Latest news with #Mintel
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Indian consumers are looking beyond colas. Jeera spices up this craving
New Delhi: Jeera or cumin, a staple spice in Indian kitchens, has triggered a battle among India's beverage makers. These companies are scaling up the production of cumin-infused drinks as the market for alternatives to colas swells. Coca-Cola, DS Group, Bisleri, and Reliance Consumer Products, alongside numerous regional brands, offer such spicy drinks. PepsiCo is reportedly eyeing an entry in the category dominated by bottles priced ₹10-20 apiece. "The unorganized segment for jeera-based beverages is estimated at ₹1,500–2,000 crore, and the per capita aerated beverage consumption in India remains 3–4 times lower than in several other Asian markets," said Nadia Chauhan, joint managing director and chief marketing officer, Parle Agro. 'That clearly signals untapped potential for growth. With strong consumer familiarity, functional relevance, and a flavour profile that aligns with Indian food habits, this category is poised for accelerated expansion," she said. "We believe it can double in size over the next three years." India's bottled beverage market is still dominated by fizzy colas. Think tank ICRIER estimates it to more than double from ₹67,100 crore in 2019 to ₹1.47 trillion by 2030. Still, the country is a vast market for traditional beverages like nimboo pani masala and aam panna, often made and consumed at home. Beverage makers have spotted an opportunity as jeera-based drinks become a popular alternative, particularly as a meal accompaniment due to their perceived functional benefits. Also read | Campa, Smoodh and now, Amul Tru: India's ₹10 beverage market is starting to get crowded Parle Agro, which launched Dhishoom for rural and small-town markets in 2012, rolled out the drink nationally last year. Compared to the scale of flagship brands such as Frooti, Appy Fizz or Smoodh, Dhishoom is still early in its journey but will carve out a differentiated space over the next 12-24 months, Chauhan said. The company expects this business to double over the next three years. Lahori Zeera, owned by Chandigarh-based Archian Foods Pvt. Ltd, plans to add six co-bottling units this fiscal. Earlier this year, Archian Foods secured ₹200 crore from Motilal Oswal Wealth. The company, founded by three cousins in 2017, plans to use these funds to expand manufacturing, transition to third-party bottling, and scale up distribution. Ethnic flavours There is a strong desire among Indian consumers for novel and ethnic flavours in non-alcoholic beverages. According to a 2023 research by market intelligence firm Mintel, 45% of Indians are interested in trying ethnic Indian flavours in packaged non-alcoholic drinks, and 41% are interested in global flavours. New flavours motivate 38% of carbonated soft drink consumers to try different beverages. Cumin is an emerging and popular flavour in both non-alcoholic beverages and yogurt drinks. Mintel sees a potential for further innovation. Smaller, homegrown brands such as Jeeru and Bindu have already established a niche in the category. Lahori Zeera aimed to target this market. 'The idea was to appeal to a more local taste palette and create mass-connect," said Nikhil Doda, co-founder & chief financial officer at Archian Foods. Read this | Hot summer forecast to boost consumer durables, beverage sales in India Over 90% of Lahori Zeera's business comes from the ₹10 price point. The brand is currently available in 17-18 states and plans to partner with at least six co-packing units or third-party bottlers this fiscal year. Demand, said Doda, has outstripped supply. 'This year, we will switch to an asset-light model; we are going into a co-bottling model similar to what other big brands do. That will help us bridge the gap between demand and supply and fast-track growth," he said. 'People from the industry, existing bottlers who vouch for the brand, are ready to invest." Noida-based DS Group, which sells candies and spices, launched its Catch Jira drink in mid-2016. 'Jeera is known to enhance flavour and aroma in food preparation, but it is also perceived to be a digestive, which is driving the consumer interest in the beverage segment," said PS Bedi, business head, drinks, DS Group. In 2018, Coca-Cola relaunched Rimzim jeera beverage, a brand it acquired from Parle in the 1990s. However, the category hasn't scaled beyond select markets for the beverage major. Read this | Bisleri to double sales in two years; not selling business: Jayanti Chauhan 'It is available in the rural markets of Gujarat, Karnataka, and a few rural parts of Northern India. Based on consumer insights, jeera flavoured drinks are being consumed and are gaining popularity among older consumers," a company spokesperson said. 