The UK’s first Eastern-European wellness festival

28 - 31 May 2026

Grendon Lakes, Main Rd, Northampton NN7 1JW

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Wellness

Art & Craft

Live Music

Yoga

Workshops

Inspiring Talk

Sauna & Ice Bath

Soundbath

Dancing

Wild Swimming

Meditation

Healing

Mindfullness

Spiritual

Wellness Art & Craft Live Music Yoga Workshops Inspiring Talk Sauna & Ice Bath Soundbath Dancing Wild Swimming Meditation Healing Mindfullness Spiritual

Istok Retreat Festival is the UK’s premier Eastern European wellness festival, rooted in rich cultural traditions and dedicated to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. More than just a festival, Istok is a vibrant gathering that celebrates heritage, connection, and holistic wellbeing in a family-friendly, NO alcohol environment.

At the heart of our festival is the ancient wisdom of the Five Elements — Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. These natural forces guide our journey toward balance and harmony:

• Earth grounds us, offering stability and deep connection with nature and the body.

• Water flows through us, cleansing emotions and inspiring fluid movement and renewal.

• Fire ignites passion and creativity, sparking transformation and vibrant energy.

• Air breathes freedom and clarity, opening the mind and deepening mindfulness.

• Spirit — the space between — unites all elements, fostering spiritual connection and communal harmony.

Each element shapes our festival’s zones, workshops, music, and rituals, inviting every attendee to explore their own path to wellness in a supportive and inclusive community.

Whether you are reconnecting with your Eastern European roots or seeking new cultural experiences within a welcoming, English-language space, Istok Retreat Festival invites you to join us in celebrating nature, culture, and your personal journey to wellbeing.

  • Three women and a girl working on a craft project inside a tent, surrounded by bowls and tools.

    Creative Space

  • Group of people sitting inside a large camping tent, participating in what appears to be a workshop or discussion, with children and various items on the floor.

    Lectures

  • A girl flying a colorful kite in a grassy field during daytime, with tents and cars in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    Camping

  • Three musicians performing on stage outdoors: a pianist, a female vocalist, and a saxophonist. The stage has black backdrop and lighting equipment overhead.

    Live Music

  • A young girl sliding down a makeshift slip-and-slide on a grassy field, with a man in a red shirt and red bandana supervising nearby during an outdoor event or camping trip.

    Fun & Play

  • A person receiving a massage outdoors inside a green tent, with a whiteboard displaying handwritten notes in the background.

    Relax Fully

  • People participating in a yoga class under a white tent in a park with trees, sunlight, and grass.

    Restore Balance

  • Group of children and adults gathered around a campfire at dusk, roasting marshmallows.

    Fire Gathering

  • Person spreading banana slices onto a crepe with tongs at an outdoor food stall.

    Refill

The Meaning of ISTOK: Our Festival Philosophy in Five Words

• I — Inspire (Ether/Space): The unseen energy that sparks creativity, connection, and spiritual growth.

• S — Strength (Earth): Grounding, stability, and support — the power to stay rooted and balanced.

• T — Transform (Fire): The energy of change, passion, and renewal within ourselves and our communities.

• O — Open (Air): Openness of mind, breath, and heart — welcoming new ideas and experiences.

• K — Kindness (Water): The gentle flow of compassion, healing, and emotional connection.

Group of people sitting outdoors on grass under a large tree, smiling and laughing together on a cloudy day.
A white main tent with purple flag decorations and a sign hanging outside that reads 'MAIN TENT,' set against a background of trees and a blue sky.
People practicing yoga or meditation inside a white tent outdoors, surrounded by trees, with sunlight coming through the foliage.
Group of people participating in an outdoor yoga class on a grassy field, with tents and trees in the background.
Group of people sitting inside a tent, engaged in mindfulness or meditation session. The man in the white shirt in the foreground is leading the activity with what appears to be a focused expression, while others follow along or listen attentively.
Two young girls at an outdoor bounce house, one with face paint resembling a tiger and making a peace sign, smiling at each other.
A large grassy field with tall trees and a distant old stone building with a tower, under a partly cloudy sky.

“It felt like home — surrounded by people from different countries, but all sharing the same spirit of wellness and community.”

“I can honestly say this was the best festival I’ve been to in the UK. Everything was made with so much love and care.”

Children playing with large, orange, dragon-shaped hoop toys outdoors on a grassy field under a large tree with a partly cloudy sky.

A celebration of mind, body, and spirit — for the whole family

Group of people sitting and lying on grass in front of a large tent, engaging in conversation and laughter during an outdoor event.
People sitting on the grass and in chairs watching a live music performance on a stage at outdoor festival or event, with a white tent nearby.

