Goodfest 2024. Dreaming big, acting now.

If you know me and my work, you may know that I have been involved to some level with Goodfest Cornwall for some years. Building and maintaining the website, and in 2020 doing a virtual lightning talk on sustainable web development. But, it has taken me four years, and four Goodfest’s to actually make it there in person. 2024 was the year I finally made it.

What is Goodfest?

If you don’t know about Goodfest Cornwall, it is a yearly event held on the rugged coastline of Cornwall’s west coast. Nestled in the cosy environment of the Bedruthan hotel, folks from across the country gather to talk, listen, support and reset. Over two days, you immerse yourself in the experience. From a little bit of ‘woo woo’ with Qigong and breath work, to uncomfortable and sometimes emotional conversations surrounding the climate. Goodfest is a place to open up, feel embraced by others tackling the same issues, and to ignite the next phase of action.

My Goodfest 2024 highlights

I can tell you one thing. You won’t regret attending Goodfest. I had planned on attending the first day and only some of the second. I ended up staying for the whole thing, and a little bit more. I simply didn’t want to leave.

Some of my highlights from the two days are:

  • Throwing yourself into the ‘woo woo’ is very much worth it.
  • Thursday was a great day of meeting people, talks and questions.
  • The food was epic.
  • Relaxing with a few drinks, music, and throwing a few shapes is a very good way of ending the first day.
  • Friday felt different. Deeper. More emotional.
  • I met some amazing new people.
  • I connected a lot more with those I already knew.
  • The workshop with The Happy Startup School was brilliant.
  • Clover Hogan’s emotion-rich talk was eye opening.
  • At the end, I was compelled to be present; simply stare at the ocean and just be. With the sun on my face, existing in the moment, processing.
  • I left with ambivalence. My cup was full, but my battery was empty. In the best way possible.

To dream big and act now

The topic of this year was Dream big, Act now. Post-event, I feel the need to decompress. To process. My mind is full of what ifs, what’s next. Dreams, and how to act on them.

I can’t recommend Goodfest to you enough. If you can, take yourself to Cornwall to attend. You won’t regret it. You never know, it could be the start of turning your dreams into actions.