Wellington College’s Wellbeing Festival 2026
Published by Wellington College on Wednesday 24th of June 2026
Students from the Third, Fourth and Lower Sixth Forms came together for Wellington College’s annual Wellbeing Festival on Friday evening and Saturday morning, enjoying a programme of activities designed to help them relax, recharge and connect with one another following examinations and Trips’ Week.
The festival began on Friday evening with a community barbecue in Combermere Quad before students gathered in the GWA for an evening of entertainment. A performance from one of Wellington’s student bands was followed by a headline appearance from Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist and illusionist Maddox Dixon, whose engaging and interactive show provided a memorable end to the week.
The event was designed to provide students with an opportunity to step away from the usual routines and pressures of school life, while recognising the importance of creating time for rest, enjoyment and connection.
The festival was organised by Nick Hughan, Head of Pastoral Enrichment, who worked alongside colleagues across the College to develop a programme that balanced activity, entertainment and opportunities for reflection.
“The Wellbeing Festival is an opportunity for students to pause after a busy period of examinations and Trips’ Week and spend time enjoying experiences that help them feel connected, energised and refreshed. Wellbeing takes many different forms, and the festival is designed to give students the space to explore activities they enjoy while also strengthening the sense of community across year groups.”
Saturday morning began with a lie-in and wellbeing breakfast before students gathered on Turf for a whole-school Zumba warm-up. Students then took part in a range of wellbeing activities, with this year’s programme shaped by student feedback.
The activities were streamlined to create more of a shared festival atmosphere, with many taking place around Turf and encouraging greater participation, while still providing quieter spaces for students seeking a calmer or more reflective experience.
This balance reflected one of the key aims of the festival: recognising that wellbeing is different for everyone. While some students chose energetic, active pursuits, others opted for more relaxed activities, allowing them to engage in ways that suited their individual interests and preferences.
“I particularly enjoyed seeing the students relaxed and catching up with friends at the BBQ on Friday evening – not a phone in sight, just groups of students eating together and enjoying reconnecting after a busy week. Contrasting that with the varied energy levels during Saturday’s mass Zumba session was fun to observe and participate in. It was great to see how Mr Hughan took the students’ ideas and turned them into a reality, and good fun to watch everyone’s moves!” – Naima Charlier, Deputy Head Compassion, Belonging and Wellbeing
The festival concluded with an inspiring keynote address from Shaunagh Brown, former England rugby international, Commonwealth Games athlete, firefighter and commercial diver. Drawing on her remarkable career and life experiences, Shaunagh shared insights into resilience, leadership, overcoming setbacks and challenging expectations, encouraging students to think positively about their own ambitions and opportunities.
Reflecting the festival’s emphasis on both enjoyment and personal growth, Shaunagh’s talk provided a fitting conclusion to two days dedicated to wellbeing, community and connection.
“One of the strengths of the festival is that it recognises there is no single approach to wellbeing. Some students gain energy from being active and taking part in group activities, while others benefit from quieter opportunities to reflect and recharge. Creating an environment where students can make those choices for themselves is an important part of helping them develop positive wellbeing habits that can last beyond their time at school.” – Charlie Sutton , Assistant Head (Pupils)
As another successful Wellbeing Festival came to a close, students left with new experiences, stronger connections and a reminder of the importance of making time to look after their physical, social and emotional wellbeing throughout the year.
The College would like to thank Nick Hughan for his leadership and organisation of the festival, as well as the many members of staff who generously gave their time to plan, lead and support activities across the weekend. Their enthusiasm and commitment helped create an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all involved, ensuring the Wellbeing Festival remains one of the highlights of the Wellington calendar.
