Wellbeing festival BBC HeadFest returns to Royal & Derngate, with talks, workshops, performances and more

After the success of last year’s festival, BBC HeadFest is back, bigger and better for 2023.

Once again Royal & Derngate is collaborating with BBC Radio Northampton to present an action-packed weeklong festival which brings together services from NHS Northamptonshire in a series of talks, workshops and comedy performances. The festival takes place in and around Royal & Derngate from Sunday 7 to Sunday 14 May.

We have lived through some extraordinary times, with challenges to both our physical and mental health, and BBC HeadFest 23 is here to help and to support. The festival will bring useful tools together under one single roof, offering access services, discussions and answers in an informal friendly environment to support positive mental health.

Headline performances and events include High Performance, on Sunday 7 May, the podcast sensation featuring duo Jake Humphrey and Professor Damian Hughes, revealing the secrets used by some the world’s most remarkable athletes, coaches and entrepreneurs to excel, with special guests including international motivational speaker Roxie Nafousi.

Then on Tuesday 9 May, actor, author, presenter, comedian and magician Joe Tracini gives a lively but frank account of living with a personality disorder. Comedy performances include the hilarious Hal Cruttenden with his latest show It’s Best You Hear It From Me (Wednesday 10 May), Simon Brodkin in his show Screwed-Up (Thursday 11 May), and Richard Hardisty in his intimate and highly anticipated debut show Silly Boy (Friday 12 May). There’s also a chance to see Katie Guicciardi’s sharply observed drama Fox, an insightful exploration of new motherhood in an increasingly isolating society (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May).

More information about these paid events can be found on the theatre’s website, where tickets can also be booked.

Most other events are free, which include relaxation sessions, masterclasses, workshops and talks, and guests are welcome to drop in for a cuppa or to talk to roaming mental health first-aiders. A day by day schedule of events will be available and updated on a regular basis and is available online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk/headfest23/.