By Jan Calvert
The Health and Healing Fair held at Pudsey Civic Hall was bustling with happy people yesterday as crowds gathered to enjoy the wonderful exhibition stands, demonstrations and inspirational talks.
Held over two days, the festival is open from 10am to 5pm, with a programme of activities and an array of interesting stalls.
Experts in Mind, Body and Spirit travelled from near and far to attend. Stalls offered a range of tasters including aromatherapy oils, Ayurvedic massage and herbal shot drinks as well as enlightening and insightful conversation!
As the Chinese Year of the Snake ends and the Fire Horse begins, many people came to speak to a medium or have their cards read. What to shed and leave behind and what energy and intentions to carry forward into the future?
Leeds-based medium, homeopath and Reiki practitioner, Lourdes Orozco works with Tarot and Shamanic cards and gives soul readings.
She also led a ‘Sound bath with gongs’ as one of the sessions on offer. She created an expansive, cosmic and immersive experience playing a range of gongs and sound bowls for a 45 minute session.
Lourdes said: “Gongs are a real love of my life, that’s why I want to share the experience and make it available for everyone.”
Her sounds brought a deep level of relaxation and were enjoyed by a packed room of people. It was an incredible experience!
Sabrina Francis, medical herbalist, displayed her award winning ‘Bree’s Herbal Teas’ range which includes ‘Bree-tox’, to help detoxify, ‘Afro-Di-Tea’ to help balance female hormones and ‘Sweet Dreams’ to aid sleep.
She said: “Teas are very accessible for people who want to use herbs to support their well-being and keep in balance. They are also an easy introduction to the benefits of herbal medicine.”
Sabrina is a font of knowledge and was happy to discuss the ingredients, blends and benefits of a full range of herbs. As part of the Sunday programme of events she is leading a workshop outlining the medicinal potential of everyday kitchen items, ‘Herbal Medicine from the kitchen cupboard.’
The Civic Hall was a sensation of sights, tastes, sounds and smells: beautiful crystals and jewellery, the wonderful taste of ‘Wowvita‘ honey and the smells of essential oils made the day a real delight.
Pat Eickhoff, festival organiser, said: “The variety of activities generates a wonderful atmosphere here. People often say they feel better just for being here!”
The festival returns to Pudsey Civic Hall on 18 and 19 July 2026. Information and a programme of events can be found here.
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