2020’s workshops and music
We Are Not A Festival hosted two sell-out weekends during August 2020, in the stunning Sussex countryside, Pippingford Manor Park.
The We Are Not A Festival community is made up of an abundance of incredible musicians, wellbeing facilitators, artists, and guest speakers from the world of science. See who made 6-10th August and 28-31st August 2020 so special with their workshops or click to see the music below.
Beans on Toast. We are delighted to be joined by special guest, Beans on Toast, for a campfire session at We Are Not A Festival. Essex born folk songwriter ‘Beans on Toast’ is an extremely unique performer. Twisting an age-old genre with a D.I.Y. approach and contemporary concerns has earned him the title of a cult figure who tells it like it is. A festival favourite (he’s played Glastonbury every year since 2007) and a prolific writer and performer. He’s written and recorded 11 albums and he’s played every bar, club, venue, pub, festival, party and honky-tonk you can think of. He’s a hippy, a punk, a poet, a drunk, a die-hard romantic and an eternal optimist. Singing simple songs that tackle big issues. Political protest songs for the modern day, honest and open Love songs. Songs that will make you laugh, but also make you think with no holds barred honesty and quick wit. He’s constantly writing, recording and releasing music and puts out a new album each year on 1st December, which happens to be his birthday. Each album recorded with a different producer and musicians, over the years he’s worked with the likes of Ben Lovett (Mumford & Sons), Frank Turner and Kitty and Lewis Durham (Kitty, Daisy & Lewis) He tours constantly and has gigged and played festivals all over the world. The Beans on Toast live show is an odd and unpredictable experience. A singer, songwriter and storyteller his self-deprecating quality is not something you often see, but it breaks down the barrier between musician and audience, creating a sense of equality. “Cult legend and all round hero” Louder than War, “Protest songs peppered with optimism” The Guardian, "Brimming with energy and infectious charm"Clash. www.beansontoastmusic.com
WOODLAND WISDOM WALK WITH POPPY OKOTCHA. Join me for a sensory walk around the beautiful surrounding forest. We will read and unpick the landscape, explore the beauty and efficiency of natural ecosystems, analysing what makes it successful as a model for regenerative lifestyle. You will be encouraged to touch, taste, smell, see and really listen to the forest. Prepare to get some Earth in your hands! You will go away with an understanding of… -some basic plant ID for foraging and indicator plants -how we can mimic the natural world to grow food abundantly and regeneratively -an understanding of the interconnected nature the natural world -how and why nature is healing -how to do “Active Looking” All ages encouraged and welcome!
MAKE YOUR OWN MONKEY LIVING SCULPTURE. Book our workshop with Yan and Henck to build living plant sculptures of Monkey's. HENCK RÖLING Artist, Florist, Fashion, Rebel. Henck is a Dutch born artist, grown up on a farm in Holland, this fired his fascination for nature and flowers. He trained as a Master Florist at the AOC Midden Nederland. Moved to London in 2007 and works as an allround freelance events florist, known for his individualistic dress sense. He draws/paints and sings. YAN SKATES. Bespoke Flowers is the London based project started by Danish born Yan Skates in 1999. Having set up a fine art studio in Spitalfields market, a chance meeting led to setting up a flower stall in the thriving Spitalfields Sunday Market. In the late 90’s this was the regular meeting point of the vibrant Young British Artist Scene with regular costumers being Gavin Turk, Patrick Hughes, The Chapman Brothers, Tracey Emin and Gilbert & George amongst many others. Bespoke Flowers client list includes everything from Royals, to fashion brands to Charity Fund raising balls and visual merchandising. In 2006 a visit to a flower arranging show with his grandmother opened Yan’s eyes to competitive floristry and a very engaged period ensued with several prizes including a Chelsea Gold Medal, A 1st prize at Hampton Court Flower Show and a 1st prize at The Nationals. Yan still competes in flower shows.
