Last weekend saw the return of BeFit London at the Business Design Center in Islington. After missing out in 2016, I snapped up some “super early bird” tickets as soon as they became available and was thoroughly looking forward to a day of classes at the festival.

On booking the tickets I was advised that I would later have the opportunity to pre-book classes in advance. Sadly, I never received that opportunity and my emails to the organizers went un-answered. So I went along anyway, with no classes booked in and trying my luck.

The event was jam packed from the get go on Saturday morning, with fellow fitness fanatics eager to get into a class run by Clean Eating Alice and Barry’s Boot Camp, to name a few.

I began my day wondering around the festival, seeing who was exhibiting before the floor became completely packed. I was delighted to see stalls from many of my favourites including Tea Pigs, Two Chicks and Pip and Nut. The exhibition floor was great for testing out some new products – like the energy bars from Kind and the scrummy “Nutri-brex” – a gluten free and far taster version of weetabix. However, I was not there to eat all the samples, I was there for the classes.

So I attempted to get into my first class – a HIIT session by Clean Eating Alice. Sadly, by the time I joined the queue it was too late – the class was full. Rather disappointed I headed down to the live show where I caught a live cooking demonstration from Madeleine Shaw – author of “A Year of Beautiful Eating.”

Determined to get a piece of the Clean Eating Alice action I remained on the comfy bean bags in the live area to ensure that I got to see her interview, who was so inspiring for someone of such a young age. So full of life and positivity, and completely infectious. I was so inspired after her live talk that I made my way to the Barry’s Boot Camp class, but sadly that too was full.

I attempted a few other classes, including Yoga and Spinning, but again all the other fanatics kept beating me to it. So with one final walk round the stands, testing a few more products, I made my way home – rather disappointed.

I expected a little more from the day.

Although it was great to sample products from many companies, it would have been a nice touch to have a goody bag to take away. Sadly, the only companies giving away goods were My Protein and Oatly (an oat based alternative milk drink).

Additionally I was rather disappointed to have not been able to take part in the classes. Perhaps opting for the super early bird ticket was where I went wrong – perhaps I should have splashed out on the VIP ticket which gives you extra perks, like fast track class entry. A learning curve for future events maybe.

I would like to come back to BeFit 2018 and try again, but only if I can get my hands on a VIP ticket. Simply paying the standard entry gives you no guarantees and unless you love spending your day queuing – can leave you disappointed.