'Rooted in indigenous taste preferences, it offers a refreshing addition to Coca-Cola's beverage portfolio in India." PepsiCo declined to comment on its future product pipeline. But those in the beverage industry said the company is planning a beverage under its Nimbooz refreshment brand. Bisleri also declined to comment. Pricing challenge While the market is growing, the ₹10 price point remains a challenge due to high taxation on sugary, aerated drinks. It is absolutely not sustainable as the category attracts goods and services tax of 28% and a 12% cess—a total of 40%, said Bedi from DS Group. Local retailers Mint spoke to said they typically sell the product in bulk or packs of 24 priced at ₹240. Parle Agro and Lahori Zeera remain committed to this price point. 'Frooti is nearly 40 years old and continues to be available at ₹10. We've also successfully built Smoodh at that same entry point in the dairy category," said Chauhan. Doda of Lahori Zeera said the ₹10 price point drives significant volumes. 'Having said that, competition has become intense," he said. 'The category has attracted more big boys." And read | Competition a positive force, keeps us sharp: Coca-Cola president Murphy
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Telegraph
Why your next weekend escape in the UK should be by train
In an era where discerning travellers increasingly seek meaningful, restorative experiences, the journey itself has reclaimed its rightful place at the heart of the break. The traditional weekend getaway – once a whirlwind of ticking off sights – is giving way to a more reflective, rewarding mode of exploration. Few forms of travel embrace this better than the train. Whether it's the allure of the sea, the pulse of a cultural city or the quiet charm of a heritage town, rail travel offers a uniquely enriching way to experience the UK. It allows you to slow down, appreciate the passing landscape, and arrive relaxed and ready to explore. It's little surprise that recent data by Mintel (2024) reveals that leisure travel now accounts for 54 per cent of all train journeys in the UK. Free from the stress of traffic or parking, travellers can unwind with a book, a coffee or simply enjoy the view. Train travel really feels like part of the holiday. Transport for Wales (TfW) makes the choice not only more accessible, but even more affordable – connecting communities and cities across Wales and England, opening up new opportunities to discover the UK's most fascinating corners, effortlessly. Scenic coastal charm For those seeking sea air and scenic views, Wales's coastline offers some of the most picturesque spots in the UK – many of which are directly accessible by train. Take Llandudno - the elegant Victorian resort town nestled between two headlands. With its sweeping promenade, pastel-hued seafront and Wales's longest pier, it evokes a gentler era of travel made complete with a traditional ice cream and panoramic views of the Irish Sea. The train station is just a short stroll from the shore, making arrival as effortless as it is charming. Further south, Aberystwyth is a haven for lovers of nature and history. Its medieval castle ruins, colourful harbour and cliff railway to Constitution Hill offer a perfect blend of serenity and spectacle. The journey along the Cambrian Coast Line – often hailed as one of Britain's most beautiful railway routes – is a highlight in itself. Travel from Cardiff to Llandudno with advance train tickets from just £37.20, or head to Aberystwyth from Birmingham starting at £15.80. City breaks made easy Not every weekend escape calls for a retreat to the coastal countryside. If your taste leans toward arts, shopping or a vibrant nightlife, Transport for Wales's network offers direct access to some of the UK's most exciting cities without the hassle of congestion charges or city-centre parking. Cardiff, the Welsh capital, strikes a rare balance: a vibrant modern city with a deeply rooted sense of heritage. From the impressive Cardiff Castle in its centre to Wales Millennium Centre, the contemporary arts hub, the city brims with cultural energy. With the train station right in the heart of the city centre, you can step off the platform and straight into the action. Also within easy reach are Manchester and Birmingham. Manchester continues to shine as the northern cultural powerhouse, home to world-class museums, a vibrant music scene, and award-winning restaurants. Birmingham impresses with its industrial heritage and modern flair. Designer shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and canal-side cafés all contribute to its growing appeal. With advance train tickets between Manchester and Cardiff starting at £34.80, your next city break could be closer than you imagined. Timeless historic escapes If your ideal weekend includes something a little quieter with cobbled streets and centuries of history, Chester and Shrewsbury should be top of your list. Chester, famous for its remarkably preserved Roman walls and unique two-tiered medieval Rows, feels like a living museum. A boat ride on the River Dee or a stroll through its compact historic centre is even more enjoyable when you're not worried about parking or navigation. Shrewsbury, the birthplace of Charles Darwin, also rewards slower travel. Its winding lanes, Tudor façades and leafy riverside walks offer a distinct charm and creates a sense of stepping back in time. Arriving by train adds to the experience, bypassing narrow roads into the town centre. Advance fares make it even more appealing – with journeys from Manchester to Shrewsbury available from £13.30, and Cardiff to Chester from £29.70. In a world that's rediscovering the value of slow, meaningful travel, the train is more than just a mode of transport – it's a gateway to discovery. Beyond the destinations, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure with Transport for Wales. Train travel is not just convenient – it's a more thoughtful, sustainable and enjoyable way to explore the UK that leaves you feeling ready to explore, not recover. With TfW advance tickets, planning your next escape is simple and cost-effective. Whether you're heading to the coast, city or somewhere in between, save on your journey when you book up to 12 weeks in advance. Book with Transport for Wales at Prices valid until March 2026, subject to availability. T&Cs apply. This content is provided by an advertiser, and while every care is taken in ensuring the content complies with the Advertising Standards Authority and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code), Telegraph Media Group assumes no responsibility in the effect rising therefrom, and readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information. The Daily Telegraph/TMG does not accept any liability for views expressed, pictures used or claims made by advertisers.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Synthetic hair contains toxic chemicals. Black women are looking to ‘ditch the itch.'
From bohemian braids to feed-ins, Black people have always used braided hairstyles for protection, ease and versatility. These braided looks often include trendy and affordable synthetic hair. But though synthetic hair grants longer wear of the style and a maintained look, recent reports show it contains toxic chemicals linked to alarming health risks, including cancer. Consumer Reports released a study in February examining 10 of the most popular synthetic hair brands known to have plastic fibers that create the Kanekalon synthetic braiding hair. The study detected high levels of lead, acetone and hazardous pesticides in most of the brands; all of the brands contained carcinogens, chemicals known to cause cancer. Among Black women aged 18 to 34 nationwide, synthetic braids are one of the most popular hairstyles, according to Mintel, a market intelligence agency. Ciara Imani May, like many people who regularly use the products, had long suspected something was off with synthetic hair. While she was teaching entrepreneurship at Johnson C. Smith University, a historically Black university in Charlotte, North Carolina, she became curious about the makeup of the hair. In 2019 she created a plant-based alternative braiding hair, after continually experiencing an itchy and irritated scalp when wearing braided styles. 'We are striving to have the most accessible plant-based alternative on the market, so that as people decide to ditch the itch, they have our product that they can make the switch to,' May said. Just like May, several other Black entrepreneurs have started to launch alternative and plant-based braiding hair companies, including Nourie, Ruka and LAB Hair Without Harm. While some plant-based braids are formed with corn-derived fibers, Rebundle is made of banana fibers. Rebundle hair is also skin-safe and biodegradable. May created the brand with the health of Black women, the primary users of synthetic hair, in mind. Before starting the company, she studied the correlation between scalp irritation and the use of synthetic braiding hair. Through her analysis in 2019, May found that many toxic chemicals and carcinogens are found in braiding hair and that the hair is causing some form of harm to people who wear it, and to the environment. 