Equinox Party [Spring 2024]

🌱 The emergence of Spring is upon us.

💫 We’re launching a new series of events which are in response to the ever evolving landscape and needs of community gatherings and culture in Bristol, the UK and beyond. 

🤩 We’re super excited to announce our first event which is a brand new concept for Bristol.

🧬 This new event invites self awareness and discovery using the embodied worlds of sexy, silly and spiritual in an alcohol-free, sober curious, intentional and safe(r) space environment.

📝 Because of the nature of this event, we have written up a new set of Rules and updated our Safe(r) Space Agreement (see below).

Ace Collectiv

presents

E Q U I N O X   P A R T Y

[SPRING  2024]

Friday 22 March
18:00 - 23:15
The Mount Without, Bristol
 

Artists & Facilitators

Freya McFarlane ~ Sensual Embodiment 
Osara ~ DJ & Ceremony Leader
Holly Anne Coles ~ Live Music & Live Sound Bath 
Treasure ~ Cuddle Corner

Featuring

Spring Equinox Ceremony ~ Embodiment ~ Dance Journey
Cuddle Corner ~ Feather Lounge ~ Chill Out Space
Ceremonial Cacao ~ ENCHANTED Medicinal Chocolates
Walkabouts ~ & more

Elixir Bar & Café

Sentia & Karmaceuticals ~ Alcohol-free herbal beverages
Trewhitts & Bogdan Theo ~ Organic hot food, healthy snacks & treats

The Mount Without

An 900 year old church located in the heart of Bristol. One of the city's most beautiful and epic venues, gracing our Equinox Party with power, majesty and wonder.

Vibe

An evening of sexy, silly and spiritual,
Embodiment, authentic expression and,
Soul invigorating celebration.

Welcoming & Celebrating

A Safe(r) Space for all abilities and people.
Inspiration, transformation and rejuvenation.
Respect for self, one another, community and planet.

Costume

You're invited to dress in your favourite outfits,
Welcoming the full spectrum of yourselves and each other.
Dress to express.
Sexy, playful or ceremonial,
Wild, daring and raw. 
Soft, sensual and flowing,
Weird, wonderful and more.

Rules & Safe(r) Space Agreement

By attending this event you agree to respect and follow our Rules and Safe(r) Space Agreement (found below). These rules and agreements indicate the behaviour that is acceptable and must be followed. They are put in place to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome at our events.

When purchasing a ticket to this event you must check the box to say that you have read the rules and agreements. These rules and agreements are emailed to everyone who attends and are present throughout the spaces at the event.

By attending this event you are doing so because you want to expand your innerstanding of yourself, challenge your prejudice and connect with other like minded people.

Please take full responsibility for your own experience, remain open minded and creatively curious, reach beyond the edges of your comfort zone, and always ask for consent.

Our rules and agreements create a safer space to be expressive and intimate, and at the same time, ensure that everyone remains respectful of each other. Thus creating a more collaborative, trusting and respectful environment and community.

18+ Event

Please note this is an 18+ event

~ Artists & Facilitators ~

Freya McFarlane

Sensual Embodiment 

Tantra Teacher, Embodiment & Breathwork Facilitator

Freya McFarlane has been devoted to the sensual and erotic arts for over a decade. After working with indigenous birth communities in Latin America, she returned to the UK to study Midwifery and Public Health for women but was faced with the over medicalisation of women’s maternity care. 

In 2013 she began professional studies of Sacred Sexuality, Yoga, Tantra, Breathwork and Tao systems to open the body's power and awaken the feminine. Now based in her hometown in the Cotswolds, Freya merges Celtic rites of passage with ancient Eastern Classical Tantric teachings.

Freya is an international Tantra Teacher, Public Speaker and Intimacy Coach. She facilitates with the essence of midwifery and helps people to move through past trauma in a safe embodied way. 

Freya is a Faculty Member and Facilitator of the Tao Tantric Arts School ~ a teacher training for Sacred Femininity and next generation Tantra Teachers. She regularly holds retreats in Costa Rica, Portugal, Morocco and the UK.

Instagram

Osara

Dance Journey & Ceremony Leader

Father, DJ, Visionary & Embodiment Facilitator

Osara is a Ceremony Leader, Visionary and Creative who produces and curates areas, stages and events for Ace Collectiv, Ecstatic Dance Bristol, Medicine Festival and Boomtown.

Osara uniquely combines the worlds of Underground Dance Music culture with prayer, ceremony and ritual, to create transformative dance journeys that are ever evolving and responding to the spirit of time, community and place.

Osara finds inspiration from many cultures, especially underground dance music and Sound System culture from the UK and around the world. Expect a beautiful and unexpected mix of the deeper, darker, sexy and soul invigorating sounds of electronic dance music ~ House, Techno, 140, Jungle, Afro House, Amapiano, World Bass, Folktronica, South American Bass music and more.

