There’s something about WellFest that makes you completely switch off from the outside world the second you walk through the gates.

For one weekend, stress, emails, overthinking, and everyday worries are replaced with yoga mats, dance classes, wellness talks, good energy, and thousands of people all looking to feel a little bit better — mentally and physically.

From calming yoga sessions to high-energy dance workouts and inspiring wellness talks, the atmosphere across the festival felt incredibly grounded, inclusive, and uplifting. Whether you arrived solo or with friends, there was this overwhelming feeling that everyone was welcome.

One of the biggest highlights for me was getting the opportunity to speak with Spencer Matthews ahead of his wellness talk.

Before he took to the comfy sofa on stage, Spencer spoke about how he, his wife Vogue, and their three children (with a fourth on the way) use walking and talking together to help build their family’s mental health. Speaking about their lifestyle, Spencer said, “We walk every day, we’re in the park every day, we take the dog out every day. We’re with each other when we’re not with the kids.”

He went on to say they are a very active family, especially their son Theodore, who one day wants to play for Barcelona.

I asked Spencer whether he leans more into mentality or physicality when it comes to mental health, and he admitted he leans more towards physicality.

He explained that while both go hand in hand, he puts his physical health first because he has found he cannot do anything unless he looks after himself first. The former Made in Chelsea star added that getting yourself out of bad thoughts can sometimes feel harder than lifting weights, but exercise can distract your mind, release positive endorphins and dopamine, and ultimately help pull you forward.

While many people first knew Spencer from Made in Chelsea, his journey since then has become something far more meaningful and inspiring. Openly speaking about his past struggles with alcohol misuse, Spencer discussed the shame he once carried, the destructive habits he had to break away from, and the bigger life changes that completely transformed his mindset.

Now known for taking on intense endurance challenges including marathons, Ironman competitions, and extreme projects, Spencer spoke passionately about using exercise as a tool for mental health and personal growth — particularly for men who may struggle to open up emotionally.

He also reflected on wanting to make his father proud, his admiration for his late brother Michael, and how charity work, including support for James’ Place, continues to motivate him through some of his toughest physical and mental challenges — even during experiences as extreme as Antarctica.

Spencer also touched on working alongside Irish marathon runner Stephen Scullion, raising more money for charity, Project Seven, and the mindset needed to push beyond toxic habits and unhealthy cycles.

What stood out most, though, was just how down-to-earth and genuine he was. Honest, reflective, and incredibly easy to talk to — exactly the kind of energy that matched the overall feeling of WellFest itself.

That’s what makes WellFest so special. It’s not just about fitness classes or wellness trends. It’s about reconnecting with yourself, trying something new, meeting inspiring people, and leaving feeling lighter than when you arrived.

You walk in carrying stress and leave thinking maybe things don’t feel quite so heavy after all.