THE inaugural Southend Yoga Festival is set to take place next month - and will see yoga fanatics come together to raise awareness for Havens Hospice.

Southend-based wellbeing centres, Mayura Yoga and the Yoga Factory, are joining forces to provide a day of yoga, gong baths, music, therapies, and a host of stalls.

The day aims to bring together like minded people whilst raising awareness of Havens Hospices, which is on currently undertaken a funding drive push to raise cash secure funds for the under-construction new Fair Havens Hospice being built in Southend.

Paula Mayura, of Mayura Yoga Studio, said: “The idea was to unite together and offer a wonderful day of yoga for everybody in our local community to enjoy while raising awareness of Havens Hospices charity and the valuable work it does in our town.”

One of the highlights of the day is set to be a sponsored 108 Sun Salutations.

At 1.30pm on the day, everyone will be invited to take part, regardless of ability, with professional guides present to give people the opportunity to take part in the fundraiser.

Josh Lipscombe, of the Yoga Factory said: “We are really excited to bring yoga in this way to Southend where we can have a joint celebration of so much joy and happiness and bring yoga to the community and spread this vibration.”

On the day there will also be yoga sessions for the whole family, taster therapy sessions, and live music.

A spokesman added: “As the weather brightens and the dark winter mornings become a distant memory, it is a better time than ever to explore the many benefits of yoga and consider the holistic connection to your body, self and community. The longer, brighter days are ideal to give yourself a fresh start, re-energise and connect with others.

“This promises to be an exciting day of celebration and fun in a safe and welcoming environment, with a diverse range of activities, workshops and stalls to suit every taste.” The event will take place on June 1 at Thorpe Hall School from noon to 5pm.