Words, wisdom and wellness - a new kind of literature festival Well Read at Wasing launches in ancient West Berkshire woodlands
CELEBRITY chef Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, broadcaster Clare Balding, private chef turned best-selling author, real food activist and sustainability champion Melissa Hemsley, peace-pilgrim, life-long activist and former monk Satish Kumar, actor, director, conservationist and artist Jim Murray come together with many more movers and shakers at a new and very different literature festival of words, wisdom and wellness this spring.
Mark your calendars for this May, as Wasing Estate’s ancient woodlands will be transformed into a haven for writers, nature lovers and wellness enthusiasts at the debut of Well Read.
This exciting new literary festival, running on May 25 and 26 promises a refreshing approach to literature, blending creative expression with the healing powers of nature in a stunning, immersive environment.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Wasing's rhododendron-adorned woodlands, Well Read offers more than just talks and readings; it’s an experience that brings authors and attendees into a deeper connection with the natural world.
And our fantastic local indie Hungerford Bookshop’s tentacles spread even further across the area as they partner Well Read at Wasing to bring a wonderful on-site reading nook & book pop-up in the woodland yurt.
Wasing, known for its heritage and commitment to sustainability, is the perfect setting for exploring the intersection of ecology, wellness, and creativity.
Well Read is the place to discover, learn and share ideas with like minded people that are eager to explore how we can better live with the earth, not just on it.
Here are the array of authors, guest speakers and workshop facilitators for Well Read. The timings, for now, are approximate, so watch this space for details coming soon of the wealth of topics being discussed when the full programme is announced in the not too distant future.
SUNDAY, MAY 25
8am – The campsite opens (Sun & Mon Full event ticketholders only)
9am – The Woodland venue opens
MAIN STAGE
10.30am – 11.45am – The Sunday Papers with Alec Russell, Satish Kumar, Sarah Langford & Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
12pm – 1pm- Lucy Jones & Marie Derome
1pm – 2.15pm - Alice Vincent & Hannah MacInnes
2.30pm – 3.45pm - Lucinda Miller & Melissa Hemsley
4pm – 5.45pm - Clare Balding & Hannah MacInnes
6pm – 7.30pm - Announcing soon
9 – 10pm - Gui Alves (Music)
LAKE STAGE
10am – 11am – Breathwork with Rebecca Dennis
11.30am – 12.45pm - Lulu Urquhart & Patrick Galbraith
1pm – 2.45pm – Joshua Dugdale & Sarah Langford
3pm – 4.45pm - Jay Griffiths & Lucy Cooke
5pm – 6.45pm - Lucy Jones & Lulu Urquhart
7pm – 9pm – Satish Kumar (including film)
10.30pm – Sunday only ticketholders depart
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
10am-11am / 11.30am – 12pm / 1pm – 2pm / 6.30pm – 7.30pm / 8pm – 9pm - Wild Swim & Sauna
4pm – 6pm Woodland Meditation
MONDAY 26 MAY 2025
MAIN STAGE
10am – 12pm - Melissa Hemsley & Hannah MacInnes
Afternoon – Announcing soon
LAKE STAGE
9.30am – 10am - Kiki Gilmore
10am – 12pm – Freya Bromley
Afternoon – Announcing soon
4pm – Festival closes
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Wild Swim & Sauna
FULL TICKET (SUN & MON)
25-26 May 2025
Adult 13+ £80 | Accessible £80 | Child 0-12 Free
or
1 DAY TICKET (SUN ONLY)
25 May 2025
Adult 13+ £55 | Accessible £55 | Child 0-12 Free
or
1 DAY TICKET (MON ONLY)
26 May 2025
Adult 13+ £30 | Accessible £30 | Child 0-12 Free
WELL READ VEHICLE PASSES
If you are bringing a vehicle, please purchase a vehicle pass in advance.
Visit https://www.wasing.co.uk/wellread For full information, participants details, programme and booking.
