Good Grief Weston

A programme of activities and events across North Somerset, produced by Super Culture in collaboration with the University of Bristol and the Weston-super-Mare Community Network, as part of the national Coastal Community & Creative Health project.

This was the second year of Good Grief Weston, a festival that aims to open up conversations around death and bereavement. Through a varied programme of workshops, events and activities in Weston and wider North Somerset, we spoke openly and compassionately about this universally shared experience. The Festival shined a spotlight on existing activities, as well as seeding new provision with regional organisations, including Weston General Hospital and Alliance Homes.

Good Grief Weston also sparks fresh artistic connections and ways of thinking. Belfast’s Big Telly Theatre’s innovative and comedic box office hit  ‘Granny Jackson’s Dead’ invited us into the heart of an Irish wake – recreated in a Weston house! – and explored the impact of technology on the grief process with the lightest of touches.  

Acclaimed keynote speakers included Julia, Emily and Sophie Samuel, known for their Therapy Works podcast and for Julia Samuel’s bestselling books, and Dr Rachel Clarke – palliative care doctor, author and activist. Their books were on sale at Waterstones throughout the Festival, where people could also attend a reading of Carrie Etter’s stunning Grief Alphabet, or join a festival book club session focusing on Cecile Pin’s Wandering Souls. 

Whilst the tone of the Festival was warm and welcoming, we know that exploring grief can prompt a range of emotional responses. Please be reassured that  – with the help of Weston Hospicecare  – there is always safe spaces available at events and signposting to ongoing support provision.

This year’s festival helped us to stimulate community connections and ways of thinking that provide solace during and beyond the Festival. 

Throughout the Festival, a programme of workshops and library based activities across North Somerset offered something for everyone. Good Grief Weston offers a mix of free and pay-what-you-decide events, that are bookable in advance or available as drop-in, participatory sessions. See the full programme below.

The Full Programme

Good Grief Weston 2023

Take a look at last year’s Good Grief Weston in this festival film created by Paul Collins.