Wellness Festival set for Naas return
At last year's More Than That Festival were Keith Walsh, Kiera Dignam, Mary Hulgraine (Kildare Footballer and winner of the inaugural Christy Dignam Recovery Champion of the Year Award), Aubrey McCarthy (Co-founder of homelessness and addiction charity Tiglin) and Niall Quinn
THIS weekend (27-29 September) the More Than That Festival (MTTF) returns to Naas to celebrate addiction recovery, mental health, social inclusion and community, and offers a range of events, from inspiring talks and wellness workshops, to live comedy.
The festival opens on Friday at 7pm in Naas Library, with one of the highlights of the weekend Celtic Kindness by Celtic Grace, described as “an immersive, magical musical experience”.
This show brings to life the story of blind harper Turlough O'Carolan through live Celtic Baroque music performed on flute and harp, narrated by poet Paddy Creedon and set against the backdrop of 17th Century Georgian Ireland.
This will be followed by “a motivational and inspiring talk” on how to unleash your hidden potential, by Brian Pennie, a Trinity neuroscientist, author and change expert, who has personally mastered the ultimate transformative change.
Earlier on Friday, broadcaster and mental health advocate Keith Walsh will host a conversation with Conor Harris, the GAA player and addiction recovery champion, who will share his personal journey from addiction to mentor.
Followed by some Breathwork Workshops with wellness expert Níall Ó Murchú, who will guide participants through techniques designed to reduce stress and enhance mental health.
Several Kildare-based recovery services will lead out on the ‘Pathways to Recovery Walk’ from the library onto the canal, to return for an exhibit of recovery-based creativity, refreshments and information.
There will also be an opportunity to see if you or your club are More Than That by taking on the Wellbeing Warrior Challenge where participants will take on to the smoothie bike for a time challenge followed by a yoga pose to see who will become the first 'More Than That Wellbeing Warrior'.
