THE UK’s first black fitness and wellness festival taught by black fitness professionals and expert influencers will be provided by Noire FitFest.

Founders Donna Noble and Lorraine Russell encourage both fitness enthusiasts and novices to take part in the first-of-its-kind festival.

The organisers say: “NoireFitFest is dedicated to changing the face of fitness. Creating a platform of visibility for black fitness experts & the black community.”

The Voice spoke to co-founder Donna Noble ahead of Saturday’s festival…

Please introduce yourself and Lorraine Russell?

My name is Donna Noble and I am an intuitive wellness coach and Yogi, practising since 1999. I am also the founder of CurveSomeYoga (@curvesomeyoga), a platform dedicated to promoting body positivity and inclusivity in fitness/wellness for every body.

Lorraine Russell is a qualified L3 personal trainer and nutritionist who documented her fitness and weight loss journey, from 17 stone (at her heaviest) to eventually competing in body building shows.”

There’s so many health benefits that can be gained from getting started on a fitness journey.

Could you please introduce Noire FitFest?

Noire FitFest is a fitness and wellness initiative that will be showcasing black fitness and wellness professionals with the aim of getting the black community to experience their talent and to address the issue of the black community not achieving the recommended physical activity per week. The British medical examiner found that only 56% of the black community complete the recommended amount of exercise.

The original plan was to do something in person, but we’ve taken it online because we still wanted to do something this year.

What inspired you and Lorraine to curate this festival?

Basically, I was a panelist on a Women in Fitness talk, which Lorraine was hosting. The reaction we received from all the black women in the room inspired me, and I thought something more needs to be done. So I reached out to Lorraine and once she agreed we went from there.

What has it been like to bring black fitness experts and creators together?

“It’s so amazing. The interest from them has been amazing and [this event] has given them a platform. A lot of them are really grateful and thankful that we are doing something that is much needed. They are able to showcase their talents through something new.”

We’re no longer waiting for a table, we’ve created our own table.

What are your long term ambitions for the festival?

“Yes, so the original plan was to do something in person, but we’ve taken it online because we still wanted to do something this year and get started, which is what a lot of festivals have been doing. We want to see what the reaction is and ease into it.

At the moment we’re based in London, but dependent on demand we would love to take it elsewhere.

What would you say to those interested in getting into fitness, specifically the black community?

“Just to give it a go! Fitness is for everybody, including them. Just because we don’t see ourselves in the imagery, doesn’t mean that should stop them because there’s so many health benefits that can be gained from getting started on a fitness journey.

The festival was made possible thanks to sponsors EMDK, Sweaty Betty, FORA and Malavara.

You may find NoireFitFest on Instagram @noirefitness. Donna and Lorraine can be found @donnanobleyoga / @curvesomeyoga and @misslalaworks

You can register for the festival here: https://noirefitfest.com/noirefitfest-registration