I wasn’t at DorsetFest with a gang of therapists and yoga teachers this year, and there’s a heartfelt reason why….
It was a really hard decision. Apart from two years when I was running retreats on the same weekend, I’ve been a big part of the community vibe at the festival since 2017. Over the years, I’ve brought therapies, yoga, sound healing, and a beautiful bunch of amazing helpers and had a lot of fun each time.
It’s been a big part of my year, and I’ve always put a huge amount of effort into creating the space each Midsummer.
But sometimes we have to do what we can to stand up for our community, and the link between the Langhams, on whose land the festival is held, and the Portland Incinerator project simply did not sit right with me.
I first became aware of this connection last year when I asked a friend if he would like to be part of the therapy team. He told me he felt uncomfortable about it because of the Langhams’ link to the incinerator. Living in Wyke Regis, he would be directly affected by this monstrosity on our beautiful coastline.
That was the first I knew of any connection, and from that moment I felt increasingly unsure about whether I wanted to continue running a wellness area at the event.
Wanting to understand more, I got in touch with Etienne from the Stop Portland Incinerator campaign. I listened to friends and local business owners based on Portland and felt the frustration, determination and concern shared by so many people fighting this proposal against considerable power and financial backing.
I believe it’s important that we do what we can, when we can. There is so much in the world that needs our attention these days that it can feel overwhelming. Sometimes the sheer scale of it all makes us want to give up and give in.
That feeling is understandable. The world often seems full of turmoil, chaos and injustice.
But when an opportunity comes along to make a simple statement, to boycott something or stand up for what you believe is right, I think we have to take it.
So although my decision may have disappointed some people involved in the festival, including those who volunteer their time and energy and the charities that benefit from the event, I feel the potential long-term impact of this incinerator on a place that so many of us love cannot be ignored or brushed aside because of its connection to those behind the project.
I’m sharing this now, after the festival has taken place, out of respect for the local businesses, volunteers and community members who worked so hard to make the event happen.
My hope is that between now and next year, the Langhams choose to use their influence to help stop this development from going ahead and take meaningful action to support the local community and protect this special part of the world.