Where to find us?

Nestled in the heart of Northamptonshire countryside, Grendon Lakes is a hidden gem surrounded by water, open skies, and endless green fields. Just an hour from London and Birmingham, it feels like stepping into another world — peaceful, natural, and perfect for a wellness retreat.

The venue offers over 150 acres of beautiful lakes and meadows, where we gather to celebrate mind, body, and spirit. Here you’ll find space to camp under the stars, dance by the water, breathe fresh country air, and reconnect with nature and community.

Address:
Grendon Lakes
Main Rd,
Northampton

NN7 1JW

Aerial view of a large lake with surrounding greenery, trees, and some buildings and boats on the water.
BUY TICKETS

What's Included in Your Ticket

  • A woman and a young girl are playing Jenga outdoors on a grassy field, with other people standing in line or watching in the background.

    STANDARD Ticket

    Your standard ticket gives you full access to the ISTOK Retreat Festival at Grendon Lakes, set across 150 acres of Northamptonshire countryside.

    Included:

    ✔️Festival entry for all four days

    ✔️Camping space for your own tent

    ✔️Family and children’s activity zones

    ✔️Daily yoga, meditation and wellbeing sessions

    ✔️Live music, dance and evening gatherings

    ✔️Talks, lectures and community circles

    ✔️Fire circles and nature rituals

    ✔️On-site toilets and hot showers

    ✔️Free parking

    Optional extras (paid separately):

    Sauna and ice bath experiences

    Massages and individual therapies

    Certain specialised workshops (e.g. crafts, skills, advanced trainings)

    Food and drinks from vendors

    Adventure activities at Grendon Lakes, such as paintball and water sports

    Book Tickets
  • A tent set up in a grassy field, partially shaded by a tree with green leaves, under a blue sky with some clouds.

    GOLD Ticket

    Our GOLD Ticket is designed for guests who would like to enjoy the ISTOK Retreat Festival with additional comfort and exclusive benefits.

    Included in the GOLD package:

    ✔️Luxury furnished bell tent accommodation (with beds, bedding, small table, rug)

    ✔️One session in the sauna and ice bath

    ✔️One massage therapy session

    ✔️ Exclusive Big Retreat Festival goodie bag

    ✔️ Optional 10% discount on official merchandise

    ✔️ Dedicated luxury access wristband

    VIP tickets are strictly limited to ensure a more personal and exclusive experience.

    In addition, GOLD guests enjoy all the benefits of the Standard Ticket, including entry to all festival days, camping facilities, family and children’s activities, wellbeing sessions, live music, talks, evening gatherings, and community circles.

    COMING SOON
People standing in a circle with arms outstretched on a grassy field during an outdoor gathering or festival, with tents, a van, and trees in the background.
A group of people camping in a grassy field with tents and cars, flying a rainbow-colored kite under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
People relaxing on grass at an outdoor gathering with tents and trees in the background.
People talking inside a cream-colored tent at a market or fair
Outdoor scene with multiple tents and canopies set up on a grassy field. Two women are sitting at a table under a green canopy, engaged in conversation or looking at a laptop. A person with a red hat and black jacket is standing near a purple flag at
Children and adults at a face painting booth with a blue canopy, some children have face paint and unicorn headbands, and there are various toys and face painting supplies displayed.
Two women and one man at an outdoor event stand behind a table with drinks and supplies, with a car and a promotional banner in the background.
Children playing inside a colorful inflatable bounce house with red, blue, and yellow sections decorated with festive images.
A woman with long, blonde hair and a floral headband paint a boy's face with blue and white winter theme design.
A group of children and adults stretching outdoors on a grassy field with trees in the background, some wearing casual clothing and hoodies.
A young woman sitting at a white outdoor table, coloring on a piece of paper with black and orange markers. The table has various colored boxes of markers, some pens, and a black case with colorful markers. Grass is visible in the background.
People sitting at a table inside a tent, engaging in arts and crafts, with art supplies like colored pencils and markers, and some are painting on paper.
Children playing with water guns in a camping area with tents and cars, kids are having fun in the rain, with a church or castle visible in the distance.
A vibrant outdoor stall with a pink banner reading 'So Sweet' displaying various ice cream and dessert images. Two people are inside the stall, a man and a woman, preparing treats. The stall is under a red canopy with a string of yellow decor. The ba
Children playing on a colorful inflatable bounce house with a party theme, decorated with balloons, stars, and streamers, outdoors on grass.