Yoga festival founders Roman and Ella Wroath have left scores of customers, traders, and employees out of pocket, with losses now topping £218,765, according to newly published figures.
Their company, Soul Circus Limited, first launched in 2016 and held its debut festival in 2018, promising a holistic, revitalising experience for yoga enthusiasts.
But in recent years, the dream turned into a financial nightmare for those who trusted them.
Festival Chaos and Refund Confusion
For years, attendees flocked to the Cotswolds expecting top-tier instructors and wellness activities.
But in 2024, the sixth festival spiralled into chaos.
Dates were changed, then cancelled altogether, and communication with customers was inconsistent at best.
Some were offered ticket rollovers, others were left in the dark, and a number even showed up on the day to find empty fields.
Attempts to recoup funds via chargebacks were met with resistance.
Roman Wroath reportedly threatened legal action when customers tried to reclaim their money, leaving many frustrated and financially exposed.
The True Scale of the Financial Fallout
A statement of affairs filed with Companies House revealed the staggering impact of the festival’s mismanagement.
Soul Circus owed a total of £401,903.75 to creditors, but after accounting for loans and a £80,000 credit card balance, the outstanding debt dropped to £218,715.
Those affected include 252 customers, 32 traders, two employees, and several other companies.
The liquidator flagged concerns over the Wroaths’ conduct, citing numerous complaints, non-payment of refunds, retention of crown monies, and possible misuse of Bounce Back Loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Customers Speak Out
Festivalgoers shared harrowing experiences. Lianna Greene spent £1,395 on nine tickets for a birthday getaway, only to be notified of the cancellation four weeks beforehand.
After endless chasing, she discovered the company’s online portal falsely suggested she wasn’t owed any refund.
“The way people can just run away with your money is beyond words,” she said.
Helen Holland, a single mother, spent £225 expecting a community-focused wellness weekend.
When the festival was cancelled, she waited months for a refund that never materialised.
Both women described the experience as stressful, disheartening, and a betrayal of trust.
Traders Also Bear the Brunt
Small businesses were also badly hit. Herbal tea company owner Candice Mason lost £1,200 after Soul Circus double-charged her for a pitch at the festival and then refused a refund.
Despite taking legal action, and winning a county court judgment (CCJ) for £1,491.16, the Wroaths have still not repaid her.
Candice described feeling bitter, stressed, and wary of future business dealings.
A Pattern of Financial Irresponsibility
The Wroaths have a history of financial mismanagement.
During the COVID lockdown, they nearly left landlords in financial ruin, failing to pay rent despite contracts and even attempting to negotiate unfulfilled payment plans.
Both their company and personal CCJs remain on record, highlighting a repeated pattern of neglecting financial obligations.
Liquidation and Future Prospects
With Soul Circus now in liquidation, some refunds may be recovered, but many remain uncertain about reclaiming their money.
A group of affected customers, numbering around 296, has formed to share updates and pressure the liquidation process.
The Wroaths maintain an active lifestyle and are reportedly linked to a separate yachting business, Galaxia International, adding to the frustration of those left unpaid.
Meanwhile, companies such as Action Fraud continue to assess reports related to the festival, but investigative powers are limited.
A Lasting Impact on Trust and Wellbeing
For many attendees, the Soul Circus debacle has left more than financial loss—it has shaken trust in wellness festivals and the broader industry.
“It sits really uncomfortably that a festival focused on health and wellbeing has been so detrimental,” said one customer.
What was meant to be a rejuvenating experience has turned into a cautionary tale of financial mismanagement, poor communication, and the importance of consumer rights when events go wrong.
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