GIRRWAAWA BAYIGAMBA - This means "We come together in the love" in Gumbaynggirr Language as spoken by local elder Uncle Micklo
We are coming together regardless of our differences. We discover a sense of belonging to self, each other, and nature. All parts of the community together as one. GIRRWAAWA BAYIGAMBA
Lovefest Bellingen is a family friendly camping event over the October long weekend. A very special journey celebrating community surrounded by lush bushland full of birds and trees with a rushing freshwater river for swimming that surrounds the site. A natural atrium where the nature spirits abound. It actually feels like a paradise.
Our amazing Facilitators will weave a story to enhance connection with self, others and country.
This is a sober event that enables deeper CONNECTION, COMMUNITY and CELEBRATION. We will journey together to higher states of Love and wellbeing in a safe, creative environment where we accept each other for who we are and who we want to be, creating ripples of Love and Peace.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A journey that flows over an entire weekend beginning with a full moon celebration on the Friday night and completing with sharing the fruits of our journey with each other on Monday morning. An opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibration of Love and Community. With a mix of body movement, live music, immersive experiences, community connection, inspirational discussions and a whole lot of magic including surprise acts!
Coming together to Connect, Dance and Celebrate Love for the first time in Bellingen Shire. The journey includes:
⭐️Welcoming and smoking ceremonies from Indigenous Elders ⭐️ Ecstatic Dance ⭐️ Breathwork ⭐️Ice Bath ⭐️Live Music and Performances ⭐️DJ's ⭐️ Compassionate Communication ⭐️ Yoga ⭐️ 5 Rhythms Dance ⭐️ Permaculture Workshops ⭐️Drum and Dance Circle ⭐️Authentic Relating and Connection ⭐️Sound Journey ⭐️Meditation of Love ⭐️Fire Performances ⭐️ Kirtan ⭐️ Silent Disco ⭐️ Zenthai Shiatsu and other massage ⭐️ Nature Connection Workshops and more.
Additional Attractions include:
✅ Kids Activities
✅ A variety of Market Stalls
✅ Food vendors serving a variety of plant-based food with gluten free options
✅ Face Painting
✅ Healthy Drinks including chai, cacao, kombucha and elixirs
✅ Massage Healing Tents
✅ Sanctuary
✅ Multiple Swimming areas by the river
DATE & TIME
Full Experience is Friday 29th September from 2PM until Monday 2nd October 2PM. Friday night will be a special Full Moon Celebration event.
WHERE
An amazing property in the Thora Valley near Bellingen with a river for swimming and plenty of space for camping. Address details will be sent to ticketholders.
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
- Access to toilets, cold showers and drinking water
- Food vendors, drinks vendors, market stalls and massage tents
- On-site parking provided with car pass only. We encourage car pooling where possible to reduce environmental impact onsite.
- Please bring ALL your own camping equipment, incl eating utensils, and everything you will need to be comfortable.
- Sorry, no dogs, or personal campfires/firepits
VEHICLES
- Vehicle access provided with vehicle pass only.
We encourage car pooling where possible to reduce environmental impact onsite.
There is plenty of space for campervans and caravans, register these when booking your vehicle pass
MARKETS AND FOOD STALLS
We have local food vendors cooking up a variety of plant-based meals with gluten free options. Prices range from $7 - $20.
- Purchase your meals, save on prep, reduce waste and enjoy in the communal food tent.
- Important: BYO plates, bowls and cutlery (washing station available)
- Market stalls will be offering a range of products for sale
- BRING CASH! Most vendors will also offer card, however Telstra coverage is sometimes limited.
Join the Facebook Event to see more details about our markets and food vendors as it is released. Menu and stallholder information will be posted in the event as menu offerings are finalised.
If you would like to bring a market stall, please fill in this form: Market Stall Application
GLAMPING OPTIONS
Our fully furnished bell tents can by selected as an add-on option and include:
* Premium quality double-height airbed
* All bedding and linen
* Indoor and outdoor floor mats
* Bedside tables and lighting
* Small bin
* Fairy lights
RESERVATIONS AND LOCATION
Numbers are limited so first in first served.
The event will be on a special property surrounded by lush bushland and a river on Gumbaynggirr Country. The exact location, how to get there,
rideshare group and what to bring, will be released and emailed to ticket holders closer to the date.
ENTRY AGREEMENT
* This will be a sober event which enables us to create a safe space for all. This means no substances that impair cognition including no alcohol, cannabis, or drugs. This will also allow us to connect together with clarity and focused intention.
* Photography and video for promotional purposes will be taken respectfully.
* No Pets
* Dressing colourful (is recommended)
LEAVE NO TRACE
We trust that you will all respect the environment, leave no trace and even better leave the place better than we found it. Minimise waste, take your waste back with you. Practice Love for Planet Earth.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land of this location and this special space. The Gumbaynggirr people, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
ABOUT LOVEFEST
Lovefest is about Love for Self, Love for Community and Love for planet. We connect with ourselves and each other so we can send ripples of Love to our families, community, nation and then the entire planet,
Lovefest events have 3 pillars. Health and Wellbeing, Community Connection, and Sober Party
Without any intoxicants or mind-altering substances so we are all on the same wavelength. We come together to connect, transform, and celebrate, whilst holding the same vision and intention to spread love into the world and take action post-event. We then start to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. This then ripples out into the society we live in, positively impacting the community at large and eventually the country and planet.
The 8 Principles of Lovefest are:
1. INNER JOURNEY
2. EMPATHETIC COMMUNICATION
3. BEING OF SERVICE
4. HUMILITY
5. HARMONY
6. BUILDING COMMUNITY
7. CONNECTION TO LAND
8. CELEBRATION
www.lovefestaustralia.com
Here is a video that includes footage from previous events: