MORE than 100 events will be on offer during this year's Lochwinnoch Feel Good Festival.
The two-week programme, which is being organised by environmental charity Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP), will start on Friday, September 4.
The festival will feature activities ranging from nature walks, creative classes, therapeutic workshops and recreational events.
Tori Bell, project manager at LEAP, told The Gazette: "There are particular challenges for rural communities where people often feel more disconnected from support services. This impacts mental health.
"The festival began as a way to try and create structures on the ground, here in the community, for anyone experiencing isolation or seeking connection.
"The idea is to try and make the events accessible and inclusive, and we do this by tailoring a diverse programme and funding many events so they can be accessed free."
Highlights of the festival include a family fun day Saturday, September 9 in Lochwinnoch Park, with entertainment, a community picnic, a beer tent, a silent disco and a therapy tent.
Paisley Community Circus and Music Broth will also be there for people to try out circus skills and musical instruments.
There will be kids' crafts, a storytelling tent and dance workshops including capoeira, break dancing and jive - all free.
A Wellbeing Fair will also take place at the McKillop Institute on Saturday, September 16 with wellbeing stalls, various workshops and free taster treatments.
These will include seated Thai Massage from the Thamma Thai Wellness team with guests from across Europe including Master Tan who is back again, this time after winning the World Massage Championships in Copenhagen earlier this year.
Mike Callaghan, charity manager at LEAP, said: "We're proud of our 2023 schedule which showcases the amazing skills and expertise we have in the wider area - we're working with practitioners from North Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Glasgow and of course across Renfrewshire.
"We want to put Lochwinnoch and the surrounding area on the map for wellbeing. We welcome anyone from anywhere to come and join in with the activities."
The project has been funded by Engage Renfrewshire's Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund, Renfrewshire Council's Local Partnership Fund and National Lottery's Community-Led Fund.
The full programme of the festival can be viewed at www.myleapproject.org/fgfevents.
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