When Emmie Hallett founded Wild Learning, her aim was to fill underused spaces in the Cessnock area with fun, inspiring, feel-good things to do.
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Singing, drama and arts and crafts are among the activities the recreational college has held since it began in May 2016.
Wild Learning will present perhaps its most feel-good event to date this Friday when the inaugural Cessnock Laughs takes place.
Ms Hallett said the pop-up event aims to gather as many people as possible together in one location – and then make everyone laugh.
“Based on laughter therapy and laughter yoga, Cessnock Laughs will teach the crowd lots of really silly exercises designed to get you fake laughing until it's all just so funny it turns into real laughing,” she said.
Ms Hallett said laughter is great for the mind and body.
“Your body doesn’t know the difference between fake laughter and real laughter… it uses the same muscles and same chemicals,” she said.
“It’s fantastic for stress, pain and fatigue.
“And in a large group it has a great community-building impact.
“Anyone can laugh – it’s positive for the sake of being positive.
“And laughing in a group is hilarious and so much fun!”
Cessnock Laughs is an inclusive event for people of all ages.
To add to the fun, the event will be held at a ‘top-secret’ location in Cessnock, with details available on registration.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. One adult ticket is $10, extra adult tickets are $2 each and kids’ tickets are also $2 (plus booking fees).
Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes and bring a bottle of water: “Laughing is thirsty work!” Ms Hallett said.
Register online at wildlearning.com.au for tickets and details of the location.
See a video of a group laughter session in the post below.