Trending
Trendlife Interviews: Anna Williamson
In this month’s issue of TrendLife Magazine, we talk to E4’s ‘Celebs Go Dating’ celebrity dating agent Anna Williamson about mental health issues and her new book.
Anna, you have been endearingly open with your own mental health difficulties. When did you first experience anxiety?
I was a young, 25 years old professional girl presenting kids TV programmes for ITV and suddenly I was faced with my first emotional breakdown. Looking back, the trigger was a lot of people-pleasing and a lot of stress which I hadn’t noticed building up. I just hadn’t seen the triggers and you really don’t the first time.
I hadn’t seen what was unravelling because I couldn’t identify with what I was feeling because no one had talked to me about mental health at that point and I was also in a controlling relationship with a guy all at the same time.
Talking about the media, how do you feel about how mental health is portrayed in the media currently?
I have definitely noticed a more positive attitude towards mental health within the media recently. I think the media are starting to understand the importance of open discussion and not just sensationalising incidents with attention-grabbing headlines.
In the past, any mental health issue carried a label that came with really negative consequences. I think we are seeing a little less of that now and I think people are starting to understand and respect the fact that we all have mental health issues. We now understand there are many different points on the spectrum, like physical health; from a common cold to a quadruple heart bypass, it’s the same for mental health. Low-level stress can lead to something really quite significant and life changing. The whole point is to normalise it.
Support for mental health in the work place is something you are passionate about; what services do you think could improve the quality of support given to those finding things difficult at work?
I also think companies are getting on board now. It is really great to see as I have been asked to deliver keynote speeches on this topic for big companies across Hertfordshire. Employers and employees are understanding the importance of support because everybody wins when you understand it.
Early intervention is absolutely key, it is being able to know who to talk to in your work place, having the relevant structure in place for support like talking therapies, that way hopefully, the support catches people before they end up being signed off with long term mental health sickness where nobody wins.
I think the main thing for employers to be aware of is that they need to take the relevant training to be able to understand, handle and support anyone who is working with them.
Referring to your previous publications; Breaking Mum and Dad, post-natal mental health for both mums and dads is a real issue affecting relationships and bonds. What are your thoughts on this?
Post-natal mental health is something that is just starting to gain a little bit of the spotlight with people starting to understand how fundamentally important but flawed the help is in this country. So much emphasis is placed on the three trimesters, through pregnancy to giving birth, but there is now this new fabled fourth trimester, which is starting to get a lot more headlines, and that is the three months after you have given birth.
To be honest, it is much longer than 3 months. My experiences were that I had perinatal anxiety and had a previous anxiety condition.
There was very little support for me as I went through my pregnancy and then coupled with a pretty rubbish birth; the fall out I had after having my son was off the scale. I was diagnosed with very severe post-natal anxiety and PTSD. I feel very strongly that both mums and dads are given as much support as they need in those early few weeks and months after having a baby, because it is absolutely life changing for everybody.
Do you think there is enough support out there for new parents and help for expecting parents to understand the realities of those early months into mother and fatherhood?
No, I don’t think there is enough support. I think there is access to support if you know where to look, but the whole point is knowing where to look in the first place. And I think particularly for first time parents; how do you know what you are looking for if you don’t know it exists and you don’t know what might happen?
There is a very fine line between implanting something in someone’s mind that may never happen; you don’t want to scaremonger someone that may never ever have to go down that route.
I think particularly when it comes to antenatal classes, there needs to be a lot more emphasis placed on the postnatal period and how both mum and dad might be feeling in that time and what help is accessible to them.
Too many parents struggling in those months after birth. The fact that statistics coming through show that the biggest cause of death in new mothers is suicide and that is something we really need to take notice of.
Loss of confidence is a huge issue many mums face when trying to return to work. What advice would you give a mother who feels held back by her confidence?
I would say the first thing to remember being a parent is a full-time job and like most jobs, they are very demanding. For any parent experiencing a lack of confidence when it comes to returning to work, understand you are absolutely not the first but part of a majority of mothers who experience this.