'I wasn't surprised, just disappointed that it had taken this long for some research to come out, especially this type of research that garnered this much attention,' May said after seeing the Consumer Reports study. Consumer Reports tested some of the brands that make up the $2.7 billion braiding hair market as of 2023, like Magic Fingers, Sassy Collection, Sensationnel and Shake-N-Go, revealing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in all synthetic hair tested. These types of braiding hair often cost $4 to $8 a pack and can be easily found at every beauty supply store. VOCs are often human-made chemicals used to make paints, pharmaceuticals and refrigerants that are emitted as gases. According to the American Lung Association, breathing some VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, causing nausea. Long-term exposure can also cause central nervous system damage and has been linked to cancer. VOCs can be highly toxic for braiders and Black women getting their hair braided, especially when the braiding process is complete. Braiders will then use a lighter or flat iron to remove stray hairs and finish the style by dipping the braids in boiling water. Consumer Reports found that heat treatments like this release VOCs. Some braiders have also said they experience contact dermatitis on their hands when working with synthetic braiding hair. Because of the potential risk synthetic braiding hair poses to braiders and Black women, Rebundle launched a braiders network, where braiders are trained to use plant-based hair. The network provides samples of Rebundle, hosts marketing events and compiles a searchable database of trained Rebundle braiders. Desiree Mills, a braider based in the Bronx, often uses Rebundle hair for her clients who have voiced that synthetic braiding hair makes their scalp feel itchy, irritated, tender or has even caused an allergic reaction. 'As Black women, we are taking the initiative to get more information about what we are applying to our crowns. I say crowns because our hair is like a flower; it needs water and hydration to grow and feel comfortable,' said Mills, who runs the salon AmourNtingz. The data from Consumer Reports, she said, 'could encourage us to care more about our hair.' Before Mills found Rebundle, she would soak and rinse synthetic hair in apple cider vinegar before braiding it into a client's head as a way to detoxify and remove the chemical coatings and residues. As a licensed braider for more than four years, Mills feels like the biggest difference between synthetic braiding hair and Rebundle is texture and appearance. To her, synthetic hair looks dead and feels rough, irritating, plasticky and waxy. She describes Rebundle as smooth on her hands with a natural shine of thick strands that smell fresh. The price is more expensive: Rebundle is $36 a pack compared to the typical $4 to $8 for synthetic hair. However, Mills said that the plant-based braiding hair can be stretched and separated with a technique that may require fewer packs of hair than a look that uses synthetic braiding hair. 'Anytime there's an option, there's room for change, there's room to educate each other and educate ourselves with how we can be better or take care of our crowns better,' she said. Similar to braiding hair, other beauty and personal care products marketed to Black women have been found to have toxic chemicals. Hair relaxers, a chemical used to straighten hair, also raised concerns for Black women due to its strong odor and the itchy feeling it gives the scalp. In 2012, a study revealed its toxicity and likelihood of causing various cancer diagnoses. Black women largely switched from hair relaxers to natural styles because of the study. After the study gained national attention, salons and other professionals recorded declining sales of chemical hair relaxers over the last decade from close to $71 million in 2011 to $30 million in 2021, according to market research firm Kline + Company. May believes Black women can make a similar switch again for their health. She describes this as a pattern that continues to put Black women's health at risk, but she believes that being proactive and limiting exposure to toxins in beauty and personal care products is a great place to start. 'It's the combination of all products that we use as Black women to beautify ourselves and to care for ourselves, we have to decrease all other risks as much as possible by just making more thoughtful choices,' May said. The post Synthetic hair contains toxic chemicals. Black women are looking to 'ditch the itch.' appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter.
