The Beauty of Cold with Gilly McArthur & Matt Barr (Brighton)

Join us in-store for an evening with cold water coach Gilly McArthur. Gilly's new book offers a life-affirming path back to yourself in simple, achievable and lasting steps. This isn’t about extremes. It’s about starting where you are - to becoming more human.

Through stories, science, and lived experience, Matt and Gilly will explore why cold water has such a powerful effect on body and mind—boosting mood and resilience, and reconnecting us with the natural world.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the why, and a reassuring sense of the how - whether it’s your first sea dip, a river swim, or simply stepping outside and tuning into your surroundings.

This is an opportunity to meet like-minded people, ask questions, and explore what a cold-water practice and connection to nature and the outdoors might look like for you.

For surfers, swimmers, nature-lovers - and anyone curious about dipping a toe into what matters. 

Ticket includes:

• Podcast recording, book signing and Q&A with Gilly McArthur
• Insights from Gilly's book, The Beauty of Cold
• Connection with a growing cold water community 
• Drinks provided

Please note: The evening is recorded live for a future episode of the Looking Sideways podcast. The room is recorded, and questions asked on the night may appear in the published episode.

MEET YOUR HOSTS

GILLY MCARTHUR

Gilly McArthur is a cold water swim coach and free climber. Over the past ten years, she has helped thousands of people take that first step into the cold to harness its potential for wellbeing. Her work sits at the intersection of nature, wellbeing, and resilience. She has been profiled in National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveller, and on the BBC, and has featured in various award-winning films, books, and publications. 

Her new book “The Beauty of Cold” was launched globally in May. 

 "The Beauty of Cold is a love letter to wild water and the fierce tenderness it awakens in us. Gilly doesn’t just write about swimming — she writes about belonging: to the body, the elements, and the present moment. Brave, playful and full of heart, this book reminds us that in the cold, we find our true aliveness."

– Easkey Britton PHD, Finisterre Ambassador & big wave surfer

MATT BARR

Matt Barr is an action sports journalist and podcaster, and the creator and host of the Looking Sideways Action Sports podcast. Over more than 250 episodes he has interviewed figures including Alex Honnold, Stacy Peralta and Mick Fanning about surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding and outdoor culture. He is also co-founder of All Conditions Media.