Health / saunas
The saunas celebrating summer solstice with storytelling and steam rituals
Two south Bristol saunas are celebrating the summer solstice with unique ritual experiences inspired by folklore, nature and traditional sauna culture.
At the Orchard Sauna at Windmill Hill City Farm, guest are being invited to “immersive storytelling experiences” led by queer performer and folklorist Joss Affleck.
Meanwhile, at the Stone & Steam sauna in Hartcliffe City Farm, a clothing-optional session and vegetarian feast is scheduled to take place on Saturday, the longest day of the year.
Host Michael Discombe, a certified Finnish sauna practitioner in the UK, will tap guests with bundles of birch and oak twigs, fan warm air and provide honey and salt for scrubbing.
“It’s combining traditional English and Celtic celebrations that have been passed down over time with Nordic sauna techniques,” Michael said.
In Windmill Hill, the team will bring the Arthurian folk tale of Lyonesse to life through words, music and scented oils. Cold plunge breaks will be paced to the rhythm of the story.
The paddock sauna at Windmill Hill City Farm – photo: Laura Crouchley
Joss explained that scent and steam are used to elevate plot points like “moments of magic” or the arrival of dragons.
“It can kind of make the story feel 4D,” they added.
The unique retelling will reflect Joss’ interest in queering folklore, where traditional stories are reshaped to reflect contemporary identities and experiences.
Cold plunges get the adrenaline pumping – photo: Laura Crouchley
Joss has also studied the therapeutic sauna ceremonies of ancient civilisations.
They said: “I see a massive crossover between queerness, drag and folklore.
“It’s the unrecorded story of common people back in the day who never had their stories told because history only honours the rich and powerful.
“That’s why I love folklore because it’s about helping people navigate what they’re going through as a community.
“And that’s why I’m so drawn to drag. And that’s also why I’m so drawn to saunas.”
Multidisciplinary artist and folklorist Joss Affleck also performs as Mister Llaneous – photo: Emily George
The solstice event is part of a new series, Sauna Stories, which launched in April and is inspired by the Wheel of the Year calendar.
Orchard Sauna owner Greg Moody said: “Our arms are wide open to every body, every person. It’s why we’re running a broad range of events.
“We’re welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and we want to make sure our events and our whole system is set up so that every member of the community feels safe.”
With sell-out events, Greg has seen the inclusive sauna go from strength to strength since its opening in 2024.
Expanding in February with a large accessible sauna, waterfall and sunken plunge pool, Greg now welcomes 500 guests every week.
The solstice event will be held in the new pasture sauna – photo: Laura Crouchley
Hartcliffe host Michael Discombe added: “Sauna culture is just developing in Bristol and across the UK, but a lot of people are unsure of how to sauna.
“More people are realising the health benefits of a sauna to the cardiovascular system which helps lower your blood pressure.
“By going on a guided ritual like this, we’ll show you how to get the best out of a sauna.”
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.stoneandsteam.com and www.orchardsauna.co.uk
Main photo: Sam McEvans
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