Naas comes alive for the More Than That Festival: September 27th to 29th.

Photograph show: from left to right – Keith Walsh, Kiera Dignam, Mary Hulgraine (Kildare Footballer and winner of the inaugural Christy Dignam Recovery Champion of the Year Award), Aubrey McCarthy (Co-founder of homelessness and addiction charity Tiglin) and Niall Quinn.

Later this month, the More Than That Festival returns to Naas for a weekend celebrating addiction recovery, mental health, social inclusion and community.

Running from September 27th to 29th, the festival offers a range of wellbeing events, from inspiring talks and wellness

workshops to live comedy.

The festival opens on Friday and one of the highlights of the day will be Celtic Kindness by Celtic Grace, an immersive, magical musical experience at Naas Library at 7pm. This captivating show brings to life the story of blind harper Turlough O'Carolan through live Celtic Baroque music performed on flute and harp, narrated by poet Paddy Creedon and set against

the backdrop of 17th Century Georgian Ireland.

This will be followed by a motivational and inspiring talk on how to unleash your hidden potential

by Brian Pennie Trinity neuroscientist, author and change expert who has personally mastered

the ultimate transformative change, this is a not to be missed event.

Earlier on Friday, broadcaster and mental health advocate Keith Walsh will host a conversation

with Conor Harris, the GAA player and addiction recovery champion, sharing his personal

journey from addiction to mentor. Followed by some Breathwork Workshops with wellness

expert Níall Ó Murchú, who will guide participants through techniques designed to reduce

stress and enhance mental health.

Several Kildare based Recovery services will lead out on the Pathways to Recovery Walk from

Naas Library and Cultural Centre onto the Canal and to return for an exhibit of Recovery based

creativity and refreshments and information.

There will also be an opportunity to see if you or your club are More Than That by taking on the

Wellbeing Warrior Challenge where participants will take on to the smoothie bike for a time

challenge followed by a yoga pose to see who will become the first More Than That Wellbeing

Warrior.

Sunday night at The Moat Theatre promises a comedy-filled night featuring some of Ireland’s

top comedic talent. Eric Lalor and Willa White, hosts of the popular podcast You Must Be

Joking will be joined on stage by comedian Sophie Wren, fresh from her Dublin Fringe

performance of Princess Melancholy, a show that dives deep into the struggles of womanhood

and mental health.

In keeping with the festival’s message of recovery, The Moat Theatre will be an alcohol-free

venue.

Festival-goers can also enjoy yoga and mindfulness sessions, scenic walks, and witness Naas

lit up in purple as a symbol of solidarity with those in recovery.

Don’t miss this weekend of inspiration, reflection, and laughter. For more information or to

purchase tickets, visit www.SURFonline.ie or check out the event on Eventbrite.