RAWR!
25-30 July 2026
Earth Spirit Retreat Centre
Near Glastonbury, Somerset, UK
Venue
This year, we return to our home for five consecutive years just outside of Glastonbury. The rich landscape and history of this place support the natural unfolding into a wider sense of ourselves. The retreat center itself offers a good dose of comfort and nourishment to ground and feel looked after for our six days together.
EarthSpirit Center
We will dance, explore and play at a high quality retreat center.
The seventeenth century farm buildings have been beautifully restored and specially converted for use as a venue. They are set within seven acres of fields and gardens.
The complex is based around a converted 52′ (15.5m) long barn, with oak timbers, reed torching (lining the inside of the roof) and stone walls. The feeling is medieval, but with modern comforts such as under-floor heating and a large wood stove. The high roof and skylights create a light, airy atmosphere.
Sorroundings
Just five miles from Glastonbury, on the edge of Compton Dundon village in Somerset, EarthSpirit lies within the ‘temenos’ (sacred enclosure) of Avalon.
The farm is situated in a beautiful landscape between two nature reserves; and just two minutes walk from St Andrew’s church, which has within its cemetery a yew tree of 1,800 years old.
The seventeenth century farm buildings have been restored and specially converted for use as a venue. They are set within seven acres of fields and gardens.
Glastonbury has available 4 large supermarkets, petrol stations and health food shop – beside an interesting array of tourist shops the Abbey, the Tor and historic Challice well.
Big Dance Space, 2 Indoor Workshop Spaces
Dungeon, Love lounge, Hot Tub, Sauna, Woodlands, Hot showers
Accommodation
There is a diverse choice of accommodation at the venue. From camping, to dorms, to shared rooms, private roms and ensuite with bathrooms.
All included
6 Day Touch&Play Gathering Ticket Festival + Accommodation + Nourishment
Amenities: Includes high quality retreat center, accommodation, meals, hot drinks and snacks, hot tub, sauna, workshops and other facilities, in the rich mythic landscape of Dundon.
- All inclusive meals: Each day we share breakfast, lunch and dinner, lovingly provided by the venue.
- Held Rest And Digest Spaces: This year we want more time for digestion, but with some availability of ‘holding’. These include things like bodywork, verbal connection, led walks and meditation spaces. Part of this is to recognise that our nervous systems can be activated by the intense experiences at these wonderful events and so support is sometimes needed. We want to support this process.
- Unstructured rest: You can of course access the hot tubs, sauna, wild spaces, cuddle corner and dining room anytime to allow for rest and/or connection.
- ‘Intensive’ tracks: At the beginning of the event each participant will choose to be part of a closed group that will journey together for 4 days, meeting each morning to explore an intensive deep dive along with a skilled facilitator.
- Afternoon taster workshops: Each day there will be a smorgasbord of delights available for your choosing, allowing you to freely choose what peaks your interest in the moment and allowing you to meet others outside of the intensive group.
Nourishment
Three delicious vegetarian meals per day.
Vegan, gluten free or dairy free diets available
Tea’s and coffee’s on tap.
SPECIAL DIET
A part of that, if you require a special diet, please make sure to specify your needs during the registration process. If the kitchen team is able to accommodate your requirements, there will be an additional fee of £10 or £35. Thanks for your understanding.
The kitchen team tries to accommodate non-trace nut allergies but cannot garantee trace allergies of any type (as there isn’t a trace-free kitchen or prep area).
Occasionally the kitchen team can provide an area where those with very detailed diets can prepare food for themselves.
Economic contribution
We love what we do, and we continually reflect on how we can better contribute to life, and, in the process, make the self-help / woowoo / new age industry a real more conscious and thoughtful space.
By investing in T&P, you’re supporting not only your personal growth but also a family-owned, values-driven project dedicated to community, the environment, and creating meaningful experiences. A dedicated team works year-round to make this possible, with additional support during the event.
TICKETS
Tickets starts at £610
REDUCED TICKETS
Helpers team assistant:
These tickets have a £200 discount applied. If you need an economic help, are new to the T&P gatherings and/or you are coming alone, being a helper can be a foundation to land in and become part of a team which meets each day and you can add a practical hands on element to your journey.
Subsidised ticket:
T&P includes people with varying personal economies by providing a limited number of subsidised tickets.
These tickets have a £115 discount applied. We are aware that this is still beyond some peoples means.
Donations:
When registering, you have the option to make a donation. Those extra contributions go into the T&P Equity and Access Fund, which provides reduced tickets for those in financial need. Priority for these subsidized tickets is given to individuals from marginalized groups and local community members.
By contributing, you help expand access to this transformative experience.
We aim to make this event accessible while also valuing our dedication to the project.
We are grateful for your economic contribution and beyond.
Practicalities
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Check in: is from 5:00pm to 6:00pm the first day.
Check out: 3pm the last day
The gathering is a 6 day event. Unlike a festival this is not something you can drop into as and when. Please when booking make sure you can arrive on time at the beginning of the event.
You are expected to stay until the end. In case you need to leave earlier, we ask that you have a check in with the organisers. We respect the container we are creating for the well-being of all. Thank you
HOW TO GET TO THE VENUE
Lockyers Farm, Peak Ln, Compton Dundon, Somerton TA11 6PE
How to get to Earthspirit center in the landscape of Dundon, 5 miles from Glastonbury.
Once you register you receive a document to self organize shared rides.
WHAT TO BRING
When you register your recive all the information you might need.
I want to join Touch&Play
Expectations
Self-regulation is a key aspect of the Touch&Play experience, which can be wonderfully intense.
At Touch&Play, we, collectively, create a supportive environment for intense and transformative experiences. While the container offers structures and a culture of support, we do expect participants to bring the gift of self-regulation.
