10 years of sanity fair

Sanity Fair is a unique annual street festival that celebrates mental and emotional wellbeing and gives members of the public free access to information about local mental health services in a fun, informal and inviting environment. Held in the Cultural Quarter of Stoke-on-Trent each summer, it raises awareness of mental health issues by combining live music and street entertainment with a wide variety of Information Points from local statutory and voluntary and community sector organisations, where people can find out more about mental health and the support available. Sanity Fair also seeks to promote simple and effective ways of maintaining positive mental wellbeing for everyone.

Begun in 2001, Sanity Fair was a new departure for Stoke-on-Trent. At first small in scope, comprising a limited number of stalls from local organisations and some entertainment, it would continue to grow and develop over the next decade. Each year, the array of entertainment on offer creates a colourful, carnivalesque atmosphere that includes street performers and live music on the main stage, drawing in members of the public.