The Manchester Mindfulness Festival (5th Edition)

The Manchester Mindfulness Festival is an independent event that is run at cost and not for profit. The festival aims to serve the community with a comprehensive programme filled with highly informative mindfulness-based talks and workshops, making mindfulness more easily available to everyone and inspiring ripples across the region and beyond.

Why attend The Manchester Mindfulness Festival?

Because there’s a world of difference between the ‘blissing out’ image of mindfulness and its true nature as a self-regulatory capacity of the mind, rooted in contemplative wisdom, science, and ethics.
Mindfulness is not just about feeling better. It’s about being and doing better, for ourselves and for society.
This is the kind of mindfulness we explore at the Manchester Mindfulness Festival.

Everyone is welcome, no matter your experience.

This milestone edition focuses on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Mindfulness, with a particular spotlight on neuro-affirmative practice.

The day is a hive of diverse voices engaging in meaningful conversations, cultivating the co-creation of more inclusive approaches to mindfulness teaching and practice!

The programme covers:​​​

Neurodiversity, Education, Trauma, Art, Intersections of Identity and Inequality, LGBTQIA+, Brainwise Movement, Field Updates (including a book launch!), and more.

Confirmed Speakers/Panelists:

Jon Kabat-Zinn (*), John Newton, Uz Afzal, Esther Ghey, Dr Kelly Birtwell, Louise Thompson, Sangita Mistry, Emma Mills, Dr Tamara Russell, Paula Watson, BAMBA, The Mindfulness Initiative, Menka Sanghvi, Vin Harris

(*) We’ll bring our milestone edition to a close with a very special pre-recorded conversation with Jon Kabat-Zinn, Founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, screened in the Barbirolli Room. Inclusion also means honouring those who paved the way, and we’re delighted that Jon is able to join us and connect with everyone at the festival in this meaningful way!

Also, consider this...

Like any field of work, the mindfulness world can sometimes be challenging. And whether you're a researcher, teacher, or scholar… mindfulness practitioners are not immune to that.

To hold space for others well, we must stay resourced ourselves. That’s why being in community is not a luxury, it’s a vital source of nourishment.

According to generous feedback from past guests, that sense of community is exactly what the Manchester Mindfulness Festival offers so beautifully. The word that keeps returning? Connection.

Here’s what some of our attendees have said:

“Manchester Mindfulness Festival, you made me cry, laugh and feel so CONNECTED.”

“I’m still basking in the positivity, enthusiasm, and sense of CONNECTEDNESS!”

“So many ideas, inspiring talks and wonderful CONNECTIONS.”

“Grateful for the opportunity to personally listen to and even converse and CONNECT with some of the greatest references in Mindfulness in the UK and worldwide.”

“This event reminded me afresh of the importance and impact of spending time in COMMUNITY, and I am returning home inspired to keep those flames burning.

"The place was brimming with kindness, compassion, and positivity. The beauty of a great COMMUNITY was clearly visible."

You’ll find many more heartfelt testimonials on our website.

So, make sure to get your own community time. Mark 18 October in your diary and get your ticket today!

A whole day of connection, community, and expert CPD for only £50. That’s the power of our annual mindfulness festival.

Previous Speakers include:

Prof Mark Williams, Prof Rebecca Crane, Hycinth Taylor, Prof Willem Kuyken, Prof Ruth Baer, Liz Lord, The Mindfulness Initiative Awards 2024, Mind Salford, Imani Sorhaindo, Chris Ruane, Kareen Griffiths, and many more Mindfulness experts!

We intentionally keep tickets at only £50. By choosing a Supporter rate, you are donating a little extra towards event costs, therefore helping us to keep ticket prices accessible to a wider audience and those on limited income. Thank you!

Can't travel to Manchester?

In keeping with our Inclusion theme, we are hosting several ONLINE events in addition to the in-person festival in Manchester! Tickets are only £10! (per event)

We aim to make the event as accessible as possible. Concessions are available.

Please contact:

[email protected] or 07884 076 893

Official Website: https://www.manchestermindfulnessfestival.com/

ACCESSIBILITY

We’re committed to making the day as accessible and inclusive as possible for everyone. Our aim is to understand your support needs and help ensure your experience feels safe, welcoming, and comfortable. From interaction stickers and sensory tools to signposting, seating, toilets, and more, you’ll find helpful details on the “Plan Your Visit” page on our official website.

FAQ's

Do I have to attend the full day? You are welcome to stay for the full day or attend only your chosen talks/workshops. Please note that you can't purchase individual sessions; your ticket is for the whole day. There is no need to pre-book any specific sessions; you can choose on the day.

Do I need to have a daily Mindfulness practice? No, you are welcome to explore our introductory and more advanced sessions. Mindfulness experience is helpful but not required.

Is Mindfulness safe? Although our speakers and facilitators are professionals and Mindfulness practice is generally very safe, you take part at your own risk and we ask you to stop practicing if you feel uncomfortable and let a member of staff know if you require psychological help.

If I can no longer attend, can I get a refund? You can request a refund up to 30 days before the event.

What about Covid-19 restrictions? We adhere to the latest capacity restrictions and rules set out by the Government.

Is this a religious/spiritual event? No. Although it is generally considered that Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism, Mindfulness can be experienced and practiced entirely secularly.

What do I need to bring/wear? A casual dress code applies at the festival. As some sessions will include longer meditations, it is important that you feel comfortable during the practice.

Does the ticket price include catering? Water is freely available all day. Free coffee and tea are available upon arrival and after the first morning session. However, the festival is not a catered event. Given the central location of the venue, there is a range of local shops and cafes to visit during the lunch break.

Please note that professional photography and filming of the talks will take place throughout The Manchester Mindfulness Festival. This will be done with the greatest care and respect for the retreat-style ambience and approach to the event. Images might be used by the Organisers to help promote future Manchester Mindfulness Festivals. Please contact the event Organiser if you have any concerns or if you wish to be exempted from this activity.

Host or Publisher Christoph Spiessens