Sauna Festival 2024
April 27th
hackney community sauna
The Event
The Saunaverse invites you to float away in a cloud of steam. We're back at the Community Sauna Baths with the second instalment of the UK's only Sauna Festival.
Fill your ladles to the brim for 12 hours of unlimited wood fired sauna, cold plunge, hot tub, music, dance, workshops, sauna rituals, performance, and more.
Curated for total newbies and experienced saunaheads alike, you can expect to step into a wonderland of hot and cold as you cycle between our unique saunas, plunging into ice baths between rounds, before grabbing a beer and dancing the night away to our favourite bands and DJs.
Check out our 2023 Aftermovie for a taste of what’s to come.
Our Ethos
All bodies are welcome in The Saunaverse and we celebrate you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Certain saunas will be clearly marked as clothing optional to allow you to enjoy an unencumbered sauna experience. We expect our guests to respect these boundaries at all times and to be covered below the waist whenever outside a sauna.
Alcohol will be on sale during the festival and we advise you finish your sauna before you crack a cold one. Our first aiders and volunteers will be present to ensure that those enjoying the sauna are not intoxicated.
We operate a Zero Tolerance policy to harassment, abuse and aggression. Everyone has the right to enjoy the heat without being made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
The Saunaverse is a non-sexual event. No sexual conduct will be tolerated and the team will be on hand to maintain a safe space at all times. All guests will be required to agree to a consent statement on entry confirming that they understand and agree that anything other than a ‘Hell Yes!’ is a ‘No’, whether it’s a sweaty hug, whisking ritual or shoulder rub.
FAQs
What should I bring?
Photo ID
Two towels (one to sit on and one to dry off with)
Swimwear
Pool sliders/ flip flops
Water bottle
Plastic bag for taking home wet belongings
Bathrobe (optional)
Sauna hat (optional)
Can I have a refund, or transfer my ticket?
Unfortunately we can’t offer refunds or cancellations on tickets purchased. However you are welcome to transfer your ticket to a friend. A valid ticket QR code and photo ID be required for entry to the festival.
Where can I leave my valuables/belongings?
A free cloakroom will be in operation throughout the event to securely store your belongings.
Can I bring my dog/cat/gerbil?
Sorry, sauna and pets doesn’t mix well. This is a strictly human only event.
Can I bring my kids?
Whilst children often spend time in the sauna in Finland, and some are even born in the sauna, this is an 18+ event. Photo ID will be required for entry, and at the bar.
What food and drink will be on offer?
We’ll have a fully stocked bar offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Free tap water will be available throughout the event. Food traders will be serving a range of options in the garden, including Gluten Free and our hosts, The Bath House will be serving a delicious selection of veggie meals and snacks from the cafe inside.
Who will be performing?
We've got an incredible lineup of local DJs, bands and performers. Check the festival insta for the full lineup announcements @thesaunaverse
How do I get there?
The address is: The Bath House, 80, Eastway, London E9 5JH
We’re a 10 minute walk from Hackney Wick tube station and there are several bus stops outside the venue.
Can I come for just the morning/afternoon?
Yes! New for this year we have a limited number of morning and afternoon tickets available, in addition to full day tickets.
Can I volunteer?
Yes please! Please fill out this volunteer form to apply.
Can I perform?
We’re looking for an eclectic range of DJs, bands and performers to entertain our guests. Our lineup is already pretty full but please email infosaunaverse.co.uk to see if you’re a good fit.
I can’t afford a ticket, can I still come?
We know times are difficult and we don’t want price to be a barrier to anyone enjoying Sauna. We have a limited number of Low Income tickets available. Please email info@saunaverse.co.uk with a brief description of your circumstances to discuss eligibility. All enquiries will be dealt with in complete confidentiality.
Can I take my clothes off? Can I keep my clothes on?
Certain bathing cultures insist on nudity whilst inside the sauna, whilst others ensure bathers are covered at all times. All genders are welcome to ‘free the nip’ above the waist at all times and certain saunas of the festival will be allocated as below the waist ‘clothing optional’ and ‘clothing essential.’
I have accessibility needs, can I come?
Yes of course! Please email info@saunaverse.co.uk to discuss how we can help ensure you can access and enjoy the event.
I had a horrible sauna experience, should I still come?
Chances are, your horrible experience was due to a poor excuse for a sauna, most likely squeezed into the back of a gym with a poorly powered electric stove and little-to-no ventilation. We assure you that our authentic wood fired saunas are a completely different experience and we’re confident you’ll be a convert for life! Even if we can’t change your mind, we’ll have a lot more than just sauna to keep you entertained. Enjoyed the wood fired hot tub, grab a beer next to the open fire, or boogie the night away.
Upcoming Events
Advanced workshop: Guiding a Classic Family Bath
A unique day workshop for those who have completed Level 2 Sauna Master training and would like to learn how to run your own ABC session.
Level 2 Sauna Master Training with the International Bath Academy
Katie Bracher and the team at Wild Spa Wowo are delighted to be hosting the magical Birutė Masiliauskienė from the International Bath Academy to offer a unique Lithuanian Sauna Master Level 2 training.
This is a full 2 day advanced course suitable for people who have previously completed the Level 1 Sauna master training.
Advanced workshop: Making sauna and beauty products
A unique 4 hour practical workshop for those who have completed Level 2 Sauna Master training and want to learn more about beauty products in the sauna.
Advanced workshop: Group Practice and Whisking Workshop
This workshop is for those who have completed Level 1 Sauna Master training.
This session includes elements of whisking in different stages of bathing process; warming up different body parts; different body postures during the group whisking; additional equipment and special whisks for group whisking.
Advanced workshop: Using different whisks in a whisking session
Note: this is for those who have completed their Level 1 Sauna Master training.
A unique and fun 4 hour advanced practical workshop on using different whisks in a whisking session - the workshop requires some understanding about whisking and healthy sauna process.
Whisk Making Workshop
Learn the art of foraging and tying leaf whisks to use in the sauna in this unique afternoon workshop.
An introduction to Lithuanian Pirtis
Katie Bracher and the team at Wild Spa Wowo are delighted to be hosting the magical Birute from the International Bath Academy to offer a unique workshop, the Lithuanian Pirtis ABC
Level 1 Sauna Master Training with the International Bath Academy
Katie Bracher and the team at Wild Spa Wowo are delighted to be hosting the magical Birute from the International Bath Academy to offer a unique Lithuanian Sauna Master Level 1 training.
Myth Mondays
Sessions begin by listening to an orally told ancient myth as a group. The myths are then explored through carefully curated creative sauna rituals & activities. As the session unfolds the sauna transforms in to a magical realm that opens your imagination, relaxes your body and frees your spirit
https://communitysaunabaths.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=42743952
Wood Fired Sauna and Wild Food
Travel to Margate to sweat in a wood-fired sauna and inhale the invigorating steam and drink cold foraged aquavit and massage wild plant spiked sea salt into your skin and slap yourself with seaweed and plunge into the tantalising sea and sit on soft sheep skins and revel in your sensations and drink a seaweed gin and tonic and toast your legs round our wood fired table and eat a delicious foraged coastal meal.
https://www.mikeandollie.co.uk/sauna-wild-food-feast