Arriving at the grounds of Ballinlough Castle for the debut year of Body and Soul felt warmly familiar. The atmosphere of the weekend was that of a long established event with the festival goers in a similar frame of mind. Clearly the past few years at the Picnic have taught Body & Soul how one puts on a festival. The Tree Stage is the first familiar sight and it’s nestled in a natural amphitheatre with the sunshine creeping through the trees and the crowd moving beneath like the sea.
After walking through the food kiosk areas filled with mouth watering crepes, burgers, falafel, sausage and various drinks options, we walked around the corner to catch our first glimpse of the perfectly sculpted gardens of Ballinlough in the form of a walled walk way with market stalls on one side. On the other side there were tree pods which looked like massive bird’s nests in an oval shape hanging from the trees, they were filled with brightly colored cushions and people. The walk way was scattered with wind chimes and other such hippie/happy décor. The hot tub area faces you at the end of the line. The hot tubs were a big treat at the Picnic and needless to say an even bigger treat in the hot afternoon sun at Ballinlough.
Next we arrived in a walled rose garden where a band playing classical music entertained festival goers lying on massive bean bags. A Hobbiton style archway to the right led into the main festival area where dozens of huts provided everything from drinks and food to clothes and henna. The atmosphere was like something from a fairytale picnic with laughter and all types of music pouring out of randomly shaped huts. Four belly dancers started warming up beside us and out of the blue there was a show. I’d like to think it was an impromptu performance from some of the many fancy dressed people, and it’s possible! Sporadic lines of people banging drums and shaking chimes and maracas passed by spreading the happy musical vibe. As the sun began to set a huge campfire was lit reaching 10 or 15 feet into the air. On this picture perfect day, it felt like the campfire was, well… picture perfect. The festival was as much about the experience of being there as it was about the music. Body and Soul have placed themselves firmly on the Irish festival calendar. They are exactly what it says on the tin (which is a pretty big deal), a festival that promises to heal your body and soul, and it’s nice to see a festival for the grownups. Let’s hope it stays that way.
The campsite was right beside the festival grounds, the car park was a 10 minute walk away and there was an intimate capacity of 1500 people. Sitting on the grass listening to Bob Marley belting from a nearby hut, the sun roasting your skin and kids swinging luminous poi expertly on the grass, Body and Soul got it all right, even Mother Nature gave her approving nod with the sun blazing down for the weekend. I’m looking forward to next year already, Milk Festival goers are in for a real treat in the surreal surrounds of Ballinlough this August.
Photos to follow this avo.