Coming out of the baby bubble can be a huge culture shock when you return to work because you will be slightly different from how you had been before.
You are now a mother, and that will carry with it all kinds of feelings, from worrying about how your baby is, if they are in childcare, worrying if you can do your job well still, and what I would say to any mother going back to work is, I’ve been there and all of my friends have to, just be kind to yourself.
You don’t have to be superwoman; you really don’t, because actually you already are because you are being a working mum!
What are your thoughts on millennials being considered an anxious generation and mental health concerns being at an all-time high? Would you associate social media with this?
Yes, I really do, I think it is no coincidence that the digital age has kicked straight in with millennials statistics on the increase suffering with mental health concerns and challenges.
I think we have to be really aware of that, social media is a big thing, it’s never going to go away, we have all have social media, which is great, but the important thing to remember is to just have this life balance; life, phone, social media, work balance.
And what I cannot promote enough is taking time off of it every day; and meeting people in real life, face to face. Life is all about balance, what we eat, what we do, where we go, everything is about balance.
More so for millennials, social media can feel all-consuming and it is all consuming to a point, but always remember you have a choice, you are in control of how much you use it.
Do yourself a favour and don’t use it 24/7. Give yourself a decent balance where you actually get out and do other things that don’t involve being on a device.
It’s been great watching you work with the celebs in “celebs go dating”. Have you found a difference with working with the public and celebrities; are they more challenging and have a few more issues from being in front of the camera compared to the general public?
The celebrities that come to me when they come into the agency, they are just people. There is no difference to me; the celebrities or Joe Bloggs, the only differing factor is that they come with this layer of being a “celebrity”, and what does that mean? Well that comes with the fact that people have a preconception of you, and that can be more challenging.
So, what we have found with all of our celebrities is that often their self-confidence and self-esteem is extremely challenged. People might not believe that because they see these very ballsy and energetic confident people on their TV screens, but when you take away that, and put them in what I would call and everyday scenario, you just see a person.
Dating is all about being your true self; so stripping away that level of celebrity, is initially really daunting to them. But when they come through the agency for tips, tricks, techniques; the dressing downs we give them are exactly what we would give to everybody. I do find they come in a bit more feisty and fiery than perhaps Joe public.
It’s their shield and that’s what they are known for; that’s the reason they are on the telly, because they are entertaining and they have often got very good personalities. It means they are great fun to work with and it’s a real pleasure and honour to be able to get into their heads and for them to trust us to help them.
After a spectacular debut in 2025, Found Festival is set to return to the scenic Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, for the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2026. Following a three-day celebration of music, culture, and community, organisers have announced a limited number of early bird tickets frozen at 2025 prices, alongside a new tiered ticketing system to ensure accessibility for all.
A Shining Debut in 2025
Born from the 60-year legacy of Towersey Festival, Found Festival’s first edition brought together grassroots talent and cultural discovery in a family-friendly setting. The event delivered on its promise of “head-turners, not headliners,” with standout performances across Americana, folk, world music, comedy, and wellbeing experiences.
Highlights included:
-
Elles Bailey delivering soaring country soul.
-
Talisk impressing with jaw-dropping virtuosity.
-
The Longest Johns bringing rousing sea-shanties.
-
Honeyfeet captivating with soulful ferocity.
-
Comedy from Robin Ince, Marcel Leconte, and rising star Chelsea Birkby.
-
Family fun with Professor Elemental’s steampunk antics and Nutty Noah’s acrobatic storytelling.
Beyond the stages, the festival site came alive with Ceilidhs, dance and craft workshops, circus artistry, stone-carving demos, nightly fire shows, silent discos, and a dedicated wellbeing programme featuring yoga, breathwork, and a wood-fired sauna overlooking the estate’s lake.
Building for 2026: Accessible Ticketing
Co-director Joe Heap reflected:
“Found is an event built with love, creativity, and a whole lot of hard work. We’re delighted with how our first year has gone, despite the challenges. It’s increasingly hard to run an independent festival, and none of it would have been possible without the incredible support of our community.”
