The event for coaches, trainers and facilitators that challenges how you show up, facilitates your next breakthrough, and leaves you more grounded, connected, and confident in your craft.
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of attendees rated the venue as Excellent - and 100% said it was Good*
Come for the workshops.
Stay for the people.
Return for the feeling.
SOFest is a three-day, two-night facilitation and coaching retreat designed for facilitators, trainers, and coaches who want to grow their practice, reconnect with their purpose, and spend time with people who truly get it.
You’ll join 100 like-minded professionals for an unforgettable mix of workshops, peer learning, and embodied activities - all in a peaceful lakeside setting in Essex, UK.
Whether you're here for professional development, personal reflection, or both, SOFest offers the space to think, learn, rest, and breathe.
Float in the lake, walk in the woods, connect by the fire - and leave with more than just notes.
Immerse yourself in
MEET THE FOUNDER
Born from a facilitator's own journey
SOFest was founded by Kirsty Lewis, a seasoned facilitator, learning designer, and the founder of School of Facilitation - a global learning community for facilitators, coaches, and trainers.
With over 20 years of experience and a background in corporate L&D and facilitation, Kirsty has worked with organisations including Diageo, Chanel, JDE, Bally and The Post Office and has taught her approach to over 1000 professionals across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
She created SOFest as the event she wished existed:
A place where facilitators could stop holding space for everyone else - and finally be held in their own learning and growth.
School of Facilitation has helped thousands of practitioners grow their confidence, refine their craft, and deepen their impact. SOFest brings that same ethos to life - but under the trees, beside the lake, and around the fire.
“SOFest is the physical expression of everything I believe about learning - that we grow best in safe, spacious, human environments.”
What Past Attendees Say
Don’t just take our word for it - here’s what facilitators, coaches, and trainers said at SOFest 2025
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
Everything’s taken care of - so you can focus on you.
You bring yourself. We’ll take care of the rest.
Ready to join us?
Tickets are limited to 100 to keep the experience intimate and personal.
Final Release Tickets
- 16th - 18th June 2026
- Access to 9 inspiring speakers
- Choose from 16 hands-on workshops
- All meals, snacks & drinks included
- 2 night glamping in a shared bell tent
- Enjoy the lake, nature walks & yoga
- Evening entertainment, campfires, and more
Apply for a funded place
We believe learning should be accessible to everyone. If you’re from the charity or NGO sector, new to facilitation, on a low income, or from an underrepresented background, you can apply for a fully funded or discounted place here.
SoFEST is considered an event by the British Government so is liable for VAT for all attendees, including those from overseas.
Become an Impact Partner
Create meaningful change
At SOFest, we’re committed to making learning experiences accessible to everyone. By becoming an Impact Partner, you can help individuals from underrepresented or vulnerable backgrounds attend, learn, and connect in ways that could change their future.
Your support provides:
✅ Funded access – Cover ticket costs for those facing financial barriers.
✅ Resources & learning – Enable tailored workshops and materials.
✅ A more inclusive festival – Ensure diverse voices are heard and valued.
Your contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Let’s shape a festival where everyone belongs.
Learn more about becoming an impact partner, or donate below:
Still not sure if SOFest is for you?
You’re not alone. Many of our attendees felt unsure about whether they’d fit in, whether it was worth the money, or whether they had time. They came anyway - and left changed.
Frequently asked questions
Participation
Chalkney Water Meadows in Essex.
The venue is just a 15 minute drive from local train stations, and trains arrive from London every 30 minutes.
https://browningbros.co.uk/chalkney-water-meadows
SOFest is a space for facilitators, trainers, coaches and educators to come and connect, learn and share. You have your own business or work in-house, either way you want to meet new people and deepen your connections in the community. You recognise the power of developing and growing yourself, deepening your skills and evolving your business
Many of us are ‘professionally lonely’ and taking time to be with others, in nature, is good for the soul. Yes we will be speaking about the future of learning, exploring different training and facilitation modalities, talking about all things business and clients.
What SOFest is not is a place to pitch for business or to coach one another (unless you ask to be coached)
Absolutely. Many like you don’t know anyone before they come and have doubts and fears about coming. SOF is a really welcoming community. We will be hosting events before SOFest and weaving connection through our time together and like all good trainers and facilitators will host a debrief after the event. At the event you’ll meet up to 2 fellow tent mates soon after arrival (if not bringing your own or a campervan – see below). We also have lots of volunteers on site should you have anything you’re worried or concerned about and need someone to talk to.
Sure – if your friend is a facilitator, trainer, coach or educator share the website with them so that they can buy a ticket.
Unfortunately not – SOFest is a kids-free zone. We have kids ourselves and know what a challenge it can be to get childcare, but we’ve found that you can be fully present in the talks and workshops when focused just on yourself for a few days.
No. As much as I love dogs this isn’t the case for everyone. If it is a companion dog or guide-dog the answer is yes.
