From Mats to Meaning: A Big Birthday, Big Pants event!

On Saturday 7 June 2025, Jo Johnson marked a milestone birthday in true Let’s Get Our Knickers in a Twist style. Yoga, cake, and a whole lot of pants. Friends, clients, and yoga lovers gathered at Jo’s Westerham studio for a special, free Saturday morning class to celebrate her 60th birthday.

Jo is a hatha yoga and breath work teacher based in Westerham, Kent. With over 30 years of practice, she now teaches inclusive classes for all levels and also volunteers at the MacMillan Cancer Support Centre. Through yoga and breath work, her work blends calming yoga with joyful, pant-powered activism.

The day of the event may have been filled with grey clouds and rain, but the atmosphere was nothing short of joyful. In a fun twist true to LGOKIAT tradition, guests donated underwear of all shapes, sizes, and colours, with many proudly wearing pants over their yoga gear to fully embrace the spirit of the day. The session included a heartfelt reading of Donna Ashworth’s ‘I Love Your Shoes’ followed by laughter, conversation, and generous helpings of coffee and cake. By the end of the morning, nearly 400 pairs of knickers had been collected alongside £150 in donations. The event was inspiring and empowering to all who attended. Jo herself delivered the donated pants to the team at Sateda, a Kent-based charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. Jo reflected on the visit, saying it was “really great to know we were directly supporting such a worthwhile local initiative.”

I asked Jo what her reasoning was behind hosting the birthday event and what it meant to her. She told me that it stemmed from a desire to mark her 60th in a way that felt both joyful and meaningful. Rather than a traditional party, she envisioned a gathering that brought together her yoga clients and friends in support of a cause close to her heart. “Everyone I invited instantly recognised the need for vulnerable women to have access to new underwear and was very generous” she explained. What began as a birthday plan quickly grew into something greater, a space where celebration met solidarity.

Donations collected at Jo’s Yoga morning.

The name ‘Big Birthday Big Pants’ perfectly encapsulated the theme of this event; lighthearted, memorable, and with a strong message behind it. Surrounded by what she described as “positive, generous, and inspiring women,” Jo felt both uplifted and empowered by the morning. It wasn’t just about raising money, the event was about community, connection, and inspiration.

With 100s of pairs of knickers collected, LGOKIAT sends a big thank you to Jo and everyone who showed up, donated, and joined the fun. Jo’s event was a powerful reminder that when community spirit meets generosity, real change can happen. Here’s to more laughter, support, and empowering pants parties to come.

For more information on yoga and breath work sessions visit www.jojohnsonyoga.com or follow Jo on instagram @jo_johnsonyoga.

Written by Lucie Oliver, Edited by Valentina Milne & Serena Chamberlain