The Creation of LoveHerder: A Story of Connection

LoveHerder was never just an event, it was a feeling, a movement, a quiet rebellion against the idea that joy must be fuelled by substances. It began with a simple, powerful intention: to bring the sober movement to the Lake District, and create a space where people could just be, without judgement, pressure, or pretense.

In the early days, it was a vision held by a few hearts. We didn’t have a blueprint, just a deep knowing that something was missing in the Cumbrian festival landscape: a place where connection came first, and where wellbeing, and celebration could coexist in a drug and alcohol free environment.

The First Gathering: Fellfoot Woods, Windermere

Our first event was nestled in the wild beauty of Fellfoot Woods. It was intimate, raw, and magical. We gathered under the trees with hammocks, fire circles, and a shared vision. There were breathwork sessions, forest bathing, music, and storytelling. No one needed to be anything other than themselves.People came from all walks of life, some in recovery, some simply curious, some seeking peace. What united us was the desire to connect deeply, without the fog of intoxicants or the pressure to perform. We danced barefoot, we cried, we laughed, we rested. It was the beginning of something bigger.

The Birth of "Getting High on Life"

That first gathering sparked the co-creation of LoveHerder“ Getting High on Life”, a festival that would grow into a flagship event hosted by High on Life CIC. It wasn’t just about sobriety; it was about vitality, nature, and reclaiming joy.

The name LoveHerder reflects our spirit: playful yet purposeful, bringing love, care, community, and togetherness into one space.

And the tagline “Getting High on Life” captures what makes us unique: the celebration of natural highs found in connection, music, movement, and the beauty of the outdoors.

Together, they became a symbol of gathering people back to themselves and to each other, gently herding the love so everyone could feel held, connected, and free.

At its core, LoveHerder is built on three guiding principles:

~ People before Profit~ Connection before Consumption~ Experience before Excess

‍These values shape everything we do, from the way we design our programme to the way we welcome every guest and co-creator.

Steady Growth, Deep Roots

Since then, LoveHerder has steadily grown. Each year brings more like-minded people, more workshops, more voices. We’ve attracted artists, facilitators, and changemakers who share our values. We’ve built accessibility into every layer, from ticketing to trauma-informed design.And most importantly, we're committed to supporting communities here in the UK. Everything we create at LoveHerder is designed to widen access to wellbeing, creativity, and connection: making workshops, volunteering pathways, and festival experiences open to everyone, with extra support for those who might otherwise be exclded.Every person who joins us helps strengthen a movement that lifts people up, builds confidence, and creates opportunities for individuals and familities across the UK to rose, connect, and thrive.

Why We're Different

‍LoveHerder was created for people who want to feel good - without alcohol, pressure, or overwhelm. Everything we do is designed with care: spacious environments, gentle communication, sensory-considered spaces, and a culture of kindness that welcomes families, creatives, sober and sober-curious explorers, and anyone craving genuine connection.

We’re not just a festival. We’re helping to build a movement for sober wellbeing in the UK.

When you join us, you’re helping create a kinder, more connected future here in the UK.

LoveHerder is a place to breathe out, feel held, and rediscover what it means to be fully present - together.

Meet the LoveHerder Team

The LoveHerder “Getting High on Life” team is a circle of like-minded friends who share a dream of creating safe, sober, and celebratory spaces. Brought together by connection and trust, we’ve grown this vision side by side - building a festival that celebrates inclusivity, wellbeing, and the freedom to simply be ourselves.