Hundreds expected at Havin’ A Laugh festival
CHARITY’S FLAGSHIP EVENT WILL RAISE VITAL FUNDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
THE landscaped demesne of Annaghmore Estate outside Collooney is expecting hundreds of digital detoxers to arrive this Friday for the 5th annual ‘ Havin’ A Laugh’ Adventure Fest.
“The festival site is in shape and everyone’s ready to go,” said organiser Bláithín Sweeney.
A plethora of activities and entertainment will take place from Friday 30th June to Sunday 2nd July for people looking to enjoy an adrenaline rush, some tasty food or a relaxing yoga session.
All profits from the event go towards the Rennafix Charity which pays for people going through a rough time to try out a fun activity.
Bláithín is herself a yoga instructor and believes wellbeing activities are not just a luxury, but a necessity for mental healing.
“I think life- enhancing activities are under valued. They’re seen as a luxury and I would see them as essential to maintaining your wellbeing,” she told The Sligo Champion.
The numbers attending the event have been growing year on year, with between 300- 500 expected at Annaghmore this year.
The number of people coming from Dublin and Belfast have also risen this year.
The Digital Detox package Friday to Saturday involves packing away your smartphone before a 5km evening hike with Northwest Adventure Tours.
Afterwards you can build your own shelter and enjoy some Seanchaí stories around a camp fire.
Beach yoga and surfing are in- cluded in their Saltwater Package.
Outdoor live music and food from Shells, The Sweet Beat Café and Café Fleur will also be provided.
A Family Afternoon takes place on the Saturday 2- 6pm with dance, craft, painting, drumming and trails through the woods.
Proceeds are helping growing numbers of people suffering with mental health issues. “Rennafix has delivered twice as many activity vouchers this year,” said Bláithín.