AERIAL 1-2-1 WORKSHOP WITH TEARDROP CIRCUS. Book 1 hour airtime plus stretching, can be for 1 person or shared between two. Hoop, Loop, Static Trapeze, Silks and Rope all available on booking. Teardrop Aerial & Circus is run by Kellie and Ben. Forming in 2015. Running weekly classes for adults and children’s classes in Aerial skills. Working on trapeze, silks, rope, hoop and loop. As well as running Teardrop they instruct for other companies, teaching aerial skills in Brighton and London for: Bandbazi, Acrobody, The Circus Project, London Academy of Gymnastics and Dance. Teardrop have attended many festivals with their big aerial rig, holding workshops and performances. Teardrop have been performing for over 10 years in aerial using rope, silks, loop and trapeze having worked alongside: Shambolic SideShow, B-Collective, Rivoli Ballroom, Pazzaz Circus, Flying Eye, Zu-Aerial, Voodoo-Vaudeville, Airteko and for many other events, festivals and parties.
THE TRUE SELF WORKSHOP. Led by Caroline Hounsell. Understanding and practicing taking the loving, thriving route in life. Life is often described as being a journey and for many of us it can be wonderful or extremely challenging at times. In this workshop we will explore a new creative way of understanding how our belief systems can influence how we think, feel and behave. We will look at gentle ways to identify our outdated, unhelpful thinking patterns and learn how to change our thinking and behaviour for a happier more fulfilling life. This workshop will be a fun mix of informative presentations and individual and group activities. We look forward to welcoming you as part of the group. Caroline Hounsell was one of the first Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England Instructors to be trained by MHFA’s originator Betty Kitchener in 2006 and a founding member of MHFA England. Caroline joined the national MHFA England training team in 2007, taking on the role of MHFA England’s national Quality Assurance Lead in 2012. In 2015 she was appointed into a new role as MHFA England’s Director of Business and Partnerships, which evolved into the role of Director of Product Development, Partnerships and Training. She was awarded The Most Inspirational Person’ Award at the 10 year MHFA England anniversary event in 2017. She chaired the Expert Reference Group and led on the Schools programme (announced by the previous Prime Minister Theresa May) that brought mental health training into over 2000 secondary schools in the country between 2017-2019.
THE MĀORI HAKA. Perfect for Sunday Morning wake up. We’re proud to bring you the traditional Maori spiritual war dance known as the Haka. Haka was used before battle to now only issue a challenge to an enemy but to also unite people together to work and move as one. This workshop will give you a better understanding of Haka, it’s use in the past and present and how it promotes “Kotahitanga” which is unity and strength in numbers. This workshop is led by Sol, a Maori from New Zealand, who has lived in the UK for nearly 15 years. He is the great great grandson of the Maori chief, Waimarama Puhara; the composer of the Haka “Tika Tonu.” There will be a chance to ask questions, take photos and learn a Haka and it’s meaning.
MODELLING MAGICAL WOODLAND CREATURES. BOOK ONSITE. Using colourful plasticine clay and special crafty embellishments, children will be guided through this hour long session to create their very own magical woodland creatures, fairies and even goblins! Bringing the same fun atmosphere as Artforeveryone’s Children’s parties these sessions are all about imagination, laughter and creativity. At the end, every child will have their very own unique mini masterpieces to take away and be given a party bag of crafty bits to continue their creative adventures. Sessions would suit 5 year olds upwards and cost £10 per child.
WEAVING WONDERS WITH KENDRA. Make you own basket or festival Tipi using soft natural materials (cane and raffia). Suitable for all ages, but adult help is recommended for younger children. Find us in the Woodland!
WRITE IT OUT. Open up to your creativity using words and quiet reflection. Writing is a powerful way to explore and express your inner and outer world, through it we can find insight, meaning and truth. Lucie Meadows is a poet, facilitator and MSc student of Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes. She runs Meditation & Creative Writing workshops in person and online where the emphasis is on the transformative process of writing, not creating a polished end product (the rawer the better!). No experience necessary. Please bring your own notebook.
FAMILY FITNESS WITH THE MUMMY PT. ‘Family Fitness’ is a family-friendly workout, giving you ideas for how to include your children in your exercise, so it can work for you where or whenever! Getting the kids involved also sets them on the right path for their future fitness. Sarah is the face behind The Mummy PT, working with women through all stages of their fitness journeys and specialising in pregnancy and postnatal fitness. All children go FREE in this fun session. Bring your own mat or use the grass provided!
