1. Mind Body Spirit Festival is now approaching almost 50 years. If you could identify some of the highlights in those years what would they be? Tell us how MBS began, who, where, why?
Founded in 1977 by Graham Wilson together with Terry Ellis. It has always been our passion to create live events and provide an outlet with a focus on all things Mind Body Spirit and Wellbeing.
The festival focused on topics such as religion, the paranormal, spirituality, natural healing, consciousness, self development and personal growth. The show returned to Olympia in 2015, and expanded to Birmingham NEC in 2016 and continues to focus on topics related to well being.
The aim of the festival is to give our visitors the tools, inspiration and support to feel inspired and motivated by the world’s best wellbeing speakers, performers, gurus, fitness motivators and so much more.
Did the Mind Body Spirit Festival have a plan at the start and how has it evolved in the years?
The plan at the start of the Mind Body Spirit Festival consisted of three main ingredients - the exhibitors, the performers and the presenters - held together by the energy giving meditation sanctuary and the vegetarian restaurant.
In the early years, the biggest attraction amongst exhibitors was the psychic readings which were organised from the beginning by the British Astrological Society and Psychic Society founded by renowned astrologist and psychic, Russell Grant who first appeared on TV talking about astrology in 1979. This still remains a big draw for visitors.
Over the years we welcome back our community of exhibitors some of whom have been with us from the very beginning, mixed with new businesses offering new modalities and supplements that didn’t exist a few years ago.
We evolve as the wellness industry evolves.
Having been around for so many years what would you say has changed in the response from people? Has the audience/attendees changed?
Every year our exhibitor list grows and becomes more eclectic and wonderful.
Our visitors have evolved and changed over the years - from artists, creatives and those in touch with their spirituality, to a more conservative audience who want help and support. The main thing they have in common is curiosity and desire to improve themselves however that looks.
Visitors come to submerge themselves into a marketplace full of wellbeing & health products, receive healing sessions, eat organic food, learn about holistic therapies and retreats, divinations, stock up on crystals, supplements and to receive a reading.
Each year the Festival offers a curated list of FREE experiences to help visitors grow, try something new and truly embrace the Mind Body Spirit culture.
The much loved and cherished main stage which has been present at every Festival since 1977 remains a real focal point.
With the addition of a Wellbeing Studio, Mid-life Wisdom stage, Pop-Up temple, Ceremony Space, Yoga and Meditation Studio, and the Alchemy of Sound, and new spaces being added every year the modern-day Festival has something for all.
Why do you think Mind Body Spirit Festival has been able to survive, evolve and what would you say is different, if anything about people living now and their openness to the varied content that Mind Body Spirit Festival supports and encourages?
Mind Body Spirit Festival has survived and evolved because we as humans evolve and grow.
Our time during COVID was one example of that, when we all surfaced from that, we have seen a surge in individuals with a thirst for more information on how to manage their own wellbeing.
We welcome those who are looking for new ways of being and those who are curious about their wellness.
With more and more people becoming more conscious of their spiritual and wellbeing journey we are grateful and delighted to be able to offer this space for them.
What's next for the Mind Body Spirit Festival? What keeps you motivated?
We have Mind Body Spirit Festival Birmingham happening this November at the NEC, and London Olympia in May next year, and as always we are planning some amazing speakers and experiences for our visitors.
What keeps us motivated is when individuals come back and tell us positive stories about their experiences at the show and beyond, we’ve had people visit in Birmingham looking for answers and when we see them again in London it is amazing to see the transformation they have had, we like to think we have played a small role in that transformation whether it was a talk that changed their life, or seeing a healer that cleared something for them. It’s so powerful to see people take charge of their wellbeing journeys, that’s what keeps us going.
Mind Body Spirit Festival Birmingham.
For more information and tickets, visit: Mind Body Spirit Festival Birmingham National Exhibition Centre, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT.
Opening Times:
Friday, 14 November 2025 : 11:00 – 18:00
Saturday, 15 November 2025 : 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday, 16 November 2025 : 10:00 – 17:00
Follow us on Social Media - Facebook: @mindbodyspiritfestival | Instagram: @mbswellbeing
