WHERE THE LIGHT BEGINS FESTIVAL

 On Saturday 27th September 2025, the Where the Light Begins Festival lit up the new outdoor public theatre at Stone Recreational Ground, bringing together over 300 attendees and countless more on the periphery. The festival celebrated poetry as a catalyst for hope, connection, and self-expression, featuring performances by participants from our Writing for Wellbeing Workshops alongside professional poets and headline artists Lemn Sissay and Celia Knapp.

Through diverse voices, the festival fostered cross-sector collaboration, connecting local residents, artists, schools, and the health sector, and inspiring future community wellbeing initiatives.

 Festival attendees were invited to reflect on their experiences:

• 100% felt a renewed sense of hope and stronger connection to their community.
   
• 80% gained a new understanding of the value of creative self-expression.
   
• Comments included:
   “Loved it, so good this is happening, have really enjoyed Lemn and the other poets.”
  “A brilliant event that I hope will be put on again next year…”

 A Playful World of Expression for Children & Families

One of the most joyful spaces at the festival, The Imaginarium welcomed children and families into a world of curiosity, creativity, and laughter. At its heart was Emoto-Matic – a brilliantly funny, interactive show blending music, clowning, and audience participation.

Led by a team of delightfully chaotic “scientists,” children watched a live demonstration of how to extract and bottle unwanted emotions, a playful, engaging way to explore feelings and the importance of expressing them. The space was filled with giggles, wide eyes, and moments of genuine emotional learning disguised as fun.

Thank you to the Emoto-Matic team for bringing our children’s and families’ area to life with imagination, warmth, and unforgettable joy.

 A Shared Space for Making Meaning 

Our Community • Creating • Creativity space invited festivalgoers of all ages to slow down, reflect, and create together. Through hands-on art activities and gentle prompts, visitors explored the theme of hope, what it looks like, feels like, and means in our everyday lives.

Festivalgoers wove their thoughts and feelings into a collaborative artwork using materials like wool and yarn, creating a powerful visual reminder of connection and community.

Thank you to our brilliant creative facilitator Mina Cullimore for transforming this space into a hub of reflection, connection