Festival gets off to a flying start!

The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival got off to a flying start with record attendances.

The festival kicked of in style in the beautiful surroundings of the Old Fruitmarket with the Music like a Vitamin opening concert featuring Emma Pollock, Karine Polwart, Alasdair Roberts, James Yorkston and Adrian Crowley and culminating in a unique collaboration between the artists.

Click for a review from the Scotsman.

The heartwarming Lanarkshire Festival Launch on the same night was also a success with great community support.

Cafe Improv at the CCA was also a hit with its fusion of music, dance and film receiving excellent feedback.

FAF about in Renfrewshire had a fun filled day of activities which attracted nearly 500 people!

The film strand has also started well with the 'Feel Good' season at the Grosvenor, including a hugely popular screening of Stand By Me.The films at the CCA were also well received including the beautiful Boris Ryzhy and screenings of the winning films from this years film competition.

Theatre at the Citizens has also been warmly received including Leave to Remain and the thought provoking Out of the Blue... into the Flow.

There are still many great events to come though, the 'Fifty Cents for your Soul' season starts at the Filmhouse this Friday and includes screenings of The Misfits and Grand Hotel. The YelloWing comes to the CCA from next Tuesday until Friday and is not too be missed, having received very good feedback from its performances so far. You can watch the trailer on Facebook.

The Trick is to Keep Writing is at the Mitchell Library on the 16th and 17th. Liz Lochead, Tom Leonard and Alan Bisset are just some of the fantastic writers at this two day event. Also don’t miss What makes you smile Edinburgh? this Saturday the 10th in Festival square Edinburgh, BBC headroom is hosting the event offering free interactive games and activities, so come along and tell us ‘What makes you smile’!