To ensure Found 2026 remains accessible, a tiered ticket system has been introduced:
-
Supporter Tier: Pay a little more to help subsidise reduced tickets.
-
Standard Tier: Covers the base cost of producing the event.
-
Supported Tier: A subsidised rate for those needing financial help (released once enough Supporter tickets are sold).
Only 300 early bird tickets are now available — with camping included — at 2025 prices, plus reduced caravan-pitch rates and unchanged hook-up fees. Interest-free instalment plans will also launch at the end of September.
Dates and Tickets
Found Festival 2026 takes place Friday 28th – Monday 31st August 2026 at Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire.
️ Tickets available now via Gigantic.
Whether you’re drawn by grassroots music, family-friendly creativity, or the wellbeing sanctuary by the lake, Found Festival 2026 promises another unforgettable summer celebration.
This autumn, step into the world of Downton Abbey as The Ivy Marlow Garden celebrates the cinematic release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with an elegant limited-edition menu. Launching on 3rd September 2025, the specially curated menu will be available across The Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*, inviting guests to dine like the Crawleys in true aristocratic style.
A Taste of the 1930s with an Ivy Twist
Inspired by the refinement of 1930s dining and the glamour of the Crawley family, the Downton Abbey at The Ivy menuis priced at £27.95 for two courses or £34.95 for three courses. Guests can expect dishes steeped in heritage, luxury and comfort, all reimagined through The Ivy’s signature touch.
Highlights include:
-
Starters:
-
Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon with brown bread, lemon and butter
-
Salade Du Verger with figs, pecans, truffle vinaigrette and whipped feta
-
-
Mains:
-
The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie – slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash
-
Grilled Lemon Sole on the Bone with beurre noisette, capers and lemon
-
21 Day Aged Sirloin Steak with peppercorn sauce
-
Braised Duck Curry blending British tradition and global flavour
-
Garden Vegetable Curry – a vibrant vegetarian option
-
-
Desserts:
-
The Ivy Chocolate Dome with honeycomb and caramel sauce
-
Orchard Apple Tart with Calvados – flambéed for a dramatic finish
-
Caramelised Crème Brûlée – a comforting classic
-
Raise a Glass to Downton Abbey
To elevate the occasion, guests can toast with The Ivy Guest Champagne or indulge in The Gilded Peach Cobbler – a 1930s-inspired cocktail crafted from sloe gin, Crème de Pêche, Beesou honey aperitif, pineapple syrup, and Champagne. A drink worthy of the grandest Downton dinner party.
Don’t Miss the Grand Finale
Sean Burbidge, Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, shared:
“We’ve taken great joy in creating dishes that reflect the elegance of the era, inspired by the film’s characters, 1930s flavours, and even dishes once served at The Original Ivy. We hope each plate transports guests into the world of Downton – with all the charm, nostalgia and indulgence that entails.”
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Crawleys or simply seeking a luxurious dining experience, this limited-edition menu offers the chance to relive the grandeur of Downton Abbey — one plate at a time.
Book Your Downton Abbey Dining Experience
Available from 3rd September 2025 at The Ivy Marlow Garden and participating Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*.
️ Book your table here: Downton Abbey at The Ivy
*Menu available at all Ivy Collection restaurants except The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin. The Original Ivy (West Street, London) will offer a bespoke menu.
Follow The Ivy Collection on Instagram: @the_ivy_collection
We get it—it’s still autumn, and the last thing on your mind might be mince pies and fairy lights. But Christmas at Waddesdon Manor (running 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026) is no ordinary festive event. It’s an immersive, artful celebration of light, music, European charm and seasonal joy—all set in one of Buckinghamshire’s most stunning locations.
If you love Christmas and crave experiences that go beyond the usual markets and mulled wine, Waddesdon Manor’s Grand Festive Tour is calling your name.
