The power of magical experiences at festivals (with Secret Garden Party)

Entering the site of some of the most imaginative festivals is like being transported into an enchanted fantasy land. For a few days your reality shifts to a different mode, where a day-long sesh with your nearest and dearest is littered with magical awe-inducing moments. Magic like finding secret passages to hidden stages, or decor that sparks moments of childlike wonder.

At @thesecretgardenparty there has always been a core element of playful attention to detail, from the hidden sunflower field to the awe-inspiring fireworks, and all the tiny little embellishments that make it so special. Here Freddie Fellowes, Head Gardener, tells Happy Tuesdays about the power of magical experiences at festivals…

MAGIC MOMENTS CREATE CONNECTION
Unexpected connections can happen when people gather around a spectacle. By setting up the “playground” for people to explore and marvel at, there’s a chance to facilitate exciting new connections.

A COUNTER TO EVERYDAY LIFE
With the festival site set up so that people feel like they’ve escaped the humdrum of everyday life, magic occurs because those same people begin to express, and embody, the best version of themselves.

MAGIC SPARKS AWE & WONDER
Awe and wonder can be beneficial to a healthy mind and spirit. Those unforgettable moments can inspire greater social cohesion, diminished focus on the self, greater appreciation for life, and positive shifts in mind and body.

THE POWER OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
In a world where corporations rule the roost, and often quash creativity in the name of profit, it’s crucial to maintain spaces where freedom of artistic expression is at the forefront. This freedom of expression can have a wider impact on arts and cultural exchange, beyond the festival walls.

PLAYTIME FOR ADULTS
Childlike play and interaction can aid individuals in their personal growth to make them better adults, while also helping people to form new bonds. Playing can relieve stress, stimulate creativity and break the ice between strangers.