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Previous festivals

Tara Swart in conversation with Mark MalcomsonTara Swart in conversation with Mark Malcomson

Mental Wealth Festival 2024

2024 marked the tenth anniversary of the Mental Wealth Festival, taking place from the 10th-12th of October. To celebrate the occasion, City Lit reflected on the last decade, inviting back some familar faces and welcoming some new contributors. Once again, the college put on a selection of talks, panels, workshops and performances all in the name of restoring, supporting and enhancing our mental health.

 

People standing in front of a Mental Wealth Festival sign smilingPeople standing in front of a Mental Wealth Festival sign smiling

Mental Wealth Festival 2023

This year, the festival focused on connections, exploring ways that connection supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing and celebrating the numerous ways in which we connect with others, ourselves, and the world around us through a series of free or low-fee events including talks, panel discussions, and workshops.

 

Clarke Carlisle with City Lit Principal Mark MalcomsonClarke Carlisle with City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson

Mental Wealth Festival 2022

Launching on World Mental Health Day, City Lit’s eighth Mental Wealth Festival took place from 10th-14th October and this year the focus was on the importance of time. The programme of events inspired people to dedicate time to self-care and wellbeing, whether through learning and self-development, spending time with loved ones or engaging in new activities. 

 

Anthony Gormley with City Lit Principal Mark MalcomsonAnthony Gormley with City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson

Mental Wealth Festival 2021

The seventh edition of the Mental Wealth Festival took place from 10th–15th October online, at City Lit and across other venues in London. The Festival provided a forum for informative, challenging and inspiring discussions and workshops focusing on ‘Positive Impact’, and ways to adapt to the changes in our relationships with ourselves, other people, work, home, and the communities in which we live.

Zoom call with three peopleZoom call with three people

Mental Wealth Festival 2020

The sixth edition of the Mental Wealth Festival took place in an online format from 5th–10th October, coinciding with World Mental Health Day on 10th October. This year's theme was Recovery and we offered inspiring discussions, debates and interactive workshops focusing on the journey of recovery, resilience, and healing, sharing tools and strategies to support this. 

 

Percussion orchestra at Mental Wealth Festival 2019Percussion orchestra at Mental Wealth Festival 2019

Mental Wealth Festival 2019

The fifth edition of the Mental Wealth Festival ran in October 2019 to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2019. We focussed on relationships, family, friendship and the importance of community and support networks.

 

Mark Malcomson with Grayson Perry and Kate Wickham on stageMark Malcomson with Grayson Perry and Kate Wickham on stage

Mental Wealth Festival 2018

In 2018 we celebrated many aspects of life including personal development, home, work and the community. We explored energy and wellbeing, personal stories, recovery (mental health awareness, coping with pressure and stress) and suicide prevention. 

Woman speaking at the National GalleryWoman speaking at the National Gallery

Mental Wealth Festival 2017

This year included talks, debates and workshops by more than 100 contributors, from politicians to health sector innovators, mental health campaigners to business leaders, to famous arts institutions and leading charities. The event was hosted by Baroness Sheila Hollins.

Ruby Wax on stage at City Lit Ruby Wax on stage at City Lit

Mental Wealth Festival 2016

The Mental Wealth Festival 2016 included inspiring talks and contributions by comedian and mental wellbeing advocate Ruby Wax, film star and Hacked Off campaigner Hugh Grant, writer and communicator Alastair Campbell and authors Paul Dolan and Toby Litt.

Sarah Wild at MWF 2015Sarah Wild at MWF 2015

Mental Wealth Festival 2015

Meet the actors, dancers, authors, artists and academics living with dyslexia in the brand new podcast series Move Beyond Words with hosts Charlotte Edmonds and Elizabeth Arifien. As two dyslexic creatives, Charlotte and Elizabeth want to start a conversation about it and share our journey...from the challenges to the countless rewards.