Virtual festival launched by Fareham dad is set to promote awareness of mental health and ease lockdown anxiety

Free online event Believe Tuesdays Virtual Festival, which was originally scheduled for March 31 in London, will launch tomorrow on Facebook and Instagram from 10am.

One of the organisers of the series of sober events is Fareham resident Ian Hurst, founder of We Are Hummingbird.

Ian said: ‘Almost a third of young people in the UK are now shunning alcohol while recreational drug use is higher than ever as are suicide rates as a result of depression and mental health issues associated with the industry.

‘Tragedies such as that of Keith Flint and Avicii prove these challenges are often long-term and not selective of class, colour, wealth or profile. It’s our responsibility as senior figures in dance music to share our stories, experiences and access to provide support to those who need it most, at a time when they need it most - hence the launch of Believe Tuesdays.’

The 12-hour event will include expertise on dance music, physical wellbeing and mental health, with contributors united by having faced addiction and mental health issues and a desire to help others.

DJ sets, guided meditations and fitness sessions will be led from self-isolation in Ibiza, Bali, Barcelona and London, brightening up Tuesdays, which is often for many, one of the toughest days.

Hosted by MC Chalkie White, the event will see him sharing his incredible story of recovery throughout the day.

All sessions are free but inviting donations of £5 to male suicide charity CALM. The sets raise awareness of better mental health in dance music and encourage people to look after mental wellbeing.

Emily Chapman, co-founder, said: ‘We were devastated when we realised the current Covid-19 situation meant the London event couldn’t go ahead.

‘But we soon realised the Believe Tuesdays event was needed now more than ever and resolved to find a way to make it work.

‘We soon had a plan and hopefully, especially now that it is free, will reach even more people this way, particularly those who are feeling lonely, anxious, or isolated at this difficult time.’

For more, visit believetuesdays.co.uk.