Main photo Ainsley DS Photography
Splore welllbeing coordinator Wendy Douglas chats to Good about her non-negotiable Splore must-haves, and what we can expect from the festival in February 2021.
What do you love most about Splore?
The location is amazing and gives Splore that unique quality. Swimming in the ocean and watching your favourite band on stage is a definite highlight. The build-up to the festival is so exciting and then spending the weekend with all your mates, feeling free to express yourself exactly how you want to, is awesome. The dress-up is a visual delight and of course, Wendy’s Wellness is an absolute joy to co-create. I feel extremely honoured to be a part of such an epic undertaking. Love it!
Can you share some of the programme highlights for the Wendy’s Wellness area in 2021?
There are so many amazing free workshops to attend over the weekend and there are many highlights. Druidcraft Yoga and Slutty Yoga are both first for Wendy’s Wellness. Aaron Brunet (Masterchef winner in 2013) will be doing a Food for the Soul workshop. Jules Bright from Earth’s Kitchen returns for a full moon Cacoa Ceremony and Laughter Yoga with Chewy.
What are your thoughts on Splore having a female presence in all acts for 2021?
Mother is the theme in 2021, so it makes total sense that there is a female presence in all acts. I hope this sets a precedent for years to come. There are some amazing female talents in New Zealand and it’s awesome that they will be showcased at Splore 2021.
What considerations have you made when pulling together the festival’s wellbeing programme for Splore 2021?
The selection for 2021 has been the most difficult yet. We received a record number of great applications and as this is not just a Wellness festival, there is only a limited number of slots for presenters and practitioners. There is a strong female presence in the Wellness programme this year too. I think the considerations for 2021 and every year is to provide a diverse programme that has a wide appeal for the Splore audience.
What are you personally most looking forward to at the 2021 festival?
I always love checking out the various music acts and DJ’s, but I am really looking forward to having the Wendy’s Wellness crew back together again.
How many years have you been in charge of the wellness hub at Splore?
2021 will be my fourth year as Wellness Coordinator and I absolutely love it. I work with the best team
You’re also a DJ! Can you share some background as to how you became a DJ?
I worked as presenter at Kiss FM in London for 5 years in the early 90’s and started DJing then.
Will you be DJing some sets this coming festival?
And what will the vibe be? I’m not sure whether I will be DJing in 2021. I usually get confirmed at the last minute. It’ll be an eclectic bass heavy vibe.
What do you hope people get from Splore, and the wellness programme in particular?
Splore is a place where people are free to be themselves. The dress up seems to go up a notch every year and the colour and diversity of the festival has to be seen to be believed. The Wellness workshops are absolutely free, so it’s a great opportunity for Splorers to take time out, maybe try something new, to recharge and reset.
When packing for Splore, what are your top items that you always take with you for a good festival experience, and why?
Incense – I find burning incense helps me to ground.
Wellies – in case it rains. Also protects feet on the dancefloor.
Meditation Blankets – for my morning meditation and to wrap up at night because sometimes evenings can get chilly.
Cashew nuts – I’m crazy about them and they are always handy for a quick snack on the run (that’s if I haven’t eaten them before the festival starts).
Sunnies – different styles to match various outfits.
Reusable water bottle because the festival is waste-free and the water is also free from the tap. It’s important to stay hydrated.
Togs – the morning swims in the ocean are essential.
The theme for Splore 2021 is ‘Mother’. Do you have an outfit in mind to dress to that theme?
Not yet but working on it…..
