Llangollen Fringe

And just like that… Llangollen Fringe is over 💚

And I have quite literally slept all day 😂

I think my body finally went, “Right, you’re done now,” and completely switched off.

I’m not sure I’ve fully processed the last ten days yet. Tired doesn’t really cover it. It’s been intense, emotional, chaotic, brilliant, overwhelming and absolutely bloody wonderful.

Taking on the role of director, while curating and hosting Words, Wonder & Wellbeing, has taught me a lot.

About what I’m capable of.

About what I’m good at.

About where my limits are.

And definitely about the fact that I cannot keep running on adrenaline, tea and sheer determination forever 😂

There are things I would do differently. Things I’ve learned about myself, about organising events, about working with people and about the importance of actually asking for help rather than thinking I have to carry everything myself.

But there is so much I’m proud of too.

I watched people walk into spaces unsure of themselves and leave having written something, shared something or made a connection.

I watched people stand up and use their voice.

There was poetry, storytelling, music, workshops, laughter, tears, honesty, vulnerability, dancing and so much creativity.

And I met some bloody wonderful people along the way.

And a huge thank you to the people who looked after me amongst all the madness. The ones who checked in on me, hugged me, fed me, made me cups of tea, carried things, listened to me rant, made me laugh, danced with me and occasionally reminded me that I’m actually a human being who needs to sit down 😂 You know who you are. 💚

That’s what I keep coming back to.

Community. Place. Voice.

Not just words we put on a board at the beginning of the Fringe, but something I genuinely watched happening around me over these ten days.

And somewhere amongst all of that, I learned a little bit more about myself too.

There are already ideas growing from what happened during the Fringe. Conversations have started, connections have been made and I’m excited about where some of them might lead.

But not today 😂

Today I slept.

Tomorrow can wait until tomorrow.

For now, I’m just incredibly proud, incredibly grateful and completely knackered.

What a bloody ride. 💚🎙️