Bolton Park Yoga off to a memorable, inspiring start – despite the drizzle
“The weather was wet and chilly, but the vibe was nothing but warm, friendly and positive.”
Those are the words of yoga instructor Joanne Gallagher following Bolton’s first ever Park Yoga session in beautiful Queen’s Park attended by 33 adults and two children.
The free 60-minute sessions are running every Sunday morning until mid-September, organised by Active Bolton as part of its new 10-year Health and Wellbeing Strategy, focused on increasing physical activity across Bolton after being awarded the contract to manage the borough’s leisure services on behalf of Bolton Council.
The first session took place on Sunday (May 3) behind the park’s café pavilion, where a huge horse chestnut tree provided shelter from the dull and drizzly morning.
Joanne added: “The community of Bolton certainly showed up for us and for themselves, with 35 attendees of all ages – and even a few pooches! We thoroughly enjoyed it and hopefully word will spread, with people bringing friends, family and colleagues. The weather can only get better, and I’m certain this will become a huge gathering of Bolton’s wonderful community.”
Park Yoga is a national charity that delivers, inclusive outdoor yoga sessions in over 60 towns and cities across England. The sessions aim to bring communities together in a relaxed and welcoming environment, helping people connect with nature, improve wellbeing, and meet new people.
The first session marked the start of Active Bolton’s commitment to community health and forms part of a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Fund, designed to support community-based projects that encourage more residents to get active.
Stuart Kay, Active Bolton’s Director of Sport and Communities, said: “It was a memorable and inspiring first for Bolton, and there was nothing but positivity coming from everyone who was there. Everyone I spoke to said they’d be back next week.
“We are proud to bring activities like this to the green spaces of Bolton, and introducing Park Yoga is just the beginning. Our aim is to attract over 100 participants to a single session during the 20-week programme, so we’re hoping the word will spread to make it possible.”
Cathi Farrer-Mitchell, Director of Park Yoga, adds: “People don’t need any specific equipment – just a yoga mat if you have one, but a blanket or towel works perfectly. Come along and give it a go, all levels are welcome.”
The sessions run from 9.30am each week and there is no need to book. And as Sunday proved, they will go ahead in light rain. Any cancellations due to poor weather will be communicated at least one hour in advance via the Park Yoga Bolton Facebook page and website.
For more information, visit www.parkyoga.co.uk
Active Bolton is now working on plans to expand its outdoor activity programme in the coming months, continuing to support healthier, more active communities across the borough.
