Northern Man Festival 2019

If you would like more information on Northern Man Festival 2023 click here 

You heard it here first.  This is the year we launch the first ever Northern Man Festival, which we hope will become a biennial event.  The Northern Man Festival will provide a lively interactive and supportive space for people to find out and talk about Men’s emotional health and wellbeing.

Taking place at Leeds Playhouse on Saturday 16 November

LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD

Suited & Booted        - Personal shopping assistant going to make men feel very special with a range of free new clothing.

Barber’s Shop             - Free haircuts and beard trims

Barber Shop Choir     - be serenaded with a few songs from our choir

East Leeds FM             - Interviewing Men for podcast - The journey of having a haircut and how it feels to be treated and look good

ACTIVITIES

Talking Heads            - Exploring thoughts and emotions – where do they come from?

Migration Stories       - Expectations, Responsibilities, Realities – ‘Human Library’ to hear stories from men who have settled in Leeds over the years, and describe how migration has affected their masculinity. (Potentially - Pakistani, Irish, Jewish, Afro/Caribbean, Syrian/Sudanese)

Art Pieces                   - Leeds City College Students 2 thought provoking pieces to provide discussion and activity

Leeds Dads                 -  Play relaxed area for young children

Mantality                   - Men’s Health programme & podcasts – possibly working with ELFM.

How might they get involved? (Depending on availability, Rhinos Sports Star, Stevie Ward, will attend) – To join panel, and to be present at The Festival (if he attends)

Watt Omitter             - Pedal-powered bikes to show how much energy we use/need

An area for chatting, reflection – easy chair, the buddy bench

INFORMATION

Health Information    - Cancer Awareness, Testicular & Prostate Cancer

Information on Mental Health – Time To Change – use iPads to explore Mindwell and Time To Change sites, videos & games

FLOATING TEAM

Poet in Residence – Peter Spafford to write a piece to be read at the Panel Discussion (post play)

2 Northern Blokes, actors in character, giving out info re Men’s Health and directing to activities

2 Buskers around the Playhouse, ensuring that everyone knows the Festival is on.

IMPACT Men’s Group directing members of the public and talking Men’s Health

Graphic Artist - Tom Bailey drawing and capturing conversations

Winter Warmer Recipe Book to be handed out by Men’s Group participants

Reasons To Stay Alive 2:30pm

Post-Show Panel - Jonny Benjamin, Orion Rep (Claire), Men’s Group Participant, Stevie Ward (Rhinos)/Chris O’Connor, NHS Clinician??

Jonny Benjamin(British Mental Health Campaigner, Author & Vlogger) - In Jan 14, he launched a social media campaign called Find 'Mike' to search for a stranger who had talked him out of taking his own life in 2008. The purpose of the campaign was to raise awareness of suicide and mental illness