For many, one of the most enjoyable parts of the Realisation Festival last summer was the “open space” session on Sunday.  There exists a wealth of incredible ideas and visions amongst the Realisation community.  The house and grounds at St Giles seem to help propagate and surface this thinking, and so we wondered what an extended “open space” might look like.

This was the starting point for the Winter Gathering that takes place in January 2026.  What would it be like to join with a small group of Realisers, with the year ahead alive and promising?  A chance to take stock six months on from the festival. Space for each of us to work on what our own lives need in the coming year, and also to collaborate on shared ideas whether related to Realisation or not. We are planning an open programme, with a couple of short workshops and talks to help foster a reflective and productive few days, plus walking in the grounds, settling in front of the open fires, conversation flowing, or silence if needed.  We will cook and eat together, as we know from the festival that the best conversations often happen by chance when sat side by side.

This is an experiment, and as the first group we will co-create what works in the hope that future years will benefit.  If you are interested there are still four spaces left. The group is limited to 15-20 so that we can all enjoy the welcome and comfort of staying at St Giles.

Practicalities

The Winter Gathering runs from 16-18 January 2026 (you are welcome to arrive from 5pm on 15 January). This invitation is for people who have already attended the Realisation Festival.

What to expect:

• daily talks and reflections
• open spaces and time to work on your year ahead
• exploring the three phases of Realisation – Getting real, Becoming real, Making real
• shared cooking and meals
• walks around the open reaches and trees of the parkland
• silence to enjoy the peace and magic of St Giles

There will be a loose structure each day with plenty of time and space around any planned activities. If you would like to share a practise with the group (for example movement or singing) do let us know as it may be possible to incorporate it into the programme. The outline of our programme can be found below, though it is subject to change.

All meals will be in the Riding House, and everyone will be asked to help cook and wash up, with the menu planned in advance around any dietary requirements. Food will be available on Thursday night if you choose to arrive then. You are also very welcome to bring food and use the kitchen if you have a special diet.

Outline

Thursday 15 January – optional

Arrive from 5pm
Food available in the Riding House throughout the evening

Friday 16 January

Breakfast
Morning free
Lunch in the Riding House or take your food to a quiet corner Gather in St Giles for welcome and introductions
Session with Ed Haddon
Open Space
Dinner in the Riding House

Saturday 17 January

Breakfast
Gather in St Giles for reflections
Session with Mark Vernon and a walk to the Philosopher’s Tower Lunch in the Riding House or take your food to a quiet corner
Open Space
Dinner in the Riding House

Sunday 18 January

Breakfast
Ending Ceremony

Cost

The cost is per person and includes extremely comfortable accommodation and all meals. Wine will be provided at dinner, and there will be an honesty bar in the Riding House. Travel is not included, and you need to make your own way to St Giles: we can help you make plans and coordinate with others to share taxis from the station. The suggested contribution includes two or three nights stay. Please let us know at the time of booking when you will arrive. If you want to stay on for extra nights (self-catering) this may be possible depending on availability.

We are extremely grateful for any contributions over the suggested amount, which will help to keep the Realisation Festival thriving and accessible. The Realisation Foundation is a non-profit CIC (Community Interest Company).

Suggested contribution if you stay in the Riding House, Pepperpots or Grooms Cottages: £600

Suggested contribution if you stay in St Giles House: £700-£900

Suggested contribution if you would otherwise be unable to attend: £200-£450

We are able to offer three places if you are on a limited income at a suggested contribution of £150.

If you would like to book, please email olivia@realisationfestival.com