Frequently-Asked Questions
Do I have to attend the full day? You are welcome to stay for the full day or attend only your chosen talks/workshops. Please note that you can't purchase individual sessions, your ticket is for the whole day. There is no need to prebook any specific sessions, you can choose on the day.
Do I need to have a daily Mindfulness practice? No, you are welcome to explore our introductory and more advanced sessions. Mindfulness experience is useful, but not essential.
Is Mindfulness safe? Although our speakers and facilitators are professionals and Mindfulness practice is generally very safe, you take part at your own risk and we ask you to stop practicing if you feel uncomfortable and let a member of staff know if you require psychological help.
“Mindfulness is neither relaxation nor in the service of becoming relaxed. While relaxation may be a positive outcome of some mindfulness practices, mindfulness is about attending to and being aware of our experiences, whether they are positive, negative, or neutral. Mindfulness is not about zoning out. In fact, it is referred to in classical teachings as waking up to our experiences and lives. In mindfulness-based programmes, the practice has the intention to better understand the mind and then to train it in the service of living with less suffering and greater joy and ease.”
From “Mindfulness – Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology” by Christina Feldman and Willem Kuyken, PhD.
If I can no longer attend, can I get a refund? You can request a refund up to 30 days before the event.
What about Covid-19 restrictions? We adhere to the latest capacity restrictions and rules set out by the Government. This means that guidance can change, but we will contact you with any updates before the start of the event. In case of event cancellation or postponement, you will be contacted to be offered a ticket refund (minus any booking fees) or alternative date.
Is this a religious/spiritual event? Although it is generally considered that Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism, Mindfulness can be experienced and practiced entirely secularly. The Manchester Mindfulness Festival has no intention to purposefully promote any religion. All sessions will be secular.
What do I need to bring/wear? A casual dress code applies at the festival. As some sessions will include longer meditations, it is important that you feel comfortable during the practice.
Does the ticket price include catering? Water, coffee and tea will be freely available at the festival, but this is not a catered event. Given the central location of the venue, there is a range of local shops and cafes to visit during the lunch break.