As the seasons change, the nights get darker and as the weather takes a turn, it’s good to have something to look forward to, so BBC Radio Three Counties has come up with just the thing.
Headfest is a positive mental health and wellbeing festival curated by BBC Radio Three Counties and taking place at the Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s on St Peter’s Street in Bedford.
Throughout Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 October, there are a range of FREE workshops, guest speakers and information stalls offering support and advice if or when help is needed.
Organiser Tara Dolby, who works for BBC Radio Three Counties, said: “The Quarry Theatre is such a fabulous venue and, as Headfest is all about bringing people together, it’s great to do it in this wonderful community space.
“Lots of different organisations, whether in healthcare or community support, will be there. They all share a common theme, providing something positive for the communities they serve.
“We want to make it easy for people to find out more about the local groups created to help others. Headfest is designed to bring people together.”
Here’s our run-down of the itinerary. Everythintg is completely free to take part in, but some things require booking. We’ve added the booking links were necessary.
Monday 21 October
10am, 1pm & 3pm
Children’s theater: Big Red Bath
Local award-winning author Julia Jarman will join Full House Theatre to bring an interactive theatre show for pre-schoolers and their parents. Book your free place at the link here.
11am
The great outdoors: Outdoor fun
Outdoor fun for children with Marston Vale Forest School.
12pm
Talk: Raising Happy Children
A talk from Mind BLMK.
12pm
Art and creativity: Art for Health
Make a Van Gogh-inspired sunflower. An art activity for young children from local illustrator Katie Allen.
2pm
Talk: Understanding neurodivesity
Autism Bedfordshire on understanding neurodiversity.
6.30pm
Film: Dear Evan Hansen (PG)
A free screening of Dear Evan Hansen, a film adaption of the Grammy award-winning theatre show. Book your free place at the link here.
Tuesday 22 October
10am
Wellbeing: The 5 Ways to Wellbeing
A talk with Mind BLMK.
12pm
Art and creativity: Art for Health
Explore collage poetry with illustrator Katie Allen.
1pm
Talk: Talking menopause
A discussion with the founder of the Make Menopause Matter campaign, Diane Danzebrink.
2pm
Talk: Disability rights
Nick Wilson, the disabled adventurer on disability rights and climbing Snowdon in an adapted wheelchair.
3pm
Talk: Men and mental health
A discussion about mental health and men, with Luke Newman from ‘For Men To Talk’.
7.30pm
Comedy: Juliette Burton – HopePunk
Award-winning comedian Juliette Burton brings her show HopePunk. Tickets are £12 and £10 for concessions. Book via the link here.
You can find out more about all of the events at the Headfest Facebook event page here.
