joy-of-spring-festival-2026

Joy of Spring Festival

April 2 @ 4:00 pm - April 6 @ 5:00 pm

The Joy of Spring

Easter Celebration with Navanita & friends

Thursday 2nd – Monday 6th April 2026

Tickets now available with payment plans!

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Join us for ‘The Joy of Spring’ this Easter Bank Holiday, our wonderful 5th edition awaits you!

Let’s dance, play, and connect together, as we celebrate the return of the light and enjoy the beautiful land coming into blossom after the stillness of winter.

There will be vibrant workshops, ceremonies, music, movement, and play, including some of our beloved classics alongside exciting new experiences, all celebrating our life force with love, laughter, and transformation.

This is a family friendly festival with heart, whether you come solo, with friends or family, you’ll find something for everyone…

Highlights include:

  • An abundance of uplifting & transformational workshops
  • 5 Rhythms, Merengue & Salsa, Singing Medicine & Creativity
  • Live Music with Riki Buckingham & Band + great DJ’s for Dancing including Amada DJ
  • Leela’s Got Talent Show
  • Heart-opening ceremonies and rituals
  • Family-friendly offerings for kids and teens
  • Playful connection and community
  • Connect with nature – walking, sensing, being on the beautiful land
  • Delicious vegetarian food from the Leela Kitchen
  • Evening saunas + the special sauna experience
  • Treatments & healing sessions available from amazing therapists
  • A festival full of warmth, magic, light, togetherness and more!!!
schedule-jos-2026

This warm and heartful festival invites you to celebrate life, love, and community, to reset, renew and open to the abundant energy of Spring.

What you’ll experience:

A rich, heart-opening mix of creative, embodied, and transformational workshops, with more to come soon.

  • 5 Rhythms with Francis Eliot
  • Guided Soul Retrieval with Sue Holmes
  • Tango Intimacy with Navanita – connection through dance and presence
  • Family Constellations with Charaka
  • Clowning with Pankaj – the mystic clown workshop for adults and families, physical comedy one-man show.
  • Creative Expression with Navanita – creative writing, spoken word, and performance
  • Improv Comedy with John Cremer – a playful, laughter-filled session of spontaneous theatre and creative expression.
  • Singing Medicine with Tarisha – songs from the heart that nourish the soul and open the spirit through sound and connection
  • Spring Visionboard with Rose – hands on creative session – supporting you in manifesting your vision into life.
  • Sprouting with Sally – Learn the art of growing your own sprouts!
  • Merengue & Salsa with Frances Pace
  • Gong Bath with Darpan – Relax body and mind through an immersive sound journey.
  • Lunchtime Choir with Jan Allain – a joyful, drop-in singing session to lift your spirits and connect through voice.
  • Active Meditations with Khalis and Prabuddho – energizing, grounding, and heart-opening
  • Morning Bioenergetics with Abhi
  • The Sauna Experience with Ian – A unique & rejuvenating special treat for all the senses
  • …and so much more to come!

Come and nourish in the sauna, book a treatment with our team of healers, or simply relax and unwind in the beauty of Leela’s grounds.

Kids Activities:

Our loving team are creating a magical programme for children, including:

  • Creative Drama Theatre for families with Pankaj
  • Kids song making and band workshop with Jan Allain
  • Creative Arts with Star & Vicky Rainbow
  • Nature Connection & mindfulness with Louise
  • Fire & Breadsticks with Navanita and Hanyika
  • Dance, movement & dress-up fun
  • Kids and parents sports day
  • Kids disco and chill-out space
  • And of course… The Leela Easter Egg Hunt!
play-kids

Kids Team

Vicky Rainbow
Vicky RainbowDance, Nature, Expression & Play
Creative, playful, natural, soulful – Vicky will share her love of dance, movement, mindfulness, creative expression and nature with the kids. For over 20 years she has been facilitating events and helping on retreats in a variety of ways with children and adults. She used to be a relax kids teacher and an after school play leader. She is also a passionate improvisor and singer/songwriter
Avian (Star)
Avian (Star)Kids team
Jan Allain
Jan AllainLeela Choir & Kids Team
Jan will bring the younger children together to play rhythm games, explore and play many different instruments. They’ll create our own fabulous band.

All will get a chance to sing some well known songs and they’ll create their
own Easter Song. We will dress up and perform in the Talent Show on Sunday.
Kids are welcome to bring an instrument they already play from home.

