The Ashford Place Mental Health Music & Arts Festival, returning on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, will take place at the Kiln Cinema in Kilburn from 12pm to 5pm.
The festival, supported by the Government of Ireland, promises to infuse Irish music, spoken word, and cultural themes within the day’s celebrations while also welcoming contributions from diverse communities.
Organisers hope this cross-cultural celebration fosters a spirit of unity and shared human experience through the power of art.
Ashford Place has been an advocate of employing the arts as a ‘transformative pathway’ to mental health recovery, promoting a well-rounded, community-oriented approach to mental health care.
As part of this mission, the festival will feature an array of art forms, from poetry to live music, all demonstrating the healing effects of creativity.
Of importance are the performers themselves – artists who’ve faced their own mental health challenges.
They represent the message that lived experience does not preclude achievement or a fulfilling life.
They use their artistry to champion the idea that creative expression is a potent tool for healing, expressing oneself, and personal development – be it through painting, music, writing, or performing.
The September 2025 instalment of the event drew more than 200 participants for a day brimming with performances and meaningful discussions.
Looking forward, the organisers have set their ambitions higher, expecting to reach an even larger audience and demonstrate more diverse performances in February’s festival.
The festival plans not only to entertain but also to instil hope, connection, and inspiration.
To this end, performances will dovetail into interactive question and answer sessions.
Here, artists will discuss how their creative practices bolster wellbeing and offer encouragement and guidance to those who might be on their own mental health journeys.
Whether one is an artist, a mental health advocate, or simply interested in the synergy between creativity and care, the festival aims to provide enlightenment and a sense of hope.
With free tickets available, Ashford Place welcomes all to be part of its advocacy; championing wellbeing through the arts.