And no you can’t bring your cat, hamster, rabbit or goldfish either!
Trains run from Liverpool Street, London every half an hour and take approximately 50 mins to the nearest station which is Marks Tey or Colchester. These stations are approximately a 15-minute drive from the venue.
Feel free to bring your midnight snacks and favourite drinks.
There is a space for making your own hot drinks should you so desire. We will provide tea and coffee too.
There is a bar which will serve alcohol and soft drinks (card payment only). Please don't bring any alcohol.
Itinerary
The event opens at 0930 on Tuesday 16th June 2026 (with the start at 1100). The event finishes at 1400 on Thursday 18th June 2026. The final schedule and a map of the site will be provided on arrival.
All meals, snacks, tea/coffee and water are included in the price. If you have any dietary requirements we can also cater for these - we will ask you for this information closer to the time.
There will be a paid bar between 1800 - 2300 (card payments only)
Accommodation
Your ticket includes accommodation in one of the luxury bell tents. If you prefer you can bring your own tent or campervan, please let us know by emailing us.
The bell tents are 5m wide and if buying a standard ticket you’ll be sharing with up to 2 other fellow campers. They will be same sex tents. A comfortable duvet, pillow and camping bed will be supplied for you. Upon arrival at camp, if driving, please park your car at the directed area and then make your way to the registration desk. From here we’ll direct you to your bell tent.
Please be aware that if it’s a clear, starry night it will be very cold out camping. If you are prone to chilliness please bring extra blankets, warm clothes or a hot water bottle. We don’t sell blankets, sleeping bags or extra layers on site, so come prepared.
If you’ve decided to bring your own tent instead of using one of our free bell tent beds, let us know by email. There will be a surcharge. Upon arrival at camp, if driving, please park your car in the designated area and then make your way to the front of the marquee for registration. From here we’ll give you directions to pitch your tent.
Please note there are no electrical hook-ups.
If you’ve decided to bring a campervan to SOFest, there is a surcharge (TBC). Email us to arrange this. Upon arrival at SOFest, please ask one of our volunteers for directions on where to park your campervan.
Please note, if you decide at the last minute that you’d like to take advantage of your free bell tent place after having told us you’re bringing your own tent or campervan this will only be possible if we have spaces left.
Please note there are no electrical hook-ups.
We won’t stop you but to have the full SOFest experience we recommend staying on site so you don’t miss out on anything. Magic most happens around a campfire and over early morning coffee.
Let us know if you'd like a list of local B&B's and we can send this over.
Facilities
A full equipment list will be sent to you - but here is an overview:
- Warm clothing (expect it to be cold at night)
- Tent and sleeping bag (if you’re bringing your own tent)
- Towels
- Shower gel/shampoo
- Torch
- Water bottle
- Payment card (bar is card only)
- Waterproof clothing (this is England!)
- Wellies/gumboots
- Swimwear (there’ll be wild swimming on site)
- Wet wipes
- Blanket (if you have room)
Unfortunately we won’t be able to provide much in the way of charging facilities for mobile phones. We’re encouraging people to take a break from their devices while at camp and be present. If you are concerned about charging your phone battery, we’d recommend buying an external battery pack and bringing this along.
Our washing facilities are designed to accommodate our outdoor glamping and workshop space. Showers are located in two converted horse boxes, with separate facilities for men and women. There is also a separate shower block.
The site features multiple toilets housed in repurposed Shepherds Huts. While toilet facilities are plentiful, shower availability is more limited. As a result, guests may experience short waits during peak morning hours. For quicker access, consider using the showers in the afternoon when demand is typically lower.
These facilities reflect the site's focus on outdoor living and repurposed structures, balancing basic comforts with the natural environment.
There is a Co-op in the neighbouring village of Earl Colne which is 1.5 miles from SOFest
Goings on
All talks will take place in the main tent. A full schedule will be given to you on arrival at SOFest.
Each day there will be workshops running in parallel. We’ll remind you to sign up for workshops during the festival as many of these have limited numbers.
We are looking to run morning sessions that may include a walk, run, yoga, journalling, these are all to be confirmed, and will let you know in advance.
There is a lake on-site. It will be open for swimming at certain times as the life-guards must be present. Please bring your swimmers and a towel.
We will be in touch closer to the time to collect the following information.
- any special dietary requirements eg vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free
- any special health (including mobility) needs that may affect your stay
- any allergies that you have that you feel we need to be aware of
- any medication that you are currently taking that you feel we need to be aware of
YES! That sounds great. We would ask that you respect the music curfew which is 2300.
No. You decide what you want to attend and join. You may want to sit outside in silence or chat with others.
No and Yes! Each workshop and activator session is a unique experience. If you join a workshop and realise it is not for you of course you can leave. Please be mindful of joining a session mid-flow especially if there is a meditation or activity happening.
Yes, when the lifeguard is on duty. Times will be listed on site.