The Festival, which runs from Tuesday 1st–Saturday 12th October, will present over 25 events in a range of venues across the city to raise awareness of mental health and well-being through the importance of the arts.

The Festival is brought to the city by organisers Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Midlands Arts Centre, Sampad South Asian Arts and new partner, Birmingham-based Geese Theatre Company in consultation with practitioners and those with lived experience of mental health problems.

Bedlam Arts and Mental Health Festival will welcome artists from across the UK, as well as home grown talent, who will present an exciting and engaging programme of theatre performances, dance, movement workshops, art installations, wellbeing walks, film screenings, family events, Q&A’s and a special Bedlam Symposium.

Festival Producer, Sabra Khan said “We’re very excited to present a diverse and packed programme of events and performances which will appeal to all ages and backgrounds. More importantly, we look forward to welcoming festivalgoers over the twelve days to help continue our work to reduce the stigma and encourage debate around mental health.”

Highlights will include the world premiere of The Thing at Birmingham Rep in partnership with Olivier award nominated Les Enfants Terribles; an evening of RnB and Hip Hop from Birmingham’s Red Earth Collective featuring Lady Sanity, Call Me Unique and Trademark Blud; Experts by Experience Showcase, an event where people who have experience of accessing mental health services share their journey of recovery and a Bedlam Showcase featuring four works from a variety of artists and companies performed in just one day.

Tickets are available via the event venues. Prices start from £5 and there are also a number of free events.

For further information and tickets go to www.macbirmingham.co.uk Box Office: 0121 446 3232 and www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Box Office: 0121 236 4455.