In order to come it’s essential that you can handle your own emotions and triggers. In other words, you should be able to regulate yourself and deal with what comes up during the explorations.
Touchandplay is a transformative space, often with therapeutic qualities, but it’s important to clarify that it is not therapy or it is not a substitute for professional therapy.
To attend Touch&Play, it’s essential that you can self-regulate physically and emotionally.
Touch&Play is an experience of inquiry, liberation, and self-discovery for people who want to grow within a community of like-minded individuals, while improving their relationships.
Is this an event for me?
This is an intimate body event. It is suitable for those who have the ability to self regulate their emotions and are comfortable with and have some understanding of sexy environments.
If you are dealing with significant levels of trauma (specifically sexual or relational) or PTSD this may not be the event for you.
At the same time, while diverse expressions are welcome, this is not an event cantered on sex. This is not a swingers event and If what you’re looking for sex with no strings attached this is likely not your place.
Cocreation
STEP IN YOUR LEADERSHIP
BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT
Touch&Play from its inception has been based on questions rather than answers. We don’t pretend to know everythink that you want or need nor what you will actually take with you from your time with us. We are available to keep growing base on the necessities that may arise as well as bringing light into the blind spots.
We frame out spaces as being both Experimental and Experiential and invite you to be the principal author of your journey. Through that lens we gift the opportunity to contribute to and enrich the journeys of those around you. We form an (a)temporal and interdependent community where all our thoughts, feelings and actions are woven together in a rich relational web.
How do you want to show up in this tribe and what do you want to offer? How do you want to participate and what would you like to contribute? What do you feel is needed?
As you immerse yourself and become familiar with the culture and its practices, you will see many ways of adding your flavour. Perhaps you feel called to join the Soothe & Care Team, host a booth at the Exploratorium, or perform at the Performance night. Maybe you feel energised and decide to sign up for an extra chore or collaborate in building up a community Ritual. You might have skills that you feel would benefit the community, you can offer a workshop as a community contribution, host a discussion meal, or organise an encounter with an affinity group.
Identifying your personal motivations and unmet needs or potential offerings that could benefit the community is crucial for its growth and development. By recognizing areas where there may be gaps or opportunities for expansion, likely will be befetial for you and for the diverse needs and interests of others. There are many ways to step up and become involved, and we encourage you to explore how you can best integrate yourself and offer your gifts into this vibrant community.
As well it is appreciated that you contribute with your action it is well appreciated to contribute with your loving presence, taking care of yourself and your energy. Action, speaking and giving are as precious as observing, listening and receiving. It’s time to create communities where we respect our own nature in communication with the groups needs.
How do you want to show up?
What is needed?
Some ways to collaborate
COMMUNITY OFFERINGS
A community offering is a special opportunity to experience the diversity of the community and leaderships. Is a place where participants can share their skills, talents, or interests. These offerings can take various forms, such as workshops, guided experiences, or interactive sessions. Participants are invited to submit proposals for these offerings before the event begins. A limited number of proposals will be selected to be facilitated during designated times, providing diverse and enriching experiences for everyone involved.
PERFORMANCE NIGHT
You will be amazed on the diverse talented proposals.
EXPLORATORIUM
An evening fun, deep and diverse.
PLACE KEEPING
Everyone is invited to help keeping the atmosphere of our spaces and places comfortable and beautiful by helping to tidy up, swing the broom or carry something from a to b.
AFFINITY GROUPS
An affinity group is a gathering of individuals who share common interests, backgrounds, or identities within the larger community. These groups provide a space for people to come together based on shared experiences, identities, or goals, allowing for deeper connections and understanding among each other. Affinity groups can be supportive during a retreat because they offer a sense of belonging, safety, and understanding, particularly for individuals who may feel underrepresented in the broader community.
Community Care
Offer and Receive Support
Touch&Play can be an intense and introspective experience. While it is not a therapeutic space and we kindly request all participants to arrive prepared to manage their own triggers, there are ample opportunities within this pulsating environment to connect, feel supported, and extend your support to others.
It takes all of us stepping-in to co-create a safer space. This event is also more enriched and enlivened by what we all weave into it.
SOOTHE&CARE TEAM
Intrapersonal
When you register you will be asked if you want to be part of the Soothe & Care team.
The Soothe&Care Team is a group of volunteers who are available throughout the event for inner-personal support. The intention is to cultivate a community of co-regulation. Volunteers choose when they have the capacity to be of support which can look like deep listening, breathing together, offering validation, or taking a walk.
Learn more
In order to create a safer container we invite volunteers (participants, teachers) to form part of the Sooth&Care team. This means contributing a little of your time supporting participants in processing their experiences (e.g. co-regulation, deep listening, being present, finding a container for emotional release).
As part of the Sooth & Care team you will need to attend a short pre-festival briefing online and/or onsite by the Soothe & Care Team Lead(s) usuallt in the afternoon the festival starts.
During the festival you will meet once or twice as a team to share your observations and experience of the group.
The commitment to the role doesn’t require much times and it is flexible so it aligns with your own needs and boundaries. Within the team you’re mutually supporting each other and it’s a lovely way to bring your contribution.
PEACE COUNCIL
Interpersonal
We come with such diverse backgrounds and we go deep into interpersonal exploration that eventually consent and conflict more broadly can arise.
In case some interpersonal support is needed during the event we have conflict support and mediation.
Learn more
MEDICAL & EMERGENCY SUPPORT TEAM
Unexpected
When you register please let us know if you are a medical doctor/counselor/therapist/first aid trained or crisis intervention specialist and are open to being contacted by an organizer during the festival in case of an emergency.
I want to join Touch&Play