Osara has DJed in London, Paris, Oslo, Costa Rica, amongst many other places. He has DJed at festivals such as Envision, Medicine, Boomtown, Lovejam, Unearthed, All About Love, as well as others.

Instagram
Listen to his sets on SoundCloud
 

Holly Anne Coles

Live Music & Live Sound Bath

Ceremonial Singer, Sound Songstress & Intuitive Vocalist

Holly Anne Coles' music transports listeners to a mystical world of folklore and natural wonder. With a deep passion for sharing the transformative power of music and sound, Holly's ethereal vocals and haunting melodies evoke a sense of otherworldly beauty and enchantment. Her music offerings draw upon ancient wisdom, the forces of nature, wild landscapes and the waters of the Celtic Sea.

Being deeply inspired by the natural world, Celtic folklore and ancient mysteries, her connection to her spirituality has led her down the path of sharing the magic of music and sound, as well as holding space for those who wish to connect with themselves through ritual, ceremony and inner journeying. 

Instagram
hollyannecoles.com
Listen to her songs on Spotify
 

Treasure

Cuddle Corner

Cuddle Therapist, Facilitator, Partner Dancer & Acro Yoga Teacher

Treasure is passionate about connection, movement and touch. Physicality is such a powerful way to communicate and understand each other. We can be authentic and go very deep quickly. We can learn so much about ourselves in these relational dynamics. Treasure has been playing and learning with physical relational modalities for over a decade and now helps others expand their relational world. 

Treasure is the founder and community leader of Embrace Connections. They offer events that support people; in new connections, to overcome internal blocks and to learn how to comfortably be with others ~ all through movement and touch related practices.

Instagram
 embrace-connections.com

~ Spaces ~

Dance Space

Sound Design by Amber Audio
4-way Surround Sound System by d&b audiotechnik

The dance space in the Main Hall has a beautiful wooden sprung dance floor with underfloor heating.

Cuddle Corner

Curated & Facilitated by Treasure

The Cuddle Corner is a space for platonic intimacy, closeness and physicality.
This is not a space for kissing, stimulation or erotic charge.

Feather Lounge

Curated & Facilitated by Freya McFarlane

A welcoming space for you to enjoy a divine feathering on skin, face or hand.
You set the desired feather location and depending on desires and boundaries of the giver and receiver,
you might receive a divine feathering.

Chill Out Space

A comfy quiet space to relax by yourself or with others, away from the main event.
Located on the mezzanine floor in the Main Hall.

~ Stalls ~

Ecuadorian Ceremonial Cacao

provided by CacaoAmor

CacaoAmor work with a farmer cooperative in Ecuador exporting premium Ceremonial Grade Cacao around the world, expanding the nurturing medicine of Cacao whilst supporting and protecting the biodiversity of the farms and the people who care for them. 

If drinking Ceremonial Cacao we recommend avoiding or reducing your caffeine intake on the day of event and timing meals so you are not full. This will help your system assimilate the Cacao and prepare your body to receive more subtle energy cues from the Cacao. Drink at least 1 litre of water throughout the day before consuming the Cacao and stay hydrated. If you are taking SSRI antidepressants, please consult with your doctor first and let the Cacao Server know.

About Cacao

Theobromine Cacao is one of the most nutrient rich foods in the world. Cacao aids in longevity and has many powerful antioxidants. Theobromine present in Cacao, dilates blood vessels, relieving stress on the heart, and sharpens the mind.

The tryptophan and tryptamine serotonin present in Cacao, make it a natural antidepressant. Cacao is the only food plant found containing Anandamide which comes from the Sanskrit word Ananda meaning ‘bliss’. Anandamide is known as the chemical of happiness, an endorphin our body produces, giving us feelings of euphoria. Cacao also contains abundant Phenethylamine ~ a class of biochemicals that our body produces when we are in love.

Cacao enhances the qualities of what is present, helping us release stagnant emotions and creating space for healing and celebration. You can connect with the spirit of Cacao as a sacred plant medicine and ally with the intention of deepening your connection to yourself and others. 

Instagram
cacaoamor.com

ENCHANTED Medicinal Chocolates

Modern nutritional science and ancient plant wisdom combine in organic chocolate for the ultimate wellness supplementation with clinically proven nutrients and botanicals.
State-of-the art medicinal mushroom chocolates that uplift, expand and connect.

~ Café & Elixir Bar ~

Trewhitts & Bogdan Theo

the dream team behind Food and Beverages at &Soul, Medicine Festival & Lovejam

The Elixir Bar will feature an enticing range of alcohol-free herbal beverages from Sentia and Karmaceuticals specially designed to elevate our Equinox Party. These drinks provide the pleasurable effects similar to alcohol, while avoiding any unwanted side effects. By stimulating the release of dopamine in your neural transmitters, they enhance the overall experience.

