A festival born from one woman’s mission to create safe, sober, inclusive spaces is returning to Kendal for its fourth year.
LoveHerder, founded in 2023 by Carnforth-based community organiser Debs Thackrah, has grown from a small gathering of 90 people into one of the UK’s most respected sober and neurodivergent-friendly wellbeing festivals.
This year’s event takes place from August 7 to August 10 at Birkrigg Park in Stainton, near Kendal.
Debs said: “I started LoveHerder because I could see sober events flourishing in the south, while Cumbria had nothing that offered a festival experience without drugs or alcohol.
“I kept meeting people in recovery who felt there was ‘nothing to do’ – no safe holiday, no break from temptation, no space where they could just breathe.
“LoveHerder was created to change that. It’s a place with no overwhelm or pressure, where choice and inclusivity come first, and where you can arrive
exactly as you are and leave with a whole community of likeminded friends.
“I’m proud to stand alongside so many people across the UK who are working to support communities and create spaces where everyone can belong.”
The 2026 festival includes:
- Music, acoustic performances and DJs
- International musicians, workshops and speakers
- Movement and breathwork
- Creative arts and crafts
- Voice and empowerment
- Sound baths
- Cacao ceremonies
- Sauna and ice bath experiences
- Nature and outdoor sessions
- Family activities
- Sensory-aware spaces
- Trauma-informed crew support
Debs added: “Evenings wind down gently, with the site settling into quiet by 11pm to maintain a peaceful, family‑friendly atmosphere, unless you choose to stay a little longer for low‐level acoustics and storytelling around the campfire beneath the stars.”
LoveHerder reinvests directly into improving accessibility for UK sober and sensory friendly communities, supporting those who need it most, including:
- Recovery communities
- Financial hardship
- Neuro-divergent communities
- Accessible wellbeing workshops
- Community retreats
- Volunteer pathways
