VR Nature Experiences to Soothe Festival-Goers’ Minds

Glastonbury Festival to Showcase Virtual Reality for Mental Health and Pain Relief

Glastonbury Festival attendees will soon experience nature through virtual reality, as researchers aim to leverage the technology to help reduce pain and boost mental well-being. The innovative project will offer immersive experiences that simulate natural environments, providing a potential therapeutic approach for festival-goers.

Immersive Nature: A Digital Escape

Dr. Sam Hughes from the University of Exeter will demonstrate the advantages of experiencing nature through VR, art, sound, and film at the Glastonbury Festival later this month. The director of the Exeter Pain Lab believes that immersing people in nature can diminish the perception of pain; VR makes nature accessible to those with mobility issues.

Check out some of the research the Exeter Pain Lab is doing! https://t.co/d3qfKk03G9

— University of Exeter (@UniofExeter) June 4, 2024

“If we can immerse people in nature what we’ve found is that this can actually reduce the amount of pain people experience.”

—Dr. Sam Hughes, Director of Exeter Pain Lab

Studies show that approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience chronic pain, highlighting the need for accessible and effective pain management solutions (CDC 2023).

Beyond Reality: The Power of VR

Dr. Hughes emphasizes that while real nature remains the “gold standard,” VR offers a means of delivering “some of these beneficial therapeutic effects of nature at home.” The VR headsets will transport festival-goers to environments like forests, mountains, and lakes.

The Brainwaves and Birdsong initiative, backed by the Chronic Pain Neurotechnology Network, includes scientists, artists, musicians, and documentary makers. Glastonbury Festival, held at Worthy Farm in Somerset, is scheduled from June 25th to 29th.