Three women who collectively lost 36 stone came together to organize the inaugural weight loss festival in the UK, which turned out to be a huge success. Donna Musson, 43, Anastasia Morris, 34, and Pamela Phillips, 42, met at an event where they bonded over their individual journeys of undergoing various bariatric surgeries to shed weight. Recognizing the lack of opportunities for people with similar experiences to connect, they decided to create a platform for individuals on weight loss paths.
After shedding a combined 36 stone, the trio initiated the UK’s first bariatric surgery festival, Barifest. The event’s scope expanded to include anyone engaged in weight loss endeavors, whether through surgical procedures, weight loss injections, or traditional dieting, fostering an environment for people to come together and have a good time.
Following eight months of meticulous planning, the lively festival took place at Field Good Bar in Bath over the weekend, attracting 75 attendees at different stages of their weight loss journeys. The festival featured a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, karaoke, fitness sessions, live entertainment, wellness seminars, and ‘boozy bingo’ for added fun.
The event featured renowned DJ Shortee Blitz, known for collaborations with artists like Jay-Z and Mariah Carey, and also offered on-the-spot consultations by plastic surgeons. The entry fee was set at £60 per day.
After a successful conclusion on Sunday, Donna, Anastasia, and Pamela revealed that they were flooded with inquiries about organizing the festival again in 2027. Pamela, who lost 9st 7lbs after gastric sleeve surgery in 2023, expressed the significance of creating a supportive community for individuals post-weight loss surgeries.
The idea for Barifest stemmed from the shared experiences of Anastasia, Donna, and Pamela, who met at a ball and connected over their weight loss transformations. Each woman had undergone different bariatric surgeries resulting in significant weight loss, ranging from Pamela’s 20st 8lbs to 11st, Anastasia’s 32st to 14st 9lbs, and Donna’s 20st 7lbs to 11st 6lbs.
Recognizing the isolation and challenges faced by individuals on weight loss journeys, the trio felt the need for a relaxed and enjoyable event where people could gather, make friends, and have a good time – thus, the concept of Barifest was born.
Donna emphasized the inclusivity of the festival, catering to individuals at various stages of their weight loss journeys with diverse food options. The organizers expressed their commitment to making Barifest an annual event, ensuring accessibility for all body types and sizes with amenities like reduced meal sizes, reinforced beds, and spacious toilets.
Anastasia highlighted the positive atmosphere at the festival, where attendees felt comfortable and accepted, free from judgment. The trio is determined to continue making Barifest a memorable and inclusive event for the weight loss community in the future.