The Dreaming Retreat in Rhayader have announced an opportunity for activists to stay in the old Laura Ashley home, for as little as £5.
Taking to Instagram, Charlotte Church, founder of the retreat, said: “I’m coming to you today with an opportunity for activists. The activists around the world are working so hard and they have been for years, and particularly in the last eleven months, so this is a call out to activists to come to The Dreaming Retreat.”
From the 17th-20th of September, activists who apply through an online Google Doc form will be allowed to pay what they can, with Charlotte saying “even if only a fiver a night”, with the aim that they can “restore and continue the fight.”
Speaking in the video, Charlotte continues: “I know at this time people are feeling a lot of grief, a lot of heaviness, and anger with what’s going on in the world.” She later adds that they can come for a digital detox and “total rejuvenation”.
Charlotte has been a vocal campaigner for Palestine during the conflict in the Middle East and recently dropped out from her slot at the Hay Festival due to its links with Baillie Gifford. Baillie Gifford & Co is an investment management firm who are said to have links to Israel and the fossil fuel industry. At the time, Charlotte posted on Instagram that she would be “boycotting and not attending in solidarity with the people of Palestine and in protest of the artwashing and greenwashing that is apparent in this sponsorship.” Hay Festival later suspended its partnership with the company. In February 2024, she sang a pro-Palestine song with a choir, with Jewish MP Andrew Percy saying they should “hang their heads in shame”. When accused of anti-semitism, Charlotte said: “I am in no way antisemitic. I am fighting for the liberation of all people. I have a deep heart for all religions and all differences.”
Charlotte signs off the video by saying: “We cannot wait to help nurture and restore you back to full power.”
The retreat will pick out people at random to attend the 15-spot retreat.