some new friends and share some fantastic memories. We have set up a Facebook group so you can connect before the festival please feel free to join and start chatting to fellow guests. Click here We have organised 2 catch up sessions in 2020

• 7.00pm on Friday 22nd May
• 12.00pm on Saturday 23rd May for late arrivals

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

We are family friendly. Under 5's can come for Free and 6 -15 year olds have their own concession ticket. Under 14's will not have access to some of the fitness & wellness classes but there will be kids yoga, theatre, circus skills and other activities for our younger guests, as well as classes you all might like (eg Bushcraft, spoon carving etc.) Strictly over 18's in the Gin Sessions! We may ask to see ID's to verify ages of under 12's.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

We have a private car park (in an old walled garden next to the Camping Site) for up to 700 cars. Or if you don't fancy driving, come by Train - nearest station is Narberth which is about 15 mins from Lawrenny.

What can/can't I bring to the event?

Pack you sense of adventure, a yoga mat, a jumper (it might get chilly) a waterproof (it might rain) and some some sun cream (it might be sunny) Wellies (it's a Festival!) May weather is normally lovely down here but it pays to be prepared.

No Drones allowed - we'll confiscate them for the duration! Please do not bring alcohol to the Festival - please support our lovely local bars and traders.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please contact us via hello@thebigretreatwales.co.uk or via our "Contact Us"Page

What is the Refund Policy?

We know that sometimes plans change. As we work towards the Festival we have time-limit options on what we can refund . If you have to cancel, the refund policy is as follows for 2020 Ticket purchases: Before 1st November 2021 - we can refund your order in full. 2nd November - 31st January 2022, we can refund 50% of your order or offer a free Admin name change if you find someone to take your place. (ie you find someone to buy your ticket/order). If you have to cancel after 31st January 2022, we cannot refund any or part of the Order value. What we can do is offer a free Admin on change of Ticket name ie - you find someone to take your place and we will alter your order to the new name. They pay you for the ticket, we do the Admin. PLEASE NOTE THAT TICKETS BOUGHT UNDER PARTIAL PAY SCHEME ARE NOT REFUNDABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes

Camping?

See full Camping Guidelines. We rely on you all to keep our campsite safe, so please follow the guidelines and especially :- strictly no fires on the grass. Use a contained BBQ on legs if cooking on the Campsite. And Fires out by Midnight - it's your responsibility to make sure it's out please . BBQ's must be set up at least 10 feet from your tent (and to be fair - more than 10 feet from your neighbours' tent!). Don't put the BBQ in your tent - even if it feels cold - there's a real carbon monoxide risk. Absolutely no generators are to be brought on site. And no cars can be parked on the camping field there is a separate car park for all cars.. Alcohol cannot be bought on to the Main Festival Site under any circumstances.

What about Security?

We have 24hr security patrols looking after us on the Festival sites, entrances & exits. Please wear your wrist bands and show them when asked . It is still your responsibility to look after yourself, your possessions & those in your charge. Any lost property (including kids) should be handed over at Reception, where they can be reclaimed on proof of ownership. We are a small festival - our ambition is that we will feel like family at the end of the Festival (in a good way!).

Glamping?

Belle Hotel - Open For Bookings for 1st June 2021 Bell Tents, Indian Shikas and Yurts for 2022 Setting up tent too much of a hassle? Have it done for you! Book your Bell Tent and it’s options directly with them and they will sort it all out. Need an extra bed? No problem - Belle Hotel are flexible and will be here to meet you and check you in. Simply turn up and your tent will be set up for you -- and relax... We have some super NEW structures on offer for 2022 too - from full on Indian Shikas and 6 person Yurts. Travelling solo, with Family or group of friends on a reunion - we have something to suit. The tents come bare OR furnished and can be adapted to suit your group size. NEW for 2022 - a dedicated Refresh & Recharge area - think Hairdyers, phonecharging, chillout - exclusively for Belle Hotel Customers! NB - be sure to select your "Camping Ticket" when you purchase your festival ticket to secure your pitch for your Belle Hotel Tent Contact Sarah via the web www.bellehotel.co.uk , by email sarah@bellehotel.co.uk or call on 07966 637307

What is a retreat festival?

Our life experiences are met by our senses and by going away from your usual place of life, you get to fully embrace change and new people. During a retreat your mind is at peace, you can focus on what really matters. You reconnect with yourself, you listen to your body and mind. At a wellbeing festival you also reconnect with others, and often all of that is achieved by group activities and experiences. Be it outdoor activities, music , great food or arts and crafts. And the The Big Retreat Wales offers all of that.

Why are retreats important?

A retreat festival allows you to distance yourself from real life, get inspired, find your people, let go of stress and worries and get inspired. You step aside, leave your day-to-day schedule and find time to embrace the world around you. No rush, no stress. This is your chance to find yourself again, step on your feet, reconnect with everything around on a new level, and through that, come back to you old life inspired, refreshed… with a new frame of mind that can shake up your routine for the better.

What happens at The Big Retreat Wales?

Where do we start? Every year our wellness festival organises over 200 classes and workshops - from fitness and yoga to wild swimming and bushcraft, cookery demos to arts and crafts, gin workshops, live music and comedy. Also, all of the above is included in your ticket price. There is something for everyone at The Big Retreat Wales.