(Especially if you’re coming on your own)
I want to be upfront from the start: this is my first time hosting an event like this.
I haven’t run one before — but I have attended events and camps on my own, with similar numbers of people to what I’ll be hosting. I’ve been the person turning up solo, feeling nervous, excited, overwhelmed, and unsure all at once.
And it’s from that experience — not from theory — that Hagg Hill Weekender is being shaped.
This post isn’t about telling you how it will feel.
It’s about sharing what I’m intentionally trying to create, and why.
Why I’m doing it this way 💛
When I’ve gone to events alone in the past, I’ve noticed a few things:
- The anxiety before arriving is often worse than the event itself
- Sometimes you want connection — sometimes you desperately need space
- Being quiet can feel awkward, even when you’re exhausted
- Not having choice can make everything feel harder
I’ve felt all of that.
So when I started planning Hagg Hill Weekender, I knew one thing for sure:
I wanted to create a space where those feelings are expected, not awkward.
Choice is the foundation 🌱
Everything I’m planning is built around choice.
That means:
- You can join in or step back
- You can change your mind
- You don’t have to explain yourself
- You don’t have to “keep up”
- You don’t have to be social all the time
If you need downtime, that’s okay.
If you want to throw yourself into things, that’s okay too.
There is no “right” way to attend.
Coming on your own is genuinely welcome 🌿
A lot of people come to events solo — sometimes because they want independence, sometimes because it feels easier, and sometimes because they’re trying something new.
I’ve been that person.
I’m not planning forced icebreakers or awkward group activities. Connection tends to happen naturally — over food, walking, sitting near the fire, music, or simply being in the same space.
And if you don’t connect straight away, that’s okay too.
Neurodiverse-led, with real life in mind 🧠✨
These events are neurodiverse-led because I am neurodivergent — and because I know how overwhelming things can become when there’s too much noise, pressure, or expectation.
What I’m aiming for:
- Quiet or sensory-friendly spaces
- Optional activities
- Clear information in advance
- Flexibility rather than rigid schedules
- A culture where stepping away is normal
I’m learning as I go, and I’m open about that — but the intention is always care, accessibility, and respect.
What I’m not trying to create 🚫
This isn’t:
- a massive festival
- a non-stop party
- a retreat where you’re told how to feel
- a space where you have to be “on” all the time
It’s not about perfection — it’s about thoughtfulness.
What I hope it becomes 🌈
My hope is that Hagg Hill Weekender feels:
- welcoming rather than overwhelming
- relaxed rather than pressured
- human rather than polished
A place where people who often feel out of step with the world can arrive, take a breath, and feel like they belong — even if just for a weekend.
A final, honest note 💬
If you’re reading this and thinking “I like the idea, but I’m nervous” — that makes complete sense.
I’m nervous too.
But I’m building this with care, intention, and lived experience — and I’m committed to learning, listening, and improving as I go.
If you decide to come along, I hope you’ll feel that.
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