The Café menu boasts a seasonal organic hot dish, accompanied by a perfectly nourishing salad.
Along with a  selection of delectable, healthy snacks and treats that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Trewhitts, led by Peter Grant, is an exquisite vegan catering company passionately dedicated to crafting exceptional culinary experiences. With an unwavering commitment to organic, foraged, and fermented foods, they seamlessly blend the art of culinary herbalism into their creations. For Peter, food transcends a mere sustenance; it is a powerful source of healing and harmony with nature, deeply rooted in the rhythms of the seasons. To Peter, food embodies the very essence of life itself.

Bogdan Theo's expertise as a masterful mixologist extends beyond conventional drinks, as he crafts extraordinary alcohol-free concoctions that delight the senses. He has catered at a number of retreats, showcasing the rich flavours of his homeland, Romania, while infusing dishes with a contemporary twist.

~ Important Info ~

Schedule

*please arrive at 18:00 to allow time to familiarise yourself with the venue, stalls and spaces on offer

18:00 Doors Open ~ Arrive / Café, Elixir Bar, Tarot Station & other stalls open
19:00 Opening Circle & Ceremony ~ Osara
19:20 Sensual Embodiment ~ Freya McFarlane
20:00 Dance Journey ~ Osara
22:00 Doors Close (no re-entry)
22:20 Live Music & Sound Bath ~ Holly Anne Coles
23:00 Closing Ceremony
23:15 Complete

Venue, Parking, Travel & Access

Please lift share, walk, cycle or use public transport / scooters where possible. 

Venue Address

The Mount Without, Upper Church Lane, Bristol, BS2 8FN

Google Maps link
https://goo.gl/maps/KHJSWYSiRSeVRfqo7

Parking

Nearest Car Park
https://goo.gl/maps/o9Vfj6mokRyKzPJd7

There is pay and display on-street parking in the surrounding area. Please check street signs for parking restrictions / payment requirements.

Travel & Bristol Clean Air Zone (CAZ)

If driving please check if you need to pay to drive through Bristol's CAZ:
https://pay.drive-clean-air-zone.service.gov.uk/vehicles/enter_details

Bristol CAZ map:
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/streets-travel/bristols-caz/view-a-map

Access

The venue has wheelchair access to the Main Hall.
Please email us if you have any specific needs for attending this event and we will do our best to accommodate you.

What to Bring

• Dress in layers (to keep warm / cool when needed)
• Cash / card for Café, Elixir Bar, Cacao Station and other stalls
• Something to lie on and to keep warm with for the Sound Bath (blanket, yoga mat or similar)
• Earplugs if you are sensitive to loud music (the music may get loud in the dance space at times)

Exchange

By attending this event you agree to respect and follow our Rules and Safe(r) Space Agreement (found below). These rules and agreements indicate the behaviour that is acceptable and must be followed. They are put in place to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome at our events.

*all of the ticket prices include Booking Fees

• £20 Super Early Bird ~ SOLD OUT
• £25 Early Bird ~ SOLD OUT
• £30 First Release ~ SOLD OUT
• £35 Final Release
• £40 On The Door (limited amount)

After purchasing a ticket, if you haven't received a confirmation email, please check your Spam Folder. If it's not there, please email us.

Alternatively, if the ticket transaction has gone through, you can turn up and give your name on the door to gain entry.

Disclaimer

Please note, that by purchasing a ticket you agree that Ace Collectiv is not liable for any injury or harm that you may incur at this event. 

Refunds & Transfers

Please note, we do not arrange refunds.

We encourage ticket reselling on the following groups:
(links can be found in your ticket confirmation email upon purchase of your ticket)

• Let’s Dance ~ South West & Wales WhatsApp group
• Ecstatic Dance Bristol Community Signal group
• Journey2the1 WhatsApp group
• Lovejam South West WhatsApp group

~ Rules & Safe(r) Space Agreement ~

*our Rules and Safe(r) Space Agreement are inspired by our friends Pinky Promise who host sex positive parties in London and Berlin

Intro

By attending this event you agree to respect and follow our Rules and Safe(r) Space Agreement (found below). These rules and agreements indicate the behaviour that is acceptable and must be followed. They are put in place to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome at our events.

When purchasing a ticket to this event you must check the box to say that you have read the rules and agreements. These rules and agreements are emailed to everyone who attends and are present throughout the spaces at the event.

By attending this event you are doing so because you want to expand your innerstanding of yourself, challenge your prejudice and connect with other like minded people.

