This May, the Inspiring Life Festival returned to the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles for its fifth year, bringing together over 300 people for a week of creativity and community during Mental Health Awareness Week. Supported by Borders Community Action, Brown Brothers Peebles, and local fundraising, the festival explored the theme of “difficult conversations” through workshops, performances, and shared experiences.
Highlights included an art therapy workshop led by Lynne Grahame, where participants used creativity to express what words sometimes cannot, and a moving contemporary dance session with Sara Boles, where women stepped out of their comfort zones to share personal stories through movement. Other popular sessions ranged from improvisation with Clare Prenton, to sound healing with Suzy Nairn, storytelling with Franziska Droll, and hand drumming with Ian Beaton.
Community spirit was at the heart of the week, with over 40 people gathering for Pies and Patter, sponsored by Brown Brothers, to enjoy local food and open conversations about mental health.
The festival culminated in Inspiring Life Day, with powerful poetry, storytelling, and a joyful finale of music and dance from Nomad Beat that had everyone on their feet.
Now in its fifth year, Inspiring Life Festival continues to grow as a space for reflection, creativity, and connection—reminding us that even the hardest conversations can be met with compassion, community, and a touch of joy.
Breilidh 2.0 Charity Ceilidh! Please support this event at George Heriots school ( parking available!) : Eilidh and Bronwyn will be hosting their second annual ceilidh on 29th August, and everyone
Inspiring Life Festival 2026: Opening Doors Thanks to the generous grant we received from Borders Community Action Scottish Govt ( CMHWB), The Eastgate Theatre, and money from our charity funds
When we talk about suicide, the language we choose holds enormous power. Words can comfort, connect, and open the door to healing conversations; but they can also unintentionally cause harm.
