Stories from Essex Recovery Festival
Essex Recovery Festival is a weekend planned and run by the recovery community in Essex. It’s a sober festival with music, workshops, shared meals and time outdoors.
People come for different reasons: to connect, to volunteer, to spend time with others in recovery, to support someone they care about, or to share something creative.
The stories below come directly from people who took part. They speak to the atmosphere, the moments, and what stayed with them afterwards.
Mike Hill
Volunteer
“Volunteering gave me purpose. My recovery is strongest when I’m part of other people’s recovery journey.”
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What motivated you to volunteer at the festival?
I have been volunteering with Essex Recovery Foundation for a while now and truly believe that I owe them a debt of gratitude for all the support, encouragement and opportunities that the whole team has given me. I was initially going to the festival as a customer but decided to offer my help as a volunteer. For me volunteering was the best of both worlds, I got to help out and experience the festival. A choice that I am glad I made.
What did volunteering at the festival mean to you personally?
The thing that meant the most was being part of the team that made the festival a success and having the chance support ERF. I got to connect to with other people and actually remember the whole festival weekend, the others I’ve been to are just a blur. It was a personal highlight in my recovery.
What moments stood out to you as particularly meaningful or memorable?
The whole weekend was amazing and there were so many activities you could do. The thing that still blows my mind is the atmosphere at the festival. There were hundreds of people there, from all walks of life and brining their unique character and enthusiasm, and everyone seemed to get on with each other. I’ve never experienced anything like it before.
What skills or strengths did you discover in yourself through the experience?
I found that I could overcome my social anxieties and that my lack of confidence can be used as a motivator to do things outside of my comfort zone (without being under the influence of something). I never thought I would be willingly meeting and talking to strangers and enjoying it. Something that is totally out of character for me.
Would you like to volunteer again in the future? Why?
I would definitely volunteer at the festival again and I will continue to volunteer in other areas with ERF too. Prior to becoming a volunteer I completed the Building Confidence Course which was excellent and really helped with improving my self-esteem and social anxiety. I also completed the Public Speaking Workshop which now means I get to share my lived experience with others in recovery and to professionals , basically anyone who wants to hear it… Which is essentially what the Voices in Recovery group is all about – bringing real life testimony on how people can recovery and to give an understanding on the impact addiction has on everyday life.I do volunteer at the Colchester Recovery Space every Friday where those in any stage of recovery can get together socially, have a coffee and just be themselves, knowing they are with people that understand and have gone through the same thing. Those few hours on a Friday have become the highlight of my week.
Why do I keep volunteering for ERF? I want to be part of something good that provides opportunities to so many people. For me (selfishly), I get to do things that I would not normally do, I get to meet amazing people and it gives me purpose. But more importantly, my recovery is only strong when I’m part of other people’s recovery journey.
That is why I enjoy volunteering with ERF so much.
Justin Cornwell
Volunteer
“It gave me hope that people in recovery can have fun without drugs or alcohol.”
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What motivated you to volunteer at the festival?
Hearing about it and to gain confidence and working alongside new people.What did volunteering at the festival mean to you personally?
It gave me continued hope that those in recovery can have fun and enjoy alcohol/drug free.What moments stood out to you as particularly meaningful or memorable?
The fire pit, dance exercises with Moses, meeting new people and sharing their stories.
What skills or strengths did you discover in yourself through the experience?
I can engage with people alcohol free and it built my confidence.
Would you like to volunteer again in the future? Why?
Yes I would love to volunteer again at the festival I feel this is a safe space full of activities and seeing people enjoying the space without judgement we can have fun without alcohol and drugs that's a fact it's been proven two years running.
Laura Bessant
Volunteer
“I joined my first ever meeting as someone supporting a partner in recovery. It was eye opening.”
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What motivated you to volunteer at the festival?
I was introduced to the organisation via my partner Peter Bloom who suggested I also join the weekend. We met at Food Cycle where we volunteer each Thursday, cooking and hosting for 15/20 people living in Chelmsford.
What did volunteering at the festival mean to you personally?
