First Fortnight Mental Health Art & Culture Festival 2021 has announced the official line-up for the latest edition of 'My Story, My Song'.

The line-up for next Sunday’s live event is a thing of beauty, featuring; Jack O'Rourke, Dani Larkin, Emma Langford, Wyvern Lingo, Jackie Beverly, Laura Elizabeth Hughes, Maria Kelly, Nealo, Stefan Murphy, Christian Wethered and Keeley Moss.

Challenging mental health stigma and creating a space where we can each talk about our mental health struggles has never been more important. The First Fortnight festival returned for its tenth year on Saturday January 2nd, 2021 and will oversee more than 70 events taking place throughout the month.

In advance of announcing the line-up for the 2021 edition of 'My Story, My Song', the event’s creator and curator, Mark Whelan said;

"This year's 'My Story, My Song' event will be particularly special. As we've all learned over the past 12 months, mental health issues—much like respiratory viruses—don’t respect borders and can affect anyone, anywhere, regardless of their situation."

"But while the coronavirus is combated by staying apart from one another, mental health issues are often improved by drawing closer together," Whelan adds.

"Speaking up about what we’re feeling, creating space for others to share their experiences, and coming together in the name of fighting stigma can all help. I'm incredibly excited to have so many exceptional artists on the bill, all of whom are now busy preparing for their performances, which are sure to be deeply moving and memorable. I'm also glad that people from all over Ireland—and the world—will be able to attend this night of personal stories and powerful songs."

My first "live" of 2021 takes place this Sunday 17th January as part of @firstfortnight

The Lineup ‘My Story, My Song’ includes @Dani_Larkin_, @imjackiebeverly, @WyvernLingo, @JