Three friends who together shed 36 stone organized the United Kingdom’s inaugural weight‑loss festival, Barifest, in Bath from May 15‑17. The event combined exercise classes, karaoke,wellness workshops and even on‑site plastic‑surgery consultations, aiming to create a supportive community for people at any stage of a body‑change journey.

Barifest drew 75 participants paying up to £229 for a weekend of inclusive amenities

According to the source report, the colourful three‑day gathering hosted up to 75 attendees, each paying between £60 for a single‑day pass and £229 for full‑weekend camping. Organisers highlighted practical adaptations such as reinforced beds, larger‑sized toilets and a menu with full,half and soup portions, ensuring comfort for all body types.

Founders Donna Musson, Anastasia Morris and Pamela Phillips lost a combined 36 stone through bariatric surgery

Donna Musson (43) trimmed from 20 st 7 lb to 11 st 6 lb after a gastric seleve in 2021, Anastasia Morris (34) dropped from 32 st to 14 st 9 lb following a gastric bypass in August 2023,and Pamela Phillips (42) shed 9 st 7 lb after a 2023 gastric sleeve. their shared experience of post‑surgery isolation sparked the idea for a festival where “people don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed,” Musson said.

Booking Surgery of Turkey sponsored the event , offering affordable surgical and non‑surgical treatments

The source notes that Turkish‑based Booking Surgery provided sponsorship, promoting both surgical and non‑surgical “affordable” options. This partnership gave attendees direct access to plastic‑surgery consultations, a rare feature for a public health‑focused gathering.

Programming blended fitness , entertainment and wellness, with DJ Shortee Blitz headlining

Barifest’s schedule included crafting workshops, live music, “boozy bingo” and exercise sessions, capped by a set from DJ Shortee Blitz, who has previously worked with Jay‑Z and Mariah Carey. organisers said the mix of activities catered to participants at dfiferent stages, from those just out of surgery to those seeking skin‑removal procedures.

Who will fund the next Barifest and can the model scale nationally?

The report leaves open whether future festivals will secure broader sponsorship beyond Booking Surgery or attract public health funding. It also remains unclear if the organisers plan to replicate the model in other UK cities, a question that will shape the festival’s long‑term impact.