Three women who shed a staggering 36 stone between them organised the UK’s first weight loss festival – and it proved a massive hit.
Donna Musson, 43, Anastasia Morris, 34, and Pamela Phillips, 42, connected at an event after each undergoing different bariatric surgery procedures to drop the pounds. They formed a bond over their individual experiences but noticed there weren’t many chances for those who’d been through it to meet up.
Having dropped a combined 36 stone, the threesome started organising the UK’s first bariatric surgery festival – Barifest. It subsequently broadened to welcome anyone on a weight loss journey – whether through surgery, weight loss injections, or traditional dieting – creating a space for people to gather and enjoy themselves.
Following eight months of preparation, the vibrant festival took place this weekend at Field Good Bar, Bath – drawing a crowd of 75 slimmers at different points in their transformations. The festival featured arts and crafts, karaoke, fitness sessions, live entertainment, wellness seminars and ‘boozy bingo’ to top it off.
View 7 ImagesIt took eight months to prepare for the festival
Their star DJ was Shortee Blitz – who has collaborated with the likes of Jay-Z and Mariah Carey – alongside several plastic surgeons offering on-the-spot consultations. Standard entry cost £60 per day.
The event wrapped up on Sunday and turned out to be a tremendous success – with Donna, Anastasia and Pamela revealing they’ve already been swamped with enquiries about plans to run it again in 2027. Pamela, from Wolverhampton, who shed 9st 7lbs following gastric sleeve surgery in 2023, said: “It can be very lonely, having weight loss surgery and then going back to reality with your normal friends.
View 7 ImagesAnastasia Morris before and after weight loss
“So Barifest was about bringing people together as a family, and not feeling embarrassment or shame. This is just the beginning and it’s so exciting – Barifest will take over the world!”
The concept emerged after Anastasia, Donna and Pamela crossed paths at a ball they all attended and connected over their shared experiences. Pamela, a wellbeing coordinator, plummeted from 20st 8lbs to 11st in the months after her gastric sleeve surgery.
View 7 ImagesPamela Phillips before and after weight loss
Anastasia, a logistics administrator from Llanymynech, Wales, fell from 32st to 14st 9lbs following gastric bypass surgery in August 2023. Meanwhile, Donna trimmed down from 20st 7lbs to 11st 6lbs after gastric sleeve surgery in May 2021.
One thing they’d all recognised was that significant weight loss journeys could feel incredibly “lonely” and challenging for others who hadn’t experienced it to truly comprehend. They all felt that the weight loss community in the UK was missing a relaxed, enjoyable event where everyone could gather, forge friendships and simply enjoy themselves – and the concept of Barifest was created.
View 7 ImagesDonna Musson before and after weight loss
Donna said: “There were people who only just had their surgery – it wasn’t just a field full of slim people. Even me, Pam and Anastasia are all at different stages – I’m at the end of my journey after skin removal surgery, Pam has lost weight and is looking into skin removal surgery, and Anastasia is still losing weight.
“Food wise, we had lots of options – full portions, half portions and soup – so everyone at any stage of their journey had a choice.”
View 7 ImagesAbout 75 people attended the festival
The trio revealed this is merely the beginning – and they’re determined to make it a yearly occasion following this year’s triumph. Attendees praised how welcoming it was – with reduced meal sizes, reinforced beds and seating, and even more spacious toilets to guarantee accessibility for all body types and sizes.
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View 7 ImagesThe main aim was to help people on their weight loss journeys feel less lonely
Anastasia said: “It was so uplifting – nobody was judging loose skin so no need to feel self-conscious. If you’ve always been skinny you don’t think about things like whether the chairs and beds will fit you, or whether you can get in the toilet.
“But we truly understand what it’s like, and it was the best weekend making memories.”