Wellfest: A wholesome weekend with something for everyone, not just the fitness buffs
Ellen O'Donoghue
When you think of a festival, wellness is not usually the first thing that comes to mind.
But for the 10th year running, Wellfest has managed to somewhat change that.
Now Europe's largest fitness and wellness festival, Wellfest took over Dublin's IMMA at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham on May 9th and 10th, with thousands ascending from all around the country to attend.
Headliners included Spencer Matthews, Mr Motivator and Blindboy on the Saturday, and Joe and Rosie Wicks, Bressie and Kellie Harrington on the Sunday.
Across more than 15 festival areas, festival-goers of all ages were able to attend talks, hyrox and tryka classes, reformer pilates, yoga, breathwork, spin, martial arts, cooking demos and strength training.
Other highlights TV chef and influencer Trisha Lewis running cooking demos each day, The Coronas frontman and wellness advocate Danny O'Reilly giving a talk, and I'm Grand Mam's Kevin Twomey running a spin class.
Freebies were rife too, with a litany of Irish brands offering tasters of their products, discounts, games, goodie bags and take-home samples.
Energy was high and the vibes were higher, with the sun shining down upon the Royal Hospital all weekend.
One may be excused for thinking that Wellfest is only for those who are borderline elite athletes, pure muscle and live on protein powder.
In reality, it is an extremely welcoming atmosphere, with people of all ages, genders and sizes taking part in talks, cooking demos, fitness classes, yoga and games.
Some could go and only attend classes, whereas others could go and just take full advantage of the freebies in the Wellness Village, or just attend talks and workshops all weekend - it doesn't matter your size or fitness level, it really did have something for everyone.
At the beginning of his talk, Spencer Matthews was interrupted by a text from his wife, Vogue Williams, about their son's football game.
The reality star, businessman and athlete spoke about the mental challenges that come with his elite fitness ventures, such as running 30 marathons in 30 days.
He also spoke about his previous addiction to alcohol, whereas now he feels like he is addicted to "that feeling of pride" when he completes a challenge, and wanting to make his father proud.
Trisha Lewis, or Trisha's Transformation, chef turned influencer who chronicles her health journey online, was unapologetically herself during her cooking demos each day of the festival.
She joked about her hatred of Frylite, dating and induction cookers, her love of the community she has built, and how she never thought she would turn her life around to be where it currently is.
However, she also made what looked like a fabulous chicken wrap and pork stroganoff.
Rosie and Joe Wicks ran a HIIT class on the main stage early on Friday, and were around 15 minutes late starting.
Regardless, it was a beginner and expert-friendly workout, offering alternative movements for those who could not do everything.
Speaking later on at the WellTalk tent, the pair admitted that they woke up with "a bit of a hangover" on Sunday morning, having gone out for a few drinks when they landed in Dublin on Saturday.
They reiterated the fact that wellness is about balance, and you can be healthy and still go out and enjoy yourself from time to time - especially when you've left the kids at home in England.
The pair discussed their family life in depth, and how they try to fit movement in as much as they can in their own lives and in their children's, who are homeschooled.
Kellie Harrington discussed how she began boxing as she was heading down the wrong path in life, coming from a disadvantaged community that was "advantaged in spirit".
The two-time Olympic gold medallist spoke about the importance of volunteers where she grew up, saying that they are the reason she got to where she is.
"Without these people, sport wouldn't exist; we wouldn't have the sporting heroes that we have in Ireland," she said.
The festival also launched a WellReformer x Flexera area, offering a full weekend of reformer pilates sessions, spaces for which went so quickly that this journalist failed to attend any. Its popularity may speak for itself, though.
Overall, it was an extremely wholesome weekend, with coffee prices reasonable and healthy food alternatives and comfort food alike on offer.
It's hard to say what it would have been like if the weather hadn't obeyed, but thankfully, we didn't have to worry about that. In fact, free electrolyte slushies from Thirst and cooled energy drinks were extremely welcome in the heat.
