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Lancashire events venue, The Wellbeing Farm, has launched a new “celebration of life” package with the aim of reframing traditional ideas about funerals.
Located in Edgworth, near Bolton, the business is certified as a B Corporation and gained a reputation for wedding packages featuring llamas, its focus on sustainability, and other unconventional event offerings.
According to founder Celia Gaze, the new funeral package was inspired by more colourful mourning practices she witnessed while travelling in Peru.
The Wellbeing Farm’s first celebration of life event took place on 3 April. This new package includes the venue’s “signature” llamas, as well as music, storytelling and personalised tributes.
Gaze said: “This idea came from my experience in Peru, where I saw a funeral where people were celebrating in the graveyard. Everyone wore colourful clothes, danced, listened to music, and enjoyed tasty food.
“I was struck by how happy everyone was. In contrast, UK funerals are often sad events with black attire and soft music, where laughter is rare. In many cultures, the day you die is seen as the most important day of your life.”
She added: “While there will still be crying, a funeral doesn’t have to be quiet; it can be loud and celebratory. It can include storytelling, laughter, music that mattered to the person, outfits that express their personality, toasts to their quirks, and even a dance to their favourite song. If they loved llamas, maybe include them (yes, really).”
