Wellbeing festival ‘to bring people together’

A film about a singer with agoraphobia is one of the free screenings on offer at Headfest

A new two-day festival exploring mental health and wellbeing through theatre, workshops and comedy aims to "bring people together".

Headfest begins on Monday 21 October at the Quarry Theatre in Bedford and is organised by BBC Three Counties Radio.

Award-winning children’s author Julia Jarman, comedian Juliette Burton and the founder of the Make Menopause Matter campaign, Diane Danzebrink, are amongst those taking part.

Tara Dolby from BBC Three Counties Radio said most of the events would be available for free and that "we wanted there to be something for everyone".

Disability advocate Nick Wilson, who is also known as the Disabled Adventurer, will be talking about his recent climb of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) unaided.

BBC weather presenter Kate Kinsella says Headfest will show people what support and help is available

The BBC weather presenter Kate Kinsella will offer visitors a chance to have a go at her job.

She said: "Events like Headfest are so important, because they give communities the opportunity to see the help and support that’s available to them, if and when they need it.

"The festival is also offering some fun. I’m bringing my green screen so don’t be shy – come and have a go at presenting the weather yourself."

Tara Dolby said the BBC hoped the festival would be "fun, informative and uplifting" with everything from art therapy sessions and hula hooping to talks about neurodiversity and men's mental health.

"We’ve got interactive theatre workshops for parents and preschoolers, talks on how to have great conversations with your children and art therapy sessions.

"There will be lots of information stalls, too. We’ve created an event designed to bring people together."

More information along with free and paid tickets are available from the Quarry Theatre, with booking advised for some of the events.