The Guardian
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Rodeo drive: Beyoncé UK tour kicks off cowboy fashion craze
Rhinestones, cowboy hats and a whole lot of denim; not a hen party entourage, a Glastonbury fit or a Nashville rodeo, but the queues outside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week, as Beyoncé kicked off her UK tour. And, seemingly, a new national dress code. Since the release of the Cowboy Carter album, Beyoncé fans have been quick to adopt the rancher style, sparking a surge in interest for western-inspired fashion. On Vinted, searches for 'western' are up by 16% year on year this month, with 'rodeo' up 13%. Meanwhile, denim searches have risen 8%. At PrettyLittleThing, searches for 'cowboy jackets' surged by more than 600% in May, and demand for cowboy hats and boots increased by 85% and 53% respectively. Beyoncé's influence on fashion and buying habits is a reminder of how pop culture continues to shape consumer behaviour, said Candace Baldassarre, a senior analyst at market research firm Mintel. 'Western aesthetics are experiencing a revival in fashion. This trend has been highlighted by high-profile cultural moments, such as Beyoncé's embrace of western style, notably her 'Canadian tuxedo' [double denim] and her song Levii's Jeans. 'The impact of such celebrity influence has prompted brands like Levi's to be playful and responsive on social media, even temporarily changing their name and logo to match Beyoncé's stylisation.' In the week after the album dropped in 2024, Levi Strauss & Co reported a 20% increase in footfall at its US stores, alongside a 20% rise in its share price. Meanwhile, searches for 'women's Levi's jeans' on the John Lewis website in the UK have jumped by 263% in the same period. Levi's later launched a campaign with Beyoncé, including baby tees with the artist's stylised double 'ii' on the brand logo. However, the renewed interest in western style is about more than nostalgia, according to Dr Elizabeth Kealy-Morris, a senior lecturer in dress and belonging at Manchester Metropolitan University. It reflects a reclaiming of narratives that have often been sidelined or erased from mainstream cultural memory. 'The western genre, in literature, film and television enshrined the white cowboy as the symbol of national identity, masculinity, and resilience,' she said, though these were 'manufactured artefacts' rather than historical truths. Sign up to Fashion Statement Style, with substance: what's really trending this week, a roundup of the best fashion journalism and your wardrobe dilemmas solved after newsletter promotion Despite also living and working in the old west, Black cowboys were 'vastly underrepresented and later erased from popular culture', Kealy-Morris said. '[Beyoncé's] stylised, contemporary cowboy costumes, worn on a stage filled with Black performers, are a direct confrontation with [this] history.' The western trend in the UK reflects the globalisation of popular culture through social media, but it may not last long, Kealy-Morris said. 'From my perspective, there aren't enough nostalgic reasons or cultural signifiers in the western wear trend to make a lasting impact.' While musicians do influence fashion trends, their impact is limited compared with friends and social media personalities. 'Musicians have a notable, though not dominant, influence on fashion, particularly among younger consumers,' said Tamara Sender Ceron, an associate director of fashion retail research at Mintel, but peers and online figures remained the main sources of style inspiration for gen Z and younger millennials.
Telegraph
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
‘I couldn't tell where the mud ended and the poo began'
You might have a stereotype of a festival goer in mind: maybe an inebriated groupie in a band T-shirt trying to sneak backstage; a Kate Moss wannabe decked out in cutting-edge fashion, thick eyeliner and muddy wellies; or a millennial know-it-all who can name every single member of every single band, plus their birthdays and pets' middle names. But these days, there's no such thing as a typical festival goer – or even a typical festival. While music festivals such as Glastonbury or Creamfields are well known for drawing huge crowds, there are countless alternatives within the UK, from literary, wellness and family festivals to quirky events such as cheese-rolling, mud-racing and pea-shooting. Research from consumer insights platform GWI reveals that almost one in three Gen-Zers have attended a festival with their parents in the past year, while data from Mintel shows that over-55s account for a fifth of all concert-goers. It's time to rethink who festivals are for, and what a typical attendee looks like: these are the new festival goers. 