Janine GriffithsA powerful citywide celebration of men’s wellbeing is sweeping through the city as the Northern Man Festival takes centre stage this week.
Emerging from the Men’s Health Unlocked project, the festival brings Space2, Feel the Factor, Touchstone and Barca together to shine a light on men’s challenges and community solutions.
These groups are working tirelessly to change a sobering reality: men in the most deprived areas experience nearly double the mortality rate compared to those in wealthier areas, and they spend over a fifth of their lives in poor health.
At its core, the festival aims to shift perceptions. Paul Barker, Co-director of Projects and Partnerships explained: “We want people to consider different ways of viewing themselves and their health,” he said, adding: “It aims to shed a really positive light on the huge diversity of men in Leeds and the ways that men are healthy, connect with each other, play a really positive role in their communities.”
This year’s programme launched with a moving poetry event at Kirkgate Market, featuring 15 male poets performing work from the Manthology project. Activities continued across the city, including several in East Leeds.
The diverse lineup brings highly accessible events directly to the community, running through to Father’s Day. Local highlights include a mindful “Breathing Green” walk in Gledhow Valley Woods and an over-60s dominoes tournament at the Chapeltown wellbeing hub. On Thursday, June 18th, Retas will host a Conversation Cafe specifically for migrants to share their stories around this year’s central theme: “What shapes a man”.
“Social isolation is a massive issue when it comes to men, and men are at particular risk at moments like when families break down,” Paul said, adding: “It’s often when they’ll leave the family home, and so there’ll be a moment where they’re under more financial pressure, but they’ll be in much more severe isolation.”
Friday, June 19th brings a massive, vibrant celebration to Kirkgate Market. Action on the day will feature West African music from kora player Sefo Kanute, Indian dancers, and vital resources from organisations like Andy’s Man Club and Leeds Dads.
The festival culminates on Sunday 21 June with the Leeds Dads Father’s Day celebration at Leeds City Museum.
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