Your host will be…

Navanita is a passionate and creative Event organiser, who leads with her heart, and has a love for bringing people together in celebration. She is a vibrant dancer, performer & artist, with training in community dance theatre, choreography & directing. She has worked in tv & radio, and founded the fun & glitzy ‘Leela Goes Strictly’ Dance show.

Navanita brings light and authenticity to her workshops such as intimacy & relating, dance, & community dance theater, creative writing & spoken word. She invites participants to enjoy a pleasurable, connective, and often transformational experience. Look out for her new creation: ‘Holistic Tango Retreat’ later in April 2026 for a juicy deep dive into the dance of the heart.

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Workshops & Facilitators

Sue Holmes
Sue HolmesSoul Retrieval
Sue is a Fire Horse woman (born 1966), shamanic healer, feng shui expert, teacher, and founder of the Academy of Modern Shamanism. With over 30 years’ experience, she guides deep transformation for people and places through shamanism, healing, and ceremony. She champions ethical practice, healthy boundaries and accountability within alternative healing communities, working to reduce harm, coercion and abuse. Her work blends depth, humour, compassion, and grounded leadership.

“I’ve not been the same since…”

Has your confidence or sparkle ever dimmed through compromise, shock, trauma, hardship or heartbreak?

In this Soul Retrieval workshop, we gently explore the parts of you that stepped back to survive or belong. Through reflection, sharing, guided journeying and ceremony, you’ll be supported to reclaim and integrate those aspects — restoring vitality, authenticity and your inner light in a safe, held space.

Francis
Francis5Rhythms
Francis has led countless 5Rhythms classes & workshops since training with the founder Gabrielle Roth back in 2004. He teaches with sensitivity & integrity, transmitting a clear understanding of the transformative power of deeply embodied ecstatic dance. His sessions are an exquisite journey into the heart of what it means to be fully alive & connected.

5Rhythms is a dynamic movement practice ~ a practice of being with your breath & moving body ~ that ignites creativity, connection & community. While a seemingly simple process, the 5Rhythms practice facilitates deep & unending explorations, moving the dancer beyond self imposed limitations & isolation into new depths of creativity & connection

Charaka Danaher
Charaka DanaherFamily Constellations
Family Constellations came into Charaka’s life more than 20 years ago, after many years of working with and teaching healing modalities.

Family Constellations are a unique, powerful methodology to free yourself, and your children, from repetitive patterns, damaging behaviours, and emotional and addictive states. These can be unconsciously taken on from the family system and can both control and limit your life.

This method of working allows us to go to the very roots of the situations you find yourself in now and see how they link to former generations. Through this work we look into the family soul and see who needs to be included and where the love needs to flow. This work is all about love.</p>

Frances Pace
Frances PaceSalsa - Latin Connection
Frances has been dancing and teaching partner dances for almost 30 years. She has taught salsa and Argentine tango extensively in London, Sussex and in Europe. Frances’s passion is for creating a space where everyone feels able to feel the beauty and connection of partner dance… however many left feet they have. Her workshops are relaxed and playful, inviting the deeper intimacy of connection with each other.

This workshop is about the joy of dancing together – both in pairs and as a whole circle. You might like to think of it as ‘sexy barn dancing’… where we’ll do some simple Latin dance moves in sync, changing partners with playfulness and a touch of Patrick Swayze spirit.

It’s a little infusion of Latin joyfulness!

Experience togetherness from doing patterned movement in a circle; connection with each other.

Pankaj
PankajMystic Clown Workshop
Pankaj is a graduate of San Diego State University with a BA in Theatre Arts, where he studied classical pantomime, modern dance, acting, and clown improvisation. For over 50 years, he has led and participated in a wide range of creative workshops and meditation practices. He first met OSHO and took sannyas in 1978, living through many stages of the Master’s work from Pune to America and back. Known as the “Commune Clown” in the OSHO world, he brings deep artistic experience and playful presence to his Cosmic Clown workshops for adults and Creative Drama theatre workshops for families.
Riki Buckingham & Sara Goldy
Riki Buckingham & Sara GoldyLive Music Concert | Free Your Soul
Riki Buckingham Visionary Singer/Songwriter Creator of Divine Life Alchemy
Sara Goldy – Holistic practitioner/ Nurse /Sound Journey Catalyst / Muma
Our personal mission vision is to open up and share with others through music, spiritual practices and a devotional way of life.