Personally, with a partner in recovery, I wanted to better understand that community and use the spare time that I had to share with an organisation doing such good work. I’m naturally chatty and positive, also hard working so was very comfortable and confident not only getting stuck in with the set-up but also greeting people, making them feel at ease and ensuring I was supporting the festival leaders to ensure the event was a success. Our event attendees were so grateful to be welcomed and supported, especially those on their own and I enjoyed making them feel at ease, walking them to their tents, explaining the set up and what not to miss out on!What moments stood out to you as particularly meaningful or memorable?
I joined my first ever meeting as someone supporting a partner in recovery and found it absolutely eye opening. The main share was inspiring; it really blew me away.
I also was overwhelmed by the kindness and openness of the other volunteers who made me feel very welcome, especially as someone not in recovery and perhaps new to the environment. They were so humble and warm and we all came together with such positivity it was mind blowing.
What skills or strengths did you discover in yourself through the experience?
Open-mindedness and a capacity to be entirely non-judgemental.
Would you like to volunteer again in the future? Why?
100%.
I’ll absolutely do the weekend again in 2026.
Gretel Warner
Workshop Facilitator
“I realised how much art belongs in recovery spaces.”
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What made you want to get involved with the Essex Recovery Festival?
I heard about the Festival having worked with the charity for several months prior. I thought it sounded really exciting; having never been to (or heard of) a sober festival centred around recovery and connection. It was something new and refreshing, and I wanted to get on board!
What inspired you to start leading workshops for others in recovery?
I think art is such an accessible and easy way to express yourself, channel emotions and energy, decompress and heal, and I simply wanted to share that. I have always been interested in art as therapy; I believe it is entirely transformative and anyone can do it… I wanted to start these workshops to show people that art is for anyone and everyone and that there are so many positives to be had from creative exploration and expression.
What has being involved with the festival meant to you personally?
It was a really fantastic opportunity and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hosting workshops always makes me a bit anxious, and I felt particularly nervous this day as I had no idea what to expect. Being a part of the festival made me feel part of something special, but it also made me realise how art has such a place in recovery.What are you most looking forward to about next year’s festival?
Seeing the festival grow!
James Rowe
ZettaTech
“When the chance came to support the festival, I couldn’t say no.”
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What made you want to get involved with the Essex Recovery Festival? Was there something about our mission which particularly resonated with you?
Throughout my career I’ve worked with charities and the organisation has worked within in the charitable sector and supporting IT for some time, along with working with members of the ERF team, I was drawn to trying to help where we could.I have many friends that have struggled with addiction in their lives, I’ve seen what it can do first hand and even started to head down that slope myself, as such I know what great events such as this can help to the road to people’s recovery as such I couldn’t resist the opportunity to help when it arose in as many ways as we could.
How did the event align with your organisation’s values or social responsibility goals?
We have always had a strong commitment for supporting charities and not-for-profit organisations that make a real difference in their communities. Getting involved with the Essex Recovery Festival aligned perfectly with that ethos and helping people rebuild their lives. We believe technology and partnership should be used to create positive change, with assisting on the tech side assists in people staying connected at the festival. It was a great opportunity for us to give back locally and stand alongside others who share our belief in second chances and recovery.Why do you think it’s important for local businesses to get behind projects like this?
Without the support from local businesses, it would be difficult for the event to go ahead, from support of acts to supporting different sectors that are involved with the festival, there isn’t an area where a business can’t help!The more businesses that offer support, the higher the chance of such great events are possible to go ahead and with more and more support it can only get bigger and better.
Kat
Festival Attendee
“It was my first time at Essex Recovery Festival, and hopefully the first of many. I will definitely be going again”
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The festival was sold out and full of energy, but what stood out most was the atmosphere on Saturday night. The crowd was alive, dancing freely, smiling, and completely present. I have been to loads of festivals, gigs, and nights out, but this felt different. There was something really special about a whole crowd having fun without alcohol or substances. Even the DJ commented on how spectacular it was. That moment will stay with me for a long time.
I felt totally relaxed the whole weekend. At other festivals, especially if you are drinking, you often feel like you need to keep your wits about you. Here, it felt safe, friendly, and the perfect size. You saw familiar faces, got to know people, and felt part of something.
Waking up in a tent feeling refreshed (or as refreshed as you can after camping) was a novelty in itself. The whole weekend was joyful, welcoming, and freeing.
I would highly recommend the festival to anyone, and I will definitely be back next year.
