- Dr Chris Chappel
- Tara King
- Gary Fitz-Roy, Expertise Events
- Plus on request VIVA FESTIVAL speakers
MEDIA RELEASE:
Johann Hari and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall headline innovative new health and wellness festival
New York Times best-selling author Johann Hari and River Cottage UK’s multi-award-winning writer and broadcaster Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall lead a line-up of 30-plus Australian and international health and wellness innovators at VIVA FESTIVAL, coming to Sydney and Melbourne in March 2024.
Presented by Twinings, this innovative new health and wellness festival gives audiences the opportunity to hear in person from leading experts and immerse themselves in the latest research and trends. Beyond physical wellness, VIVA FESTIVAL places equal emphasis on mental health, relationships, and personal growth.
VIVA FESTIVAL runs at ICC Sydney from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17, 2024, and MCEC Melbourne from Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24, 2024.
Specialist GP and one of VIVA FESTIVAL’s Executive Producers, Dr Chris Chappel, said: “VIVA Festival was born from the need to help people navigate the conflicting and often confusing health messages on social media. Through a thoughtfully curated festival program centred on fundamental health principles and targeted focus areas, our aim is to empower individuals to achieve their utmost vitality and well-being.”
Hari (Stolen Focus; Lost Connections; Chasing the Scream) and Fearnley-Whittingstall deliver new live talks for Australian audiences at two standalone events, VIVA NIGHTS. On Friday evening, Hari speaks on his best-selling book, Stolen Focus, why you can’t pay attention, and how to think deeply again. On Saturday evening, Fearnley-Whittingstall speaks on “eating better forever”.
The Saturday and Sunday program runs over two stages – a Main Stage and a Drill Down Stage – with a dedicated workshop space running simultaneously to the main stages.
The weekend’s day program, VIVA DAYS, features a line-up of 30-plus Australian and international experts on the latest research and trends in health and wellness.
Saturday’s Main Stage program will focus on mental health, happiness, and transformation, led by the extraordinary Turia Pitt, celebrated actor and mental health advocate Gabriella Wright (UK), Alfred Deakin Professor Felice Jacka OAM on mood and food, podcaster Sarah Grynberg, and vagus nerve expert Jessica Maguire. Sunday’s Main Stage concentrates on living better for longer, with internationally recognised experts, including Dr Robynne Chutkan (microbiome [USA]), neuroscientist Dr Dayan Goodenowe (brain health [USA]), renowned cardiologist Dr Ross Walker (epigenetics and lifestyle), and neuroscientist Dr Stan Rodski (sleep).
Saturday’s Drill Down Stage will run VIVA for parents, a program with essential tools for nurturing happy, healthy children. Sunday’s will offer trending health topics, from relationships to permaculture, metabolic health, and nutrition. A dedicated workshop space will run simultaneously to the two main stages each day, providing hands-on experiences in areas including stress management, meditation, reiki, and gut health.
VIVA FESTIVAL is co-produced by Expertise Events, Tara King, David Brown, and Dr Chris Chappel.
For more information on VIVA FESTIVAL go to www.vivafestival.com.au
VIVA FESTIVAL DATES:
ICC Sydney, Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17, 2024
MCEC Melbourne, Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24, 2024
For further information:
eckfactor
Julia Reynolds E. julia_reynolds@bigpond.com | M. + 61 412 089 778
Key Facts:
VIVA FESTIVAL DATES:
ICC Sydney, Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17, 2024
MCEC Melbourne, Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24, 2024
For more information on VIVA FESTIVAL, go to www.vivafestival.com.au
About us:
VIVA FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY TWININGS comes to ICC Sydney, Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17, 2024, and MCEC Melbourne, Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24, 2024. This innovative new health and wellness festival gives audiences the opportunity to hear in person from leading experts and immerse themselves in the latest research and trends. Beyond physical wellness, VIVA FESTIVAL places equal emphasis on mental health, relationships, and personal growth. VIVA FESTIVAL is the brainchild of EXPERTISE EVENTS and executive producers Tara King, David Brown, and Dr Chris Chappel.
Contact details:
For further information:
eckfactor
Julia Reynolds E. julia_reynolds@bigpond.com | M. + 61 412 089 778
