Report on CYTA Summer Festival Sunday 12th July 2026
Words: Judith Lynch
On a sweltering hot day 21 participants enjoyed a full day of yoga and yoga- related activities at
Woodley Civic Hall, Stockport. Two yoga tutors book-ended the day and people enjoyed a choice of 2
out of the 4 break-out sessions available in- between.
David Glover kicked off the day with the theme of “Finding Balance Together”. He focussed on the 5
elements through movement, mind and meaning. We warmed up gently then practised interesting
postures and sequences which focussed on linking and balancing the different elements.
For example when practising the strong pose where we feel the pull of the earth element while
reaching up into ether we then eased off with hip circles, ie splashing cooling water around our pelvic
area. The session was well-planned, with plenty of food for thought. It was challenging at times but absorbing.
We finished the session chanting Om and with a brief but refreshing savasana.
The choice of activity for the rest of the morning was as follows:
Either: Partner Yoga – led by Judith Lynch and Sue Hargreaves. There were a few teachers who enjoyed this session.
Or: Yoga for Peace of Mind with Jackie Hudson (the more popular session)
One attendee said the whole day represented “Peace for body and mind”
After lunch some people (including me) enjoyed a very relaxing hand massage taught by Anne Goldstraw. The majority of people opted for Meditation led by Julie Berrie.
Feedback on the whole day suggested the mix of activities were very much appreciated:
• “Nice variety and choice”
• “Very enjoyable day. Excellent sessions
• “Excellent day. Lots of variety”
• “Calming and grounding”
Everyone came together for the concluding yoga practice of the day. Felicity Leigh taught “An accessible Summer Yoga Practice for All – celebrating the light, energy and abundance of the season”
Felicity spoke of the joy of summer and the importance of the sun. We practised and were encouraged to chant this in Sanscrit at the beginning and then throughout the session when appropriate:
Felicity suggested that as we breathe in we think of taking in the light and the abundance of the summer all around us. Then on the exhalation we should absorb it taking the light etc inside us for inner strength and awareness. Felicity read the poem “Look to this Day” which encouraged us to stay aware and “in the moment” throughout our practice. Working this way we practised our postures and pranayama. The afternoon was hot but we managed parsvotanasana and 2 warrior poses – each repeated 3 times. We recovered with some slow and gentle sequences, gentle twists, the cooling breath [with the option of the humming breath on the exhalation] and alternate nostril breathing. These were perfectly suited to the sultry afternoon. Felicity guided us with clear demonstrations/instructions for the postures and then on the repeats she encouraged us to work on our own, in tune with the length and rhythm of our own breath.
The session concluded with a cooling visualisation of a summer walk, either in the countryside or another favourite place, such as the beach. We walked barefoot through cool green grass towards cooling water, tuning into the beauty and abundance of our surroundings and engaging all our senses. A poem “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry expressed the power of engaging with nature to help find peace of mind.
Many thanks go to our two main tutors, David and Felicity for their wonderful, inspiring sessions. Also thanks to CYTA Committee members (and Anne Goldstraw) who planned and delivered the interesting breakout sessions and to the rest of Committee who helped on the day and/or to organise the event. Thanks also of course go to all those who attended the day and for providing feedback – more below.
• “A Joyful Day”
• “So calming, I could do this every weekend”
• “Most rewarding”
• “Looking forward to the next time. Beautiful”
• “Super day. I enjoyed all the classes”
• “Perfect Day. Thank you. Just the right balance and loved it all.”
• “V. enjoyable day. Friendly group. Will come again”