Meet the New Age festival exploring conscious experiences.
Back for a fourth year, Melbourne’s Soul Star Festival is tipped to be a veritable choose-your-own-adventure journey into the world of spirituality and wellness, set deep in the heart of our urban jungle.
“When people tend to think of these events they imagine lashings of crushed purple velvet and a really hippy vibe – mine are not like that at all,” says festival director Briony Goldsmith. “They are very clean and contemporary. The Timber Yards in Port Melbourne is the perfect venue with its re-purposed polished concrete floors and greenery everywhere. People like to say I bring Byron Bay luxe and soul to the city.”
As a nutritionist, meditation teacher and intuitive empath, Goldsmith has been an influential figure in the wellness industry for many years and, using her connections, she personally sought out a handful of the country’s leading voices in holistic health to speak at this unique event.
“There are some fabulous people on the bill. I’m looking forward to hearing from Elle Steele. Not only is she an Ex-Paralympian, which is an incredible achievement. She’s also a coach and a healer,” adds Goldsmith. “Elle connects people with their spiritual power. She’s experienced so much adversity in life and she continues to thrive. She’s an amazing inspiration.”
Also on the lineup is self-confessed astrology nerd Natasha Weber. “She writes for Mamamia and myBody+Soul. She’s gorgeous and amazing at what she does,” Goldsmith says. “ Anyone with a pre-booked ticket will be sent a link to discover what their Venus love sign is. She’s going to talk about what they mean personally and in our relationships, and she will tailor her readings, too.
Other speakers include Hay House author Cassie Mendoza-Jones, Carl Massy, author and co-owner of Bali’s renowned yoga centre The Practice, and the president of Meditation Australia, Asher Packman.
“Something a lot of people don’t know is that Asher has been living with cancer for ten years. It’s been ongoing and it’s an incurable cancer,” Goldsmith says. “He talks from the soul, he’s incredible – in fact, him getting cancer was the catalyst for him changing his life and profession.”
To enhance the feeling of escapism, artwork by five-time Archibald Prize finalist Carla Fletcher will be on display around the grounds. Fletcher will also be interviewed on the main stage by much-loved podcaster Sarah Grynberg.
Throughout the day, ticketholders will have unlimited access to workshops run by hand-picked experts in their field, including life strategist Shannah Kennedy and Lyndall Mitchell, the founder of St Kilda’s popular spa Aurora. Other classes include Practical Spirituality with leadership coach Jem Fuller and Crystal Intention Setting with Stacey Lim.
In another area open to the public dubbed the ‘Healers Hub’, a team of hand-picked practitioners will be offering a diverse range of one-on-one sessions in everything from psychic medium and tarot readings, to Shamanic healings, reiki and acupuncture massage, to be enjoyed by everyone from the most discerning spiritual enthusiast to curious newcomers.
“We’ve designed these sessions to be a fraction of the usual cost and time, so guests can find who they resonate with. It’s meant to be a bit of fun, you’re not coming in for a deep, deep healing session because it wouldn’t be the appropriate setting. I want it to be fun day out with your friends or family.
“And if people don’t want to come and experience all the talks or try out the sessions, they can just come and enjoy the markets for a five dollar entry fee that you can pay on the day,” Goldsmith says. “There is entertainment and kids activities, food and wellness stalls. It’s set up for everyone – we offer the beautiful novelty of getting your palm read or the pampered feeling of head and shoulder massage, or simply trying a vegan donut.”
So if you’re wanting to get lost down the spiritual rabbit hole or simply want to try something new for a day, this event may be written in the stars for you.
“We don’t want it to be too serious. We wanted to create an indulgent experience in Melbourne that you can feel good about.”
Soul Star Festival is happening on Sunday March 1 at The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne. For tickets and more information, head to the Soul Star website.