'After a horrendous Glasto experience, it took me 17 years to return to a festival' Cieran Brown, 42, from Putney, London, went to Into the Wild last year and is now finally a festival convert In 2007, my mother and I decided to go to Glastonbury. She had just been through a tough year after overcoming a health diagnosis, so I thought it would be a fun thing to do together. I was 25 and she was in her early 50s and a festival virgin, but as a self-declared 'lapsed hippy', she was game to enjoy some feel-good festival vibes. We arrived on a Thursday night, pitched up our tents and braced ourselves for the long weekend ahead. What happened over the next four days made me swear off festivals for life. The wettest Glastonbury on record saw torrential rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, which lasted the entirety of the festival. The pristine green fields of Worthy Farm were soon turned into a swamp covered what could only be described as liquid mud. Getting around the quagmire of a site became almost impossible as the suction and slurping of wellies in mud became a constant. Parts of the site with the highest footfall became no-go zones, such as the front of the Pyramid Stage, which was guaranteed to make you faceplant into the sludge. As for the toilets – let's just say that I couldn't tell where the mud ended and the s--- began. After a couple of days, it became a feat of physical and mental endurance. Despite the hardship, my mum had a blast. No amount of mud was going to stop her from having a good time as she relived her youth in earnest. She got her hair braided with pink dreadlocks, and we got to see some great acts, such as Amy Winehouse, Iggy Pop and the Who. By Sunday, the site resembled a battlefield, and the optimism of day one had long since been replaced with a grinding sense of acceptance. My mum was forced to visit the welfare tent with a suspected case of trench foot, and the final straw for me was when I discovered a giant rat right outside my tent. Some people simply gave up and decided to leave early. We didn't have that luxury, as we had bought tickets that required us to travel to and from the site by coach to reduce traffic. This meant we couldn't leave till Monday morning, and as we queued to board our coach, we were handed emergency 'space blankets' by stewards. After a few hours' wait, which saw chaos and violence erupt, we finally departed for the long, wet drive home. Sitting in my sodden clothes, I vowed never to return and to enjoy festivals from afar – ideally from the comfort of my sofa. However, 17 years later, I once again found myself packing my camping gear and wellies to return to another festival, albeit a slightly smaller one in the shape of Into the Wild – a conscious and 'back to nature', family-friendly event. I was initially hesitant, but my partner convinced me to give it a go and join her and her eight-year-old daughter for three days of workshops, music and community. The main difference between this festival and Glastonbury was its emphasis on workshops celebrating 'connection, creativity and nourishing heart and soul by helping humans to rewild'. On our arrival at the site in Sussex, I felt badly out of place and deeply cynical of the harem pants, crystals, nose rings and man-buns adorning the predominantly white, middle-class crowd. Despite my reservations, we pitched our tents under glorious sunshine and clear blue skies and bedded down. Overnight, however, it started to rain and I began to fear the worst. It was late August and, against my better judgment, we didn't bring a brolly. Despite this rookie mistake, and apart from the occasional wet spell, the weather was largely sunny and warm over the weekend. I tentatively explored the site and attended various workshops over the next two days, including breathwork sessions, laughter yoga, men's sharing circles, drum jams and forest bathing. The biggest challenge was keeping my partner's daughter entertained – she felt too old for the kids' area but too young to join the adults, making it feel like we had a moody teenager reluctantly tagging along. By the end of the weekend, I found myself relaxing as my overworked nervous system was able to switch off and disconnect from the modern world (reception was non-existent). This made me cherish quality time with my partner and her daughter, and to foster new connections, even if some of the more hippyish and woo-woo sections were challenging to my inner cynic. I felt sad to be leaving, and I have since made plans to return with my partner, who will be facilitating at this year's event as a somatic art therapist. As for a return to Glastonbury, I am still on the fence. But I could have my arm twisted by a luxury yurt – weather dependent, of course. 'I went to my first festival in my 60s' Julia Phillips, 70, a group finance director from Gosport, Hampshire, attended her first festival, The Big Retreat, five years ago I have two wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren who I adore wholeheartedly. I raised my children as a single parent from when they were just five and seven years old. My career really took off when my children were teenagers. I worked in marine engineering and later became the group finance director for a group of construction companies. Life was full – raising my children and building a career took all of my time and energy. As the business grew, so did the hours I worked. I rarely took time off, and in hindsight, that wasn't the healthiest choice. Festivals just weren't on my radar back then. I've always loved the outdoors and I'm passionate about wellbeing and music, so when the opportunity arose to go to one when friends invited me to The Big Retreat, it felt like the right time. I'm always up for an adventure and open to new experiences. I was a little apprehensive. I wasn't sure what to expect – what kind of people