Soul Circus Festival 2019 returned to the Cotswolds in August and, like usual, it was one to remember. Catering for all, this year’s music, yoga and fitness offerings provided all attendees with everything they could have wanted, and more.

So, whatmade this festival stand out this year? New toSoul Circus was the Lululemon Stage and the Breathpod Tipi, which joined thegreat line-up of DJs, yogis, food vendors and wellness experts. The buzz aroundthis weekend really was as big as ever.

With that in mind, some Aspire staff have offered their thoughts on whatstood out the most to them. From engaging workshops to tasty food, get theneed-to-know feedback on what was hot at this year’s event – from the peopleclosest to it!

Layla’s best bits

Goldie’s DJ set on Friday night was brilliant. Afterarriving in the pouring rain and packing up 30 gift bags for the media brunchin the production room, it was a well-deserved way to wind down (and up at thesame time). Git was great to be carefree, have fun and dance with friends.

The food was great, too! It was all delicious. There wasmore choice than in previous years and I wanted to work around all the vendorsonce I saw what was on offer. I’m taking the vegetarian choice more and morethese days and there was no need to even think about meat over the Soul Circusweekend. Locally sourced, nutritious food aplenty, I came back feelingnourished.

Lastly, the breathing workshop with Stuart Sandeman andhis team. They are at the top of their game right now in that space and I can’tget enough of it. A rare chance to completely let go and focus solely onbreathing; what a tonic. 

Becky’s top moments

The yoga class with David Sye was like no other class I’dever experienced before. Known as the bad boy of yoga, David led a unique buthighly entertaining yoga session that blew us all away. I also spent a lot oftime in the Breathpod tipi – learning how to breathe properly and re-energisingmy soul.

Importantly, I also really enjoyed how friendly and happy everyone was at the festival. It was great to dance the night away listing to DJ Norman Jay with people smiling all around, and that’s something that I won’t forget, at least until I experience it all again next year!

Cameron’s highlights

There was a wide range of vegan food to try, that I wouldhave otherwise not even considered, which I really liked. There were also meatoptions available, too (if that wasn't to your appetite). The HIIT workout bythe lake was a great mid-afternoon pump as well; it was in glorious sunshinewith spectacular views over the lake.

The breathing workshop, in the Breathpod Tipi was a great way to have a total detox from everything around you and just focus on yourself for over an hour, relieving any stress and letting out any anger. It was a good insight for me into different breathing techniques and how to get the most out of your breathing. 

Kate's picks

Stuart Sandeman and the Breathpod team is up there – having heard about this from Layla, I was keen to see what it was all about. I still can’t quite articulate what really happened but the sensation of letting go in a completely safe space was quite something... and it’s stayed with me too.

Finding my inner Queen Bee at the ‘Drop it like Beyonce’ class with Keeley Dann was also great! It took place in the Body Positive Tipi and I certainly came out feeling body positive. I have never laughed, or whooped, or shaken my booty with friends and strangers quite as much as I did in that hour.  

Finally, Norman Jay MBE opened with one funky soulful tune and just kept them coming. Proper fun and a perfect way to finish off the day.