CURLYTREATS Festival 2021 marked our long-awaited return to in-person events after the COVID-19 lockdowns. Held outdoors at Crystal Palace Park, we teamed up with Radiate Festival to create an uplifting space where the curly hair community could finally reunite, vibe, and celebrate culture-safely and joyfully.
The vibe? Pure sunshine, positive energy, and people coming together after a long time apart. The event was all about self-expression, empowerment, and rediscovering the power of our community.
Outdoor workshops & activities: Education, culture, and connection
We hosted live, socially distanced sessions designed to inspire and educate:
- Afro haircare & wellness sessions: Experts broke down curl care routines, shared product tips, and guided guests through self-care practices to nourish both hair and soul.
- Live braiding demos: Stylists gave real-time braiding tutorials—from cornrows to creative styles - perfect for all skill levels.
- Culture spotlight with Radiate Festival: Music, dance, and art brought the energy as we celebrated Black culture with style, sound, and good vibes.
The open-air marketplace: Shop small, shop smart
Guests explored a vibrant marketplace packed with over 50 curly hair brands, wellness products, and lifestyle gems. From indie entrepreneurs to bigger names, every stall was a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Plus, there were loads of chances to connect with founders, get expert advice, and try something new.
Safety first, always
We kept it safe while keeping it fun. Social distancing, sanitising stations, and clear safety measures were in place so everyone could enjoy the day with peace of mind. It was all about feeling good—inside and out.
Why 2021 mattered so much
CURLYTREATS Festival 2021 wasn’t just another event - it was a moment of healing, joy, and fresh energy after the challenges of lockdown. It reminded us why community matters. Why our stories matter. And why coming together, even at a distance, hits different.
A huge thank you
To everyone who showed up with smiles, good vibes, and big energy - thank you. You made our comeback one to remember. We can’t wait to welcome you to future CURLYTREATS events and keep this beautiful momentum going!