<p>Integral to our values is to provide an honoured safe space for sharing & being deeply met alongside a wish for inspiration, fun & upliftment!
Divine Life Alchemy has been created alongside our music to explore our inner world, the unique gifts we carry within and the individual healing required to contribute to a greater whole and the world around us.

This offering is a heart-led live music concert featuring original songs, rhythmic grooves and immersive soundscapes. The music blends soul, funk, folk and global influences to create a listening space that is both intimate and uplifting. Rather than a conventional gig, it is a shared musical journey that invites presence, feeling and connection — a space to receive, reflect and celebrate together.

Raise Your Vibe!

This workshop comprise of three parts:

  1. An Active movement warm-up process.
  2. Leading into a participatory energetic alchemical vocal practice and freestyle sound exploration.
  3. The session will end with the participants led into a deep relaxation space to receive a signature sound bath journey with Riki and Sara.

Our soundscape style has been described as having elements of modern meets ancient – tribal, native meets celestial – angelic, a soul moving experience.

Jan Allain
Jan AllainLeela Choir & Kids Team
Jan is a singer song writer & recording artist. Jan will be offering a daily drop in choir for adults. Just turn up and enjoy yourself!

We will sing acapella songs in harmony and taught by ear.

Lets raise the Leela roof and celebrate Spring with lively, uplifting, funky songs as well as a few slow beautiful ones.

Jan will also will bring the younger children together to play rhythm games, explore and play many different instruments. They’ll create our own fabulous band.

Tarisha
TarishaSinging Medicine | Dancing the Dawn
Tarisha is a Singing Medicine woman and a keeper of the land at Leela.
Songs and prayers come naturally through her, connecting us to the Divine, to the light inside..to the light worldwide..
She is an inspiring musician and poet with a visible creative fire that inspires and uplifts those around her.

Weather permitting, we dance on the land and welcome in the sun.
If raining we will be in Gaia, our yurt and portal into the elemental forces of nature.
This is great as a morning practice, awakening your body in the beauty of nature.

We sing simple chants and songs, reconnecting to the elements earth, air, fire and water. In this technological world, we can disconnect from nature; our source and resource for life. Come and bathe in the sound of love and let go, be held and return to your purity and natural joy.