Explore Europe in Lights at Waddesdon Manor’s Grand Festive Tour
The theme for 2025 is inspired by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s European travels—and his beloved dog, Poupon. With cutting-edge projection mapping lighting up the Manor’s historic façade, you’ll be transported across Europe in a visual journey featuring Paris, Vienna, Venice and more.
The show unfolds on the North Front with a continuous 25-minute immersive display that bathes the landscape in colour, music, and wonder. This is one for your camera roll—and your memory bank.
Step Into a Christmas Fantasy Inside Waddesdon Manor
Inside the house, selected rooms have been transformed into lavish tributes to Baron Ferdinand’s favourite European cities. Each space blends the Manor’s historic decor with bespoke Christmas styling and immersive storytelling:
-
Venice in the East Gallery
-
Paris in the Dining Room
-
Geneva in the White Drawing Room
-
Bavaria in the Billiard Room
-
Vienna in the Breakfast Room
The experience wraps up with a giant snow globe installation, offering a magical finale to an already spectacular journey.
Discover the Best Christmas Light Trail in Buckinghamshire
Outside, Waddesdon’s light trail winds through illuminated woodland with new installations and returning favourites. It’s designed to surprise, delight, and immerse you in Christmas magic.
Look out for:
-
A tunnel of lights
-
An 8-metre tall Pole Tree glowing with festive patterns
-
Interactive displays that respond to sound and movement
-
Giant golden gift boxes made for festive selfies
-
The return of the shooting star installation, a fan favourite from 2023
It’s a perfect evening stroll for couples, families and anyone looking for a dose of winter enchantment.
Shop Unique Christmas Gifts at Waddesdon’s Artisan Market
From 22 November to 14 December, Waddesdon’s popular Christmas Market takes over the South Front of the Manor. This is your go-to spot for discovering handmade gifts, local produce, and festive foodie treats.
Complete your visit with a stop at the Wine and Gift Shop, or explore the Christmas Shop in the Powerhouse for decorations, tableware, toys, and stocking fillers.
Christmas Fun for Children at the Coach House
One of the most charming parts of Christmas at Waddesdon is the Coach House display at the Stables. Created by local school children, this year’s theme is ‘Sounds of the Season’, exploring festive music and carols through imaginative, heartwarming installations.
It’s an unmissable stop for families, filled with creativity and holiday cheer.
Enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea or a Five-Course Christmas Feast
Dining at Waddesdon is just as spectacular as the decorations. Treat yourself to a Festive Afternoon Tea in the Manor Restaurant, or go all in with a five-course Festive Feast Dinner on select December dates (5, 12, and 19). Each dinner starts with canapés and sparkling wine in the wine cellar, followed by seasonal dishes paired with Rothschild wines.
If you want to extend the experience, book a stay at The Five Arrows Hotel (packages from £175 include event tickets), or head to The Bow for a cosy drink, hearty winter menu, and four-course Christmas Day lunch (£90pp).
Host a Stylish Private Christmas Event at Waddesdon
Planning a festive gathering or end-of-year celebration? Waddesdon offers unique venues across the estate, from the historic Manor and Dairy to the contemporary Windmill Hill. Whether it’s an elegant dinner, private hire, or lively Christmas party, these spaces bring festive flair and sophistication in equal measure.
Plan Your Visit to Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas Experience
Event Dates: 22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Location: Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Tickets: From £13 (adults) / £6 (children) – must be booked online in advance
Opening Times: Grounds: 12noon–7pm / House: 12.30pm–7pm
Late Night Openings: Saturdays – 22 & 29 Nov, 6, 13 & 20 Dec (Grounds until 8pm)
Book now at: www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas
Don’t Wait for December – Book Your Christmas Experience Now
If you’re looking for a festive day out that blends history, art, luxury and seasonal charm, look no further than Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas celebration. It’s not just an event—it’s a destination. And it sells out fast.
Start planning now, beat the December crowds, and experience Christmas at its most magical—right here in the heart of Buckinghamshire.
