That's the bit I take care of. Sure, I can point you to the workshops if you need it, but that's not really the point. We'll actually talk. A proper conversation, not a passing hello, so you feel heard, valued, and like you've landed somewhere good, right from the door.
I've turned up to things solo before and felt that stomach-drop of not knowing a single face in the room. So now I'm the person at the door instead, making sure nobody else has to feel that for long.
On event days, I work with festival and event organisers to be that first real welcome. It's not a quick "hiya" and pointing you in a direction; we'll have an actual conversation. I want to know how you're feeling, what's brought you here, what you're hoping for. That's what makes you feel heard, valued, and like you've arrived somewhere good.
Because once you stop bracing, you start feeling included. Like you've found your people: seen, heard, accepted, maybe in a way that hasn't happened for a while. Honestly? What I'm doing is giving people's mental health a little hug for the day. That matters a lot more than knowing which room the 11am talk is in.
At Sistaland festival, they made it official and gave me the title Festival Mother. I'll happily take it.
On the day of your event, having real conversations with people as they arrive, especially the ones who came on their own.
Doors open, and we actually talk, not just a quick hello. I want to know how you're feeling, what you're hoping to get out of the day, what's on your mind. Ask me anything, schedule included, but the real job is making sure you feel heard from the first minute, especially if you've come on your own.
A real conversation does something a name badge can't. Your shoulders drop, your breathing slows, and you stop performing and just... are. That's what being genuinely listened to feels like.
No two events get the same thing from me. For some it's a meet-up the day before, for others it's a WhatsApp group buzzing before anyone's even arrived. I build it around what your event actually needs.
For some events, I film a short video walking the route from the main road or car park all the way to the entrance, and share it in the event's WhatsApp group or community space beforehand.
It sounds like a small thing. But knowing exactly where you're going, before you even set off, takes away a whole layer of worry. It's something I think about a lot for neurodivergent guests especially, where an unfamiliar journey can be the actual reason someone doesn't come at all.
My aim is always the same: clear away as many of those little obstacles as I can, so getting there is one less thing to think about.
Real feedback from people I've welcomed.
Sarah hosted our First Timers Meetup at ATOMICON, and it was such a lovely addition to the event. It gave people who were coming for the first time the chance to meet a few friendly faces, make some connections, and arrive at the main event already feeling like they knew people. It set the tone brilliantly and helped people make the most of everything that followed.
Sarah was the perfect host too. Warm, welcoming, and brilliant at bringing people together. She created exactly the kind of atmosphere we were hoping for and made everyone feel included from the moment they arrived.
If you're looking for someone who can build community, make people feel at ease, and create genuinely meaningful connections, Sarah is fantastic. We'd happily recommend her.
— Andrew & Pete, Founders of ATOMICON"The fringe event was the perfect introduction. As a natural introvert, the fringe event gave me the opportunity to meet some attendees and build my confidence before the main event."
— Fringe attendee, Atomicon 2026"Sarah was incredibly welcoming and easy to chat to. I'd definitely recommend going along and will be back next year!"
— Fringe attendee, Atomicon 2026"It made coming alone less lonely and immediately felt part of a team."
— Fringe attendee, Atomicon 2026"I had buddies to walk with me to the evening event, otherwise I would have walked alone and felt out of place. It took the awkwardness out of it for me."
— Fringe attendee, Atomicon 2026"I attended Sistaland festival alone, so as you can imagine, I felt a little lost, not really knowing who to hang out with or where to go. It was great having Sarah the festival mother at the event to chat with and to explain things. She is so genuinely caring and just a lovely human being."
— Laura, Sistaland Guest"Seeing you as the festival mother was such a lovely warm welcoming experience, I felt welcome, I felt valued, I felt safe and I felt connected. What more could I ask for?!"
— Harper, Sistaland Guest"I arrived solo at SISTALAND not really knowing what to expect and I was immediately greeted by a warm friendly smile and welcoming energy from Sarah. It was so comforting to have that human interaction and it put me immediately at ease. The idea of a festival mother is GENIUS! And I've been telling friends what a good idea it is."
— Sabrina, Sistaland Guest"I met Sarah at Sistaland festival when I was searching for the toilets! As festival mother she kindly guided me all the way there as we chatted along the way. Such a welcoming friendly encounter that really made the beginning of my weekend special."
— Charlotte, Sistaland Guest"Sarah was just magical! From our very first words I felt myself relax and breathe. It felt as though I had been gently wrapped in the warmest blanket imaginable. She has an aura of utter calm and tranquility, her love and kindness radiate wherever she moves, and her words make you feel like you have known her forever."
— Cerri, Sistaland Guest"Coming along to SISTALAND I need not have worried. Upon entering I was greeted by the big smile and warm embrace of Sarah (aka festival mother) who exuded the spirit of the festival and ensured everyone felt welcomed and grounded. A really thoughtful addition to a very special festival."
— Kelly, Sistaland Guest"The Festival Mother. What an absolutely beautiful thing to exist and Sarah is hands down a wonderful Festival Mother. Going to festivals on your own can feel freeing but also can bring uncomfortable 'am I fitting in?' thoughts. Sarah was truly present throughout Sistaland giving the festival a huge Festival Mother hug to anyone who may have needed it. A beautiful soul inside and out."
— Charlotte, Sistaland Team"When I came to Sistaland, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, especially as I was going alone to the event. As soon as I walked through, it was such a welcoming environment — this was enhanced even more by the lovely Sarah who was the 'festival mother'. She immediately made me feel at home and looked out for, her kindness and warmth is radiating, and truly made Sistaland an even more beautiful experience."
— Dione, Sistaland Guest"Sarah makes the perfect Festival Mother! She has the warmest and most relaxing energy, exactly the maternal support needed for a break from the constant chaos of festival life. Grateful to have connected with her during Sistaland!"
— Hana, Sistaland Guest"From the moment Sarah arrived, she embodied everything SISTALAND stands for. Entrusting someone to be the very first face our attendees meet is no small thing. She has an incredible ability to make people feel seen, safe and welcome. We honestly couldn't have imagined a better Festival Mother."
— Nikita, Sistaland Founder"She was an absolute pleasure to work with at our first Founders Playground. Warm, approachable and incredibly welcoming. One of my favourite parts was the WhatsApp group she created before the event. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The First Hello to any event organiser looking to create a more inclusive and welcoming event."
— Sam, Founder of For The Founders & The Founders Playground"It's easy to see why you were 'Festival Mother'. Your kindness, warmth and caring nature created such a beautiful atmosphere. Thank you for making me feel seen, supported and part of one big family."
— Rox, Sistaland Guest"As a neurodivergent woman, I especially appreciated the way Sarah made me, and so many others, feel completely at home, welcomed and cared for. She has such a naturally motherly energy — the kind of person you can go to at any moment and instantly feel safe, held and looked after."
— Millie, Sistaland GuestReal moments from festivals and events I've welcomed people into. Depending on the event and what I'm there to do, you might spot my 4ft campfire too, a piece an artist friend built for me. Nothing says warm and cosy like gathering round a fire.
Packages from £450. Every event's different, so let's chat about what yours needs.
Pop me a DM or an email, either way, I'll be genuinely made up to hear from you!