Drop-in yoga classes from 5pm-9pm today will raise money for mental health charity 42nd Street
Yogi’s unite - a four-hour Yogathon is taking over Great Northern Square on Wednesday 21 June. As if the recent heatwave didn’t give you enough reason to salute the sun, over 250 yogis are expected to descend on the amphitheatre outside the Great Northern Warehouse later today.
Coinciding with International Yoga Day, Manchester’s newest yoga studio The Life Centre will be hosting the Yogathon in aid of Mental Health charity 42nd Street. The event celebrates the summer solstice and will be the first of its kind in the UK, running alongside the famous Time Square take-over that is attended by thousands of yoga enthusiasts each year.
“The summer solstice is a celebration of the longest day of the year. Yogis celebrate the light and the start of the new season,” says yoga enthusiast and event organiser Jane Dowler.
With courses offering yoga aid for anxiety, mental health and meditation, the charity partnership is in-line with The Life Centre’s ethos of using yoga to support everyday life.
“Raising awareness around mental health is something we at The Life Centre are passionate about,” explains Jessie Duncan, Business Manager at The Life Centre North. “We hope this event will raise awareness and funds for this great cause and also give people the opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga and meditation for mental health.”
“Purely on a physical level, regular practice of yoga asanas will help bring about increased stamina, strength and flexibility.
These are worthwhile by-products, but they are not the specific goal of yoga—by stilling the mind, we are able to live more in the present moment, and to be more aware of the true nature of ourselves and the world around us. In fact, one of the best reasons of all for practising yoga regularly is simply that it makes you feel great.”
Whether you’re a yoga devotee or total novice, the event aims to cater for all abilities and ages with courses held by some of Manchester yoga community’s finest, including One Yoga Studio’s Andrea Everignham, Lululemon ambassador Zoe Marshall and experts from The Life Centre.
As well as a host of drop-in sessions, a pop-up stall from activewear brand Lululemon and healthy snacks will be on offer to handle all your yoga needs. Local restaurant Evuna will also be offering a selection of wine, meaning you’ll be doing ‘downward dog’ before you know it.
For more information, please visit the event page
The schedule for the event is as follows:
5pm - Yoga class with Andrea Everingham
6pm - 42nd Street Charity Introduction
6.10pm - Yoga class with Zoe Macphail, Lululemon ambassador
7pm - Meditation with Mick Timpson
7.15 - Yoga class with Danny Solomon
8pm - Yoga class with Sue Hodgkinson
9pm - Event close
What should I bring to the event?
Please bring a yoga mat and be sure to wear comfortable clothing that you can move in.
The event is open to all ages.