DJ Amada
DJ AmadaDJ Set
Raquel (DJ Amada) is an up and coming Ecstatic Dance DJ who for the last couple of years has been spreading her love for free form movement around the conscious dance scene across the country. She’s collaborated with Ecstatic Dance London (at Ministry of Sound), EDUK, Ecstatic Dance Bath, Bristol and djing at various events at Osho Leela to name a few. She’s also been in the line up at some well known festivals such as Buddhafield and Noisily. Her musical journeys are hypnotic, funky, soulful, organic and playful incorporating many genres to help evoke a deep personal, physical and emotional response on the dancefloor.
John Cremer
John CremerImprov Comedy
John Cremer has taught improv here at Leela for over twenty years
He is the founder of the Maydays – one of Europe’s top improvisation companies and he has trained and performed in Chicago, the Mecca of improv.
John is an award winning professional speaker who has worked with a range of top notch organisations around the world
His teaching style is an unusual blend of positive and supportive vibes with the occasional challenging leap into the unknown
When he is offstage you will find him rewilding the woodland at Leela or fly fishing in exotic locations.
Andy Cawley
Andy Cawley1:1 Kinesiology Sessions
Andy is an experienced Kinesiologist who has helped many people find peace of mind and body. As well as general kinesiology techniques, Andy uses verbal statements to remove blocks to loves prescence.
Rose
RoseDress Up | Vision Board
Rose has a love for dancing, creativity and has a love for belly dancing. Rose will be offering vision boarding. This is a chance to tune into what you would like to manifest. Rose will also have a jewellery stall at the Leela Bazaar!
Darpan
DarpanGongbath
Introducing Darpan who will be sharing with you the profound effects of a Gong Bath. This powerful session envelops you in deep sound waves, bathing every cell of your body, promoting healing on all levels. Attendees often leave feeling deeply rejuvenated, refreshed, and restored, making it essential for those seeking rest, reconnection to self, and inner peace. Join Darpan and let the magic of sound healing transform your festival experience. Darpan has over 25 years of experience in sound healing and is a certified member of the College of Sound Healing.
Vic
VicSacred Fire Keeper
Vic, lovingly known as our Fire Shiva, will tend the sacred flame at the evening fire. A true outdoorsman with a big heart, he brings his passion for nature, devotion to the elements, and grounded presence.
Prabuddho
PrabuddhoActive Meditation
Prabuddho is a dedicated meditation and emotional expression facilitator, improv comedy enthusiast, and Laughter Yoga teacher, Prabuddho combines his love for theatrical activities with his experience in Humaniversity Therapist Training, and a love for community. In addition to his creative pursuits, he enjoys teaching maths in higher education.
Khalis
KhalisActive Meditation
Khalis brings clarity, humour and a steady grounded presence. He guides participants into deeper embodiment through simple movement, practical boundary work and relational exercises that build trust and self-awareness. His teaching style is earthy, direct and supportive, making inner work feel accessible, real and alive.
Hanyika
HanyikaLaughter Yoga
I’m Hanyika, and my passion is bringing joy into life. I see myself as a lifelong student, always growing and learning. I trained as a transformational self-love therapist and regularly lead laughter sessions. I’m a keen forager who loves spending time in nature. Currently, I’m studying transformational breath and meditation. I’m passionate about working with people and supporting their wellbeing.
Bayari
BayariMocktail, Potions Bar
Come and enjoy high vibe concoctions that are refreshing and bring a sense of joie de vivre!
Bayari and her team blend up healthy mocktails using high quality ingredients and often feature herbs – and even flowers – from the land.
The bar is a great place to have a refreshing sip before heading to the evening’s entertainment, or pop in afterwards to wind down and hang out with friends.
As for potions, there’s a range of vibrational medicines that enhance mood and well-being.
Abhi
AbhiBioenergetics
Abhi is a heartful friend and has been part of the Leela Workshops staff since 2019. A certified Bioenergetics facilitator from the Italian Academy A.I.O.C., she is deeply passionate about body-based therapy and regularly practices and facilitates Bioenergetics both within Leela and beyond. Abhi’s bodywork focuses on releasing unprocessed emotions and softening the armours and chronic holding patterns that restrict the natural flow of energy and aliveness in the body. She brings vibrant enthusiasm, sensitivity, a grounded presence, and a genuine thirst for life into the community.
Sally
SallySprouting workshop
Come along and learn how to grow your own superfoods, on your windowsill. Sally is a sprouting expert, and author of two books on the subject. She will bring samples of bean sprouts and micro greens, tell you about the benefits of each one, show you how to grow them and even let you taste them. There are so many scientific studies about the benefits of sprouted foods, they can help fight cancer, ease menopause symptoms, fight cholesterol, they are good for the brain, the heart and they add hard to find nutrients to your diet

How to  sprout beans and seeds on your windowsil

Growing sprouts is much more natural much more digestible and give many vitamins, minerals and trace elements

You will learn the benefits of each sprout and how to grow them so they can choose the right one for themselvesAnd their lifestyles

Get ready to dance, express, and expand, dive into one of the many workshops with our amazing team of passionate facilitators… you’ll find something to nourish body, mind, heart, and soul.

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Details Joy of Spring 2026

Start: April 2nd @ 8:15 pm (Arrive from 4pm, meditation at 5.50pm, dinner at 7pm & commences at 8.15pm)
End: April 6th @ 4:30 pm

There will be a separate program of kids’ activities & family-friendly activities but no formal kids club where kids can be signed in and left. Children remain the responsibility of their adult caregivers. There will be dedicated simple kids’ meals, if you come with kids, please buy a ticket for each of them.

Latebird: £310 (includes festival, food & camping)

Full price: £340 (includes festival, food & camping)

Payment plans available!

Accommodation 4 nights:
Own campervan £0 (plus £20 hook up if needed)

Dorm £80

FEMALE Deluxe Dorm Bunk £120
MALE Deluxe Dorm Bunk £120
Regular Private Room £200
Large Private Room £240
Premium Private Room in the house £260
Premium Ensuite Private Room £280
Single Pod £180
Double Pod £220
Shepherd’s Hut £220
Bell tent (glamping – double bed): £160

Sharing another participant’s accommodation £0

Click the button below to find out more about our accommodation.

Kids prices:
0 – 3yrs: Free
4 – 12 yrs: £60
13 – 16yrs: £70

More info about accommodation and facilities!

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Telephone 01747 821221

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