Latest news with #SunriseSessions
Wales Online
05-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
I went to a 7am rave with a DJ and glow sticks in a health food shop
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info This wasn't like any rave I've been to before. For a start I set my alarm was set for 5.30am to head down to the Holland and Barrett experience store in central Cardiff. The health food store is hosting Sunrise Sessions, which claim to energise you with a morning rave, a session of pilates and a nutritious breakfast. The sessions are taking place across the UK and Ireland with hundreds of people getting involved. I headed down to the session held at the Queen Street store to find out what a wellness rave is really like. Whilst only 45 minutes before my usual wake up call, it felt a lot earlier, but luckily the sun was up which made it easier to get up and going. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here As I strolled through Cardiff city centre, the morning was quiet and I realised how rare it is to say that I walked past a castle on my way to Pilates first thing in the morning. Then I was quickly brought back to reality when a man walked by me muttering unwelcome comments and further along the street another man was threatening a shop worker. However, as I arrived to Holland and Barrett calm was restored and I was met by a DJ playing uplifting songs to rouse everyone awake and ready for the day. The music left me feeling energised and bringing the feel good vibes with dance and pop songs. My protein, the supplement brand, had a station where they handed out clear whey protein shakes in lemon and lime and orange and mango. I chose the latter which was tangy and refreshing without the earthy aftertaste I often get with most protein powders. A dance floor positioned in front of the DJ booth had a sparkly sequin wall, funky glasses and glow sticks to get everyone in the raving spirit. Everyone was encouraged to take to the dance floor for an early morning boogie which of course I joined it and surprisingly it wasn't the time of day that put me off but the fact I was in my gym gear. After my protein shake and a protein bar from the snack bowls available, I was ready for the standing Pilates session with instructor Sadie. Surprisingly, whilst there were 15 people attending we all fit into the wellness studio at the back of the Cardiff store where yoga and Pilates classes are held regularly. I have attended one of Sadie's yoga classes previously when the store first opened so I was happy she was leading the class this time as I know she is full of energy. This was my first ever standing Pilates class and I thought 'how hard can it be?' How wrong I was. I found the class challenging, with my quads feeling the burn during the lunge variations and my shoulders aching as we drew circles with our arms. There were some balance focused exercises that had me wobbling slightly. Half an hour of standing Pilates was enough for me and it felt refreshing to start my morning with movement - which is the premise of the Sunrise Sessions. The sessions are designed to "support mind, body and rest, so people are energised and feel ready to seize the day". One qualm I did have was that although the event was called Sunrise Sessions, we were inside and the sun had risen before the session started at 7.20am. After our Pilates class it was back out to the store where the DJ continued playing upbeat tunes and we were treated to a nutritional breakfast buffet with healthy foods, drinks and teas. With a choice of either Greek yoghurt or vegan coconut yoghurt, an array of toppings including seeds, granola, fruits, spreads and honeys were laid out for us to choose from. As someone who is a fitness and wellness enthusiast, I enjoyed being in a room with like-minded people with a focus on health and wellness. I left feeling ready to take on the day and the early morning wake up call was worth it as my mind and body felt relaxed. Tickets for the Sunrise Sessions cost £10 and attendees left with a goodie bag stocked with Holland and Barrett treats worth of £200. At the moment, it is uncertain when the Sunrise Sessions will return to the Cardiff store but I'd definitely be up for it again, to start my day feeling uplifted and energised.
Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
You can go to a rave in a shopping centre - but it's not exactly what it seems
You can go to a rave in a shopping centre - but it's not exactly what it seems It's part of a wider tour happening across the UK and Ireland this summer, with events planned in Birmingham and Dublin The idea is to support the mind, body and rest, and encourage people to 'live life on full charge." (Image: Getty ) Ever thought about kicking off your morning with a rave? Holland & Barrett's new Sunrise Sessions might be right up your street. It's all about feel-good music, mindfulness and a healthy start to the day and it's all happening inside their Queen Street store in Cardiff. The event kicks off with a live DJ set designed to boost your mood and wake up the body but unlike a traditional rave, this one follows up the dancing with guided wellness activities. Participants take part in standing Pilates, energising breathwork and a focus-resetting mindfulness session. It's all about helping people feel more refreshed, focused, and ready to face the day. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here After the session, guests are treated to a nourishing breakfast and hydration station provided by My Protein and there's even a massage station hosted by natural skincare brand Weleda. The idea is to support the mind, body and rest, and encourage people to 'live life on full charge." Olympic gymnast Ruby Evans is hosting the Cardiff edition, which takes place on Thursday, July 3. Attendees will also receive a £5 Holland & Barrett voucher and a goody bag worth £200. It's part of a wider tour happening across the UK and Ireland this summer, with events planned in Birmingham and Dublin. Tickets cost £10, but guests get half of that back as a gift card when they arrive. Spaces are limited, and demand is expected to be high. Booking is available now via Eventbrite , with details listed on Holland & Barrett's website. Holland & Barrett has more than 1000 stores across 19 countries worldwide, including over 790 in the UK and Ireland, as well as a rapidly expanding e-commerce business. Holland & Barrett's colleagues are 'qualified to advise' with in depth training in nutrition and supplements to give accessible personalised advice to customers on their individual needs. Emily Foster, Nutritionist at Holland and Barrett said: 'We can all relate to cancelling social plans and skipping the gym when tired, but a consistent lack of energy which impacts general wellbeing and lifestyle does need addressing. Article continues below 'We're committed to helping people live life on full charge and our trained Energy Squad in-store, and our free bookable online consultations with specialist advisors can provide practical tips alongside personalised solutions proven to support mind, body and rest, so people wake up energised and ready to tackle the day.'
