Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts will practice together as part of a two-day yoga festival (16 - 17 June)

MediaCityUK will be transformed into a holistic hub for this year's International Festival of Yoga – a weekend of 'gong baths', laughter yoga, mass meditation and the largest yoga flow classes in the UK.

800 yogis are expected to convene at the Salford Quays piazza to perform their best sun salutations in front of internationally-renowned yoga gurus, including an ex-Bollywood star and a Chinese opera singer.

The events, which will run from 4 pm on Friday 16 June to 3 pm on Saturday 17 June, are said to promote a holistic approach to caring for the mind, body and spirit.

Divided into three areas - 'REUNITE', 'REJOICE' and 'REFLECT' - the weekend of events aims to bring together artists, musicians, coaches, yoga gurus and chefs to reflect upon practice, music, food, healing and holistic living. 

For the budding yogis and the holistically healthy, there will also be an organic and 'yogic' food market.

The two outdoor yoga classes are the festival's main events; the Friday evening class will last two hours and the Saturday morning class three. The Friday class will be one long flow whereas the Saturday class will be a series of 40-minute classes which yogis can dip in and out of - see here for the full programme. 

The festival has been planned in Manchester to coincide with the week of the International Day of Yoga on 21 June (the longest day and summer solstice). The day itself is built on a vision shared by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adopted by the UN and celebrated in more than 192 nations worldwide.

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The festival will be held at MediaCityUK

Mayur Mirwani, director of GOLIVE, organisers of the event said: “We believe that HOLISTIC will be the largest celebration of Yoga in Manchester yet. Our aim is to bring together a congregation of leading thinkers of the world from India, Europe, Asia and the US here in MediaCityUK.

“The time on the mat will offer yogis the ultimate opportunity to enjoy yoga with 799 other people whilst focusing inwards on their own practice. Plus visitors can explore our market and tap into our programme of classes inviting them to be curious about who they are.”

HOLISTIC will take place at MediaCityUK on The Piazza and in The Studios on Friday 16 June and Saturday 17 June. Tickets for each day are available for £30.

For more information about HOLISTIC visit the website.