Need to reset and reconnect ahead of a London autumn? Try Lush Fest

At the end of a long, hot summer, it’s no wonder that many of us feel like it’s time to disconnect from social media and reconnect with ourselves and others around us – you know, IRL. Thankfully, Lush are bringing the perfect antidote to stress and screentime to their stores: enter Lush Fest. 

From August to October this year, ten Lush stores across the UK – including Covent Garden and the Oxford Circus flagship – will be transformed into spaces for conversation, connection, and finding meaning outside of the digital world, as well as for activities centred around touch, scent and true hands-on play, none of which can be experienced through a screen. 

There’ll be panel discussions, talks and film screening for those of us itching to get chatting, and bath bomb prescriptions with experts, special validation facials, and fragrance readings for everyone looking to mindfully switch off. Enjoy exclusive opportunities to get familiar with Lush products (including brand new launches), and even the chance to visit a spa speakeasy. 

Having ditched the big social media channels back in 2021, in favour of focusing on the bonds that can be forged in real life, Lush are in a prime position to help us get to grips with life beyond devices, showing us what happens when we centre ourselves, our thoughts and our senses. The festival will be taking place until October across the UK, but here are two upcoming London events that we especially love the sound of. 

Miss Me? Podcast Live Recording | Lush Oxford Street - Friday, September 4

Join longtime friends and podcast partners Miquita Oliver and Jordan Stephens for a frank discussion called “The Manosphere, misogyny and where do we go from here?”

Tackling one of the most pressing issues facing society – and young people in particular – Miquita and Jordan will mix personal anecdotes, practical solutions and audience Q&A, to lead a conversation about the realities – and the routes out – of online misogyny, which are, you’ve guessed it, so often achieved by offline means. 

Tickets are only £5, and guarantee you an evening of thought-provoking and ultimately hopeful discussion.

Lush Talks - Reclaim Connection | Lush Oxford Street - Friday, September 17

Lush are well known for their anti-Big Tech stance - having divested from social media, partnered with the Future Laboratory to research “the future of digital engagement” and now, launched Lush Fest to take connection away from social media. This event continues that work with an evening of expert talks and discussions around the impact of social media, the truth about Big Tech and the future perfect vision for technology.

Expect a powerful discussion about Molly vs The Machines, a 2026 documentary that explores the tragic 2017 death of 14-year-old Molly Russell and her father Ian Russell’s subsequent fight against Big Tech algorithms; inspiring talks from campaigners and investigative units working tirelessly to unmask the billionaires perpetuating the harm of Big Tech; and those working to build a more hopeful future for the internet; all topped off with some brilliant comedy from Steve Bugeja. It promises to be a genuinely fantastic evening and tickets can be snapped up for just £5.

Check out the full Lush Fest programme here