Wake the Valley
The regenerative symposium of food, farming and festivals
July 30 2026
The Community Farm
You're invited to Stir the land. Light the way.
For centuries, Wassailing has gathered the West Country together to wake the land to life. This is our own gathering of growers, chefs, land stewards, cultural creators and founders shaping the future of land-led culture. Join us on a working community farm beside Chew Valley Lake to stir the soil, spark ideas and light a new path for food, farming, festivals and a regenerative future.
With our friends
To get on the farm & plot a regenerative future
Join us on Luke’s farm ahead the festival for a day designed to move from ideas to action. From the challenges we face and the systems that sustain the land, to the culture and communities that coexist with it.
Schedule
Morning Awakening
Arrival & Welcome
Opening Ceremony & song with OMMM Abuelos.
Opening: Awakening the Movement
Guided by Jarvis Smith (Co-founder, My Green Pod) and Luke Hasell (Founder, Valley Fest), the morning lays out the challenges facing the land - exploring how we move from incremental sustainability to radical action.
Launch
The State of Nature: From Regional Evidence to Local Opportunity. Chaired by Zoe Davies (Partnership Manager, West of England Nature Partnership).
Panel
Food, Farmers and Finance: How Do We Finance the Transition? Hosted by Patrick Holden (Founding Director, Sustainable Food Trust).
Session
What Women Want. Lynne Franks (Founder, SEED Network) in conversation with Katie Hill (Co-Founder, My Green Pod).
Midday Lunch
The Long Lunch
During the lunch break, delegates will have dedicated time to network with colleagues, continue discussions sparked by the morning sessions, and explore the local surroundings.
Guided tours
Guided tours of Chew Valley Community Farm will be available for those who wish to learn more about its sustainable practices and community initiatives, offering a relaxed and inspiring setting to connect with others while enjoying the break.
Afternoon Culture as Catalyst
Keynote
Fall in Love with the Future with Rob Hopkins (Author, activist, and founder of the Transition Towns movement). One of the most compelling voices leading the global regeneration movement.
Launch
Valley Fest 2.0 & the Forever Farm Foundation: A Regenerative Roadmap. Luke Hasell (Founder, Valley Fest).
Panel
A showcase of the power of culture and community to mobilise the next (re)generation of land-lovers. Hosted by Joss Ford (Enviral).
Panel
Remodelling Business for Cultural Change. We Back Bristol, Gen R, B Corp.
Creative breakout
Beth Calverley & The Poetry Machine.
Closing Plenary
From Coversation to Commitment
Patrick Holden (Founding Director, Sustainable Food Trust) closes the day with a final reflection on food, farming and the responsibility of this generation before handing over to Abuelo Martha for the transition ceremony into Valley Fest.
Evening Celebration of the Land
OMMM Abuelo fire ceremony. Natural Symphony open the evening with music drawn from the living world of plants, before Valley Fest begins with Fleetwood Bac, Beatles Dub Club, Oh My God its the Church and The Bluetones.
Just the beginning of a movement on the land
Wake The Valley is not a one-day event. It’s the start of a permanent regenerative presence on the land — from growing spaces and shared plots to seasonal feasts, gatherings and community moments.
A place to return. To build together.
Tickets
Founding member what the 2026 ticket included
- Access to the full Wake The Valley symposium
- All talks and interactive working sessions
- Farm-to-fork long table lunch
- Closing ceremony and festival fire lighting
- Evening access to the opening night of ValleyFest
- Founder network introduction
- Invitation to the Valley Commons founding community