LAKESIDE MEDITATION. Mindfulness :It is my absolute pleasure to offer guided mindfulness meditation - in a socially distanced setting. Moving into stillness whilst in a gorgeous rural location, drawing upon our surrounding nature as inspiration. Centering meditative awareness has become highly valued as the effects of stress, anxiety are now being brought to our attention. Let go of your usual moment to moment concerns, relax physically and mentally, centering your awareness in the now. Take a break and 'top your battery up' whilst taking time to be with the wonderful creative goodness that you are. For absolute beginners through to those in a regular practice. Please can you bring something to sit on and a blanket (or 2 if it is chilly). We will be incorporating some sitting and some lying down as well as inspiration from the nature around us.
BREATHE YOGA. Stretch out and awaken all the senses in our morning yoga session with Janee - will leave you feeling stretched, shining and taller. Yoga with Breathing and Mindfulness and a focus on connection with Nature, Yourself and All Beings. Please bring your own yoga mat for hygiene purposes and a towel or blanket.
ROOKS AND ROSES JEWELLREY MAKING 1-2-1 WORKSHOPS. Rooks & Roses are a handmade jewellery company making unique pieces from precious and upcycled metals. Karl Smith, is a designer-maker skilled in silver-smithery and jewellery-making. He likes to work organically, taking inspiration from the natural world and working with a variety of precious metals, mainly silver and copper, to create unique, handmade pieces. During a one to one festival workshop, Karl will guide you through the process of how to cut, file, shape and solder copper, in order to create your own wearable cuff. Their session is designed to encourage participants to think about the way different materials work and how various methods such as heating, hammering and texturing, can assist in creating your final unique piece. All items of jewellery are made from precious, eco or upcycled or repurposed metals.
SUN GONG SOUND BATH WITH CHERELLE. Be taken on a healing sound journey with sonic and visual artist Cherelle Sappleton. You will be led into a deeply relaxed meditative state and bathed in the restorative and transcendental tones produced by Himalayan singing bowls and the beautiful Sun Gong. You don't have to do anything, just lay down, listen and allow yourself to transported. Please bring: a blanket/ mat to lie on and additional blanket or layers to stay warm and comfortable. Cherelle Sappleton lives and works in London. In 2019 she was awarded the London Print Studio Development Residency and was the lead artist for South London Gallery’s Big Family Press Commission. In 2018 she was the winner of the Denton’s Art Prize and completed a residency at Florence Trust, London. She gained an MA in Fine Art from Central St Martins in 2013 after graduating with a BA Hons in Creative Arts from Bath Spa School of Art in 2006 and a Post Graduate Diploma from Byam Shaw Schol of Art in 2011. Sappleton is currently studying Sound Therapy at the British Academy of Sound Therapy.
PARTNER THAI MASSAGE. In times where we are more confined to our homes, and the need to reduce stress and nurture connection, why not bring your friend/loved one to this massage workshop. Simple ancient massage techniques taught for you to use regularly at home. Please bring a mat/blanket and pillow if possible for comfort. It will be fun and relaxing. This workshop is booked in pairs who must be from the same household.
IN SEARCH OF DRAGONS. BOOK IN AT THE INFO POINT IN THE WOODLAND GARDEN, DONATION TO ASHDOWN FOREST. Grab a sweep net and join local naturalist and ecologist Tom Forward for a stroll to the ponds to see what dragonflies and damselflies are about. The Ashdown Forest is a great place for these remarkable insects and their life-cycles are both weird and wonderful. So come along to enjoy these hunters of the sky, these predators of the deep. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions, with sturdy footwear for walking over rough terrain, and bring a water bottle and sun hat if hot. Beg, borrow, and don't steal a pair of binoculars if you can (8x40 is best). FREE. DONATION TO ASHDOWN FOREST.