Please take full responsibility for your own experience, remain open minded and creatively curious, reach beyond the edges of your comfort zone, and always ask for consent.

Our rules and agreements create a safer space to be expressive and intimate, and at the same time, ensure that everyone remains respectful of each other. Thus creating a more collaborative, trusting and respectful environment.

Safe(r) Space Agreement

• You are responsible for yourself, your wellbeing and your belongings
• You are responsible for your own experience and interactions with others
• You agree to be mindful, respectful and aware of yourself and others
• You agree to respect other people's boundaries and ensure you give as much space as other people require
• You agree to be consensual ~ unless it's an absolutely enthusiastic YES, everything else must be considered as a NO
• People can change their mind, therefore remember that a YES can always turn into a NO and this must be respected every time
• You agree that you are able to say YES or NO in an appropriate, clear and respectful way
• You agree to use clear direct verbal communication where you can feel confident in expressing your boundaries, expectations and desires
• You agree to maintain confidentiality and not disclose anyone's identities, stories or experiences
• If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable for any reason, please speak to a Welfare Angel, Security Guard or any Team Member immediately

Interactions with Others

Keep interactions platonic 
We are human beings and we naturally experience physical reactions in environments like these. However, we ask that you do not follow these feelings and explore with others, even if the feelings are mutual and the exploration is consensual. Instead, please allow the feelings to simply exist or dissipate  and keep connections platonic.

No sexual activity or sexual interactions of any kind
Intimacy, physicality, sensuality, play, etc are all welcome at this event. However, sexual activity or interactions of any kind are strictly not permitted at this event.

Inclusivity

All adults are welcome at our events. We welcome people of all sexual orientations, racial identities/ethnicities, gender expressions, abilities and body types. 

We are a community that is queer friendly, body positive and we welcome different forms of expression. We have zero tolerance towards racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, body shaming, ageism, ableism or discrimination of any kind whatsoever. Do not make derogatory comments or jokes on others. 

People of all genders are free to be topless at this event. Everyone must wear some kind of bottoms that cover their genitals. Attendees are also welcome to cover up as much as feels comfortable for them.

Consent

If there is someone that makes you feel uncomfortable, for ANY reason, then you should let them know. You do not owe somebody attention nor do you owe them your time or energy.

If you are not interested or do not have the capacity to engage with another or others, you are completely within your right to say so. This includes another person who touches without asking, comes on too strongly, says an offensive comment or simply does not making you feel welcome or comfortable.

Unless it's an absolutely enthusiastic YES, everything else must be considered as a NO. People can change their mind, therefore remember that a YES can always turn to a NO and that must be respected every time.

Whilst an interaction between others may happen in front of you, it does not mean you are entitled to join. 

Do not coerce or pressure others to interact with you. If you have received a NO, don’t take it personally. We invite you to thank the other person for clearly expressing their boundaries, by saying something along the lines of, “Thank you for taking care of yourself.”

Nudity of any kind does not have any sexual connotations. It is not an invitation for touch or sexual advances. Please be respectful with your gaze, and avoid sexualising natural human bodies.

Event Team ~ Welfare Angels, Security & more

We have an incredible Team present at this event ~ Facilitators, Assistants, Welfare Angels, Door Team, Event Manager and Security Guard who will all be announced at the Opening Circle.

The Welfare Angels will be roaming the event keeping an eye on things. They will be wearing a coloured armband so you can distinguish who they are. 

The Security Guard will be wearing a visible ID badge and will mainly be located at the main entrance of the venue.

The Facilitators and their Assistants will always be present when the Cuddle Corner and Feather Lounge spaces are open.

The Welfare Angels and Security Guard are available if you have any concerns or just want to chat. We are here to support.

Zero Tolerance Policy & Safeguarding

We operate a Zero Tolerance Policy at our events and any person found to be breaching the Rules or Safe(r) Space Agreement will be asked to leave (with no refund).

If you see any inappropriate behaviour, anyone being uncomfortable, anyone looking for help or if someone reports an issue to you, please inform a Welfare Angel, Facilitator, Assistant, Security Guard or any Team Member immediately.

Authorised Filming & Photography

Designated Photographers / Videographers (who are announced at the Opening Circle) will take videos and photos during the event. We use videos and photos to promote our events on social media. If you don't want to be included in a video or photo, please let the Photographer / Videographer or a Team Member know. If you see any footage of yourself on social media and want it removed, please message us directly (on social media or via email) and we’ll do so immediately.

🙏 Thank you for your cooperation

~ Links ~

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Telegram and more…

Ace Collectiv
@acecollectiv
linktr.ee/acecollectiv

Ecstatic Dance Bristol
@ecstaticdancebristol
linktr.ee/ecstaticdancebristol

Osara
@osarasound
linktr.ee/osarasound

∞