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.
DAY TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
You can now join SOFest 2026 for one powerful day.
Join us on Wednesday 17th June 2026, 07:00–21:00 BST.
If three days feels like too much of a stretch, a day ticket gives you a way in. Your day ticket includes:
- Access to a full day of talks and workshops
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks and refreshments
- Three-course dinner
- Evening entertainment and festival atmosphere
- Time to connect, reflect and reset alongside other facilitators, trainers and business owners
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
Day Ticket
- Wednesday 17th June, 0700 - 2100 BST
- Access to 3 inspiring speakers
- Choose from 8 hands-on workshops
- All meals, snacks & drinks included
- 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
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