11AM SATURDAY RAPTOR WALK. BOOK IN AT THE INFO POINT IN THE WOODLAND GARDEN, DONATION TO ASHDOWN FOREST Join local naturalist and ecologist Tom Forward for a gentle stroll in search of some the birds of prey that make the Ashdown Forest their home. Elusive and hard to spot, but thrilling when you see them in action and hear the evocative calls across the heath, many of these species have returned to the forest from the edge of extinction and can be found displaying and hunting over this rare and special landscape once again. While hoping to spot them we'll learn about their habits and habitats and also good field craft. On our rarity wishlist will be hobby, goshawk, and honey buzzard, with the more common kestrel, buzzard and sparrowhawk, more likely. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions, with sturdy footwear for walking over rough terrain, and bring a water bottle and sun hat if hot. Beg, borrow, and don't steal a pair of binoculars if you can (8x40 is best).
PLAY SERIOUSLY. Shake off lockdown stress with a session of joyful game playing. Rediscover that mindful, playful self and connect with a whole group of other players. This hour of playful fun is focused at adults and families with older children, and will be full of spontaneity, creativity and laughter. Adults on their own as well as adults with their young people - minimum age 12 - are all welcome. Run by Maryjane Stevens from Red Threaders Dramaturgy. Maryjane is a facilitator, dramaturg, teacher, performer and has been working in theatre, education and health research for more than 30 years. Her influences include: Brazilian theatre practitioner, Augusto Boal; improvisation and community play expert, Jon Oram; old school party games; and every group of people she has ever worked with.
LUMINAIRE LANTERN KIT. Image to follow! 100% of profits go to Local charity Same Sky. Make your own luminaire lantern with these mess-free, easy to make paper lantern kits. The kits include a large LED light, paper canvas bag, pens and ribbons for DIY making, or join our 11am - 1pm Saturday morning drop-in workshop where Same Sky will bring extra ink and stamps, shaped cutters and more. Same Sky will bring their animal creature lanterns and woodland illuminations to our woods on Saturday evening, join the party with your own luminaire lantern and for those purchasing a kit, you'll be given a loom to carry your lantern on for the evening.
SOUND MEDICINE WORKSHOP. This brand new workshop is unlike any other sound therapy event you may have previously enjoyed. Maria seamlessly blends her vast toolkit of sound medicine, drawn from decades of working with the voice as a tool for healing, sound therapy and her time spent studying in the rainforests of Peru with medicine men and women who use sound as a proven tool for healing. Additionally, Maria studied at the British Academy of Sound Therapy at Chichester University, qualifying for her Higher Practitioners Diploma. Learn more about sound medicine in The Physics and Biophysics of Sound “Healing”. Maria also offers one-to -ones and one to 1's, 2's and 3's. here's the link to pre-book: https://www.yoga-camp.co.uk/wearenotafestival
'ME TIME' FITNESS, WITH THE MUMMY PT. Been missing the gym? The ‘me time’ workshop is a 45 minute HIIT session (high intensity interval training) that focuses on full body workout - aimed to get your heart rate high and allow you to learn basic techniques for core exercise.. start the day feeling full of energy, a natural high! Sarah is the face behind The Mummy PT, she helps women to fit exercise into their busy lives and shows how a shorter workout can be just as, or more effective, than an hour's slog on a treadmill! The Mummy PT focuses less on weight loss and more on accepting who you are and what your body can do for you!
ART LANDSCAPE CLASS WITH PAUL RENDER. Landscape collage workshop hosted by local artist Paul Render. Be inspired by nature, experimenting with perspective, colour and texture. Create a beautiful landscape as part of a communal display. Guided adult workshop, all abilities welcome. Materials pack on arrival.
MORTIMER NANNIES. Keepers of Calm , Mortimer Nannies are thrilled to be joining us and offering their ‘in tent’ Nanny service on Friday and Saturday evening. Mortimer Nannies have been providing Event and Festival Nannies throughout the UK for the last 9 years. All of their candidates are childcare professionals , DBS checked and hold a paediatric first aid certificate enabling you to enjoy a few precious hours of ‘me time’ at WANAF safe in the knowledge that your little ones will be well cared for. For more details or to book directly please contact Tanja on info@mortimernannies.co.uk
Want to run a workshop or get involved?
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