We’re proud to support the return of Every Little Thing Festival, a powerful, heartfelt event held each year in Reading to encourage open conversations around mental health and wellbeing. The Festival will be taking place at Reading Biscuit Factory here at Broad Street Mall on Sunday 7th September between 12pm – 6pm.
Created in memory of Diva Gibson, who tragically died by suicide on 10th May 2020, the festival is the vision of her mother, Sinead Gibson. Sinead continues to work tirelessly to create a safe, inclusive space where people of all ages can explore mental health, suicide prevention, and healing.
This unique day is packed with live speakers, DJs, music, singers, spoken word poets, yoga, meditation, films, food, and competitions – all designed to uplift, educate, and connect our community.
Featured Highlights
The Grief Opera
Born from personal tragedy, The Grief Opera is a moving fusion of opera, concert, and contemporary jazz. Created by Nigel Linacre and Vladimir Miller, it tells the story of Nigel’s son George, a rock musician who died by suicide. With deeply emotional storytelling and haunting melodies, it explores grief, healing, and the conversations that can save lives.
Exclusive preview + live Q&A at the festival.
‘Speaking Up’: Evie’s Story of Strength and Hope
At just 16, Evie is already a nationally recognised mental health advocate. After losing her father to suicide, she created the powerful animation “Words Matter,” exploring the language we use around suicide.
Evie has received multiple awards and was recently featured on Sky News, using her voice to challenge stigma and call for better support. She will be joined by her mother Caroline, a bestselling author and advocate who speaks on healing, grief, and suicide prevention.
The Five Stages of Autistic Female Vulnerability
Back by popular demand, Dr Carly Jones MBE FRSA returns to explore the unique mental health challenges faced by autistic women and girls. She’ll be joined by Linda Layhe, who brings decades of lived experience, sharing insights on late diagnosis, sensory overload, masking, and safeguarding.
Together, they offer a compassionate and eye-opening look at neurodiversity and mental health.
Preventing Domestic Abuse-Related Suicide
We’re honoured to welcome Sharon Holland, Rosie Lewis, and Harriet Wistrich – three powerful voices leading the campaign to raise awareness of how domestic abuse can lead to suicide.
Sharon shares her daughter Chloe’s story to drive change. Rosie brings frontline experience supporting women in crisis. Harriet is a renowned human rights lawyer advocating for systemic reform.
This vital talk will explore the urgent need to recognise and prevent the mental health impact of coercive, controlling, and abusive relationships.
Join Us
Every Little Thing Festival is more than a one-day event – it’s a movement for healing, connection, and hope. We’re proud to stand with this mission and invite you to be part of this powerful day.
This year the festival will be hosted at Reading Biscuit Factory. Make sure to click here to book your tickets now!