would be there, what the facilities would be like, or how I'd manage sleeping in a tent. But curiosity won out. In the end, I absolutely loved it. What touched me most were the people contributing their time and talents, sharing deeply personal stories or resources, but there were also live bands, disco nights and loads of amazing food stalls. I did yoga, went on beautiful walks, danced my socks off in the fitness zone, sang in the church, laughed like crazy in the laughter club, and had some peaceful moments by the estuary, sitting on hay bales. I even tried the ice bath, which was absolutely freezing but the feeling afterwards was incredible. Then I'd dance the night away again. It was full-on joy, pure happiness. There was this amazing sense of togetherness. It really did feel like medicine for the soul. Everyone was open, kind and on the same wavelength. Even the tent and loo situation was better than I expected. It was lovely to say 'good morning' to your tent neighbours and feel like part of a little community. The loos were cleaned regularly, the showers were warm and even the washing-up area turned into a place for a good natter. I wore comfy leggings, vest tops, a warm jumper for the evenings, and switched between trainers and walking boots depending on the day. I had my trusty yoga mat with me everywhere and a water bottle to keep hydrated. While I'd brought snacks and breakfast bits, most of the time I treated myself to food from the stalls. I met people on yoga mats, in queues, during workshops and more, and some of those connections have turned into real friendships that I still cherish. I've always felt young at heart, and the festival had this energy where age just didn't matter. I never once felt like I didn't belong. If anything, it actually made me feel younger. Being around all kinds of people, all doing their thing and enjoying themselves was uplifting. The whole experience was such a lovely reminder that fun, learning and joy don't come with an age limit. I've been back every year since, bar the pandemic, and I've booked to return in 2025, not just to attend but to teach my Move Through the Chakras class, something I was inspired to do thanks to The Big Retreat. Who would have thought that after four years as a festival goer, I'd be performing at one at the age of 70? Life is full of surprises, and I'm here for them all. I have no regrets about not going to one sooner; that's not my nature. I believe in embracing life as it comes and being grateful when you finally discover something that brings you joy. It's never too late. 'I go to festivals with my mum' Emma Chandler, 28, a lawyer from Surbiton, London, took her mother, Helena, 67, a retired analyst, to Glastonbury last year, and clips of them enjoying themselves even made it on to the BBC and went viral on TikTok (@emacrosstheworld). Mum is my best friend – we get on really well and do everything together. So when my cousin suggested we go to Glastonbury all together to celebrate my aunt's 70th birthday, I didn't hesitate. It didn't once cross my mind that it would be embarrassing to go with Mum; I knew it would be amazing, even though she'd never been to one before. Obviously there is always going to be a bit of a culture shock at Glasto – that's half the reason people go. We saw some naked people and some interesting outfits, and there were a lot of drugs. Mum was surprised about how brazen people were, pulling bags out in front of crowds of people. We were all a bit horrified about the loo situation – the smell is something none of us will forget. But Mum was the one giving everyone in the queue loo roll and hand sanitiser. I have to confess we did splash out to go glamping and slept on camp beds, but while it might have been comfortable, nothing could block out the sound of snoring in the tent behind us. The tents were off site, so we had a 10 to 15-minute walk on top of wherever we wanted to go. Regular Glastonbury goers will know that the site is huge, so we ended up doing more than 30,000 steps a day. Thankfully Mum is quite fit, so she was OK, but we took lots of breaks and sat and watched people to save our legs for the headliners. It was just brilliant to see her dancing to drum and bass, pushing her way to the front and getting into daily fancy dress. But the highlight had to be watching Coldplay. The group has massive meaning to my family: my dad and I used to listen to Viva La Vida on full blast driving down the motorway, so experiencing that live with my mum was very emotional. (My dad doesn't like crowds, so he'd never do a festival – he's more of a beach holiday fan.) During their set, she got up onto my shoulders, and that was picked up by the BBC television cameras. People saw her on my shoulders, and loved it. The fact she even got on television was beyond her wildest dreams – she's rewatched the set about 10 times since. I posted our experience on TikTok, thinking it would just be a cute memory – seeing it go viral was crazy. I'd posted a bit before but had never had a response like that. As we drove home, I read Mum all of the beautiful comments from strangers. They called her an inspiration, and that's what she is for me. The thought of her bringing so much positivity and light to more people just made me so happy. I'd recommend anyone taking their mum to Glastonbury.
