The world’s first menopause festival returns for its fifth year, taking place on the 8th and 9th September. They will be bringing you a range of exciting entertainment, interactive workshops, and talks, including a special conversation with Val McDermid and Jo Sharp.
The event returns this September with a varied programme of speakers, workshops, and entertainment – all designed to encourage open and honest dialogue around the menopause. This year’s festival will be hosted in person at the Ps & Gs Church in the heart of Edinburgh and will also be available via livestream and recordings.
Val McDermid, renowned Scottish writer and her partner, Professor of Geography at the University of St Andrews, Jo Sharp, will be speaking at the event. Val and Jo will host an intimate conversation around living with a menopausal partner, what that meant to them, the impact and challenges as well as sharing their viewpoint of navigating the menopausal journey. Jo will attend in person to answer any questions attendees have.
Other speakers include Dr Vanessa Collingridge, who will be inspiring amazing women who have maybe lost a lot of confidence in themselves, to be visible, look the world in the eye, and get their message across.
There will be art workshops with opportunities to try your hand at sculpture and stitching as well as a range of other sessions, exploring nutrition, poetry, and the effect that the menopausal transition can have on your experience of sexual desire.
#FlushFest’s core aim is to celebrate and raise awareness of menopause. They do this by creating space for conversations and increasing knowledge, understanding and support of this life stage.
The worldwide average age of menopause is 51. According to UN statistics for 2020, 657 million women globally were aged 45-59 with around half of them (47 per cent) in employment. It is estimated that 1 per cent of women will experience premature menopause before the age of 40 and some may have a clinically induced menopause.
There are more than 34 menopausal symptoms that affect the body, brain, and emotional wellbeing of those in menopause. Symptoms can last for several years through perimenopause and post-menopause, often impacting mental health, the ability to work and relationships. There are also longer-term risks for bone, heart and brain health associated with menopause.
To find out more about Flushfest 2023 you can view the full programme here: Flushfest 23
Tickets for #FlushFest23 can be purchased via Flushfest 23 A full Festival Pass costs £56 for in person and £26 online (with concessions and pay it forward on offer).
