CHILLING OUT: Sophie O’Neill provided free remedial massages. Photo: Geoff O’Neill 121012GOE02
VISITORS to the inaugural Stress Less Festival chilled out – literally – in Bicentennial Park yesterday afternoon.
Despite the temperature hovering around 13 degrees Celsius when the festival kicked off yesterday afternoon, many people were still keen to check out what the festival had to offer.
Free massages proved hugely popular in the chillout tent and the dance floor of the silent disco attracted a bit of a crowd when people worked out what it was.
While organisers were a bit disappointed about the weather and accompanying cold chill, they were happy a number of people were floating in and out of the park throughout the afternoon.
“We didn’t really know what to expect in terms of numbers, and the weather has probably hurt us a bit, but it’s great there has still been some interest,” Tamworth headspace manager Helen Carr said.
“The threat of the rain hasn’t dampened any spirits, so that’s pleasing.”
The festival, designed to celebrate the little things in life, is something organisers are hoping to grow again as part of the annual Mental Health Month.
The theme for Mental Health Month this year was “Celebrate, connect, grow”, something organisers focused on when planning the festival’s events.
In previous years the festival took the form of a walking event, held in the early morning before work.
“The timing for people, before school and work and other daily commitments, didn’t seem to suit, so we decided to develop something that would have a broad appeal,” Miss Carr said.
The relaxed appeal of the park and a scope of activities for all ages yesterday appeared to be a winning formula.
“It was great to see, despite the cold snap, that people were interested in what we were doing and willing to try what was on offer,” Miss Carr said.
What was on offer ranged from a free sausage sizzle to face painting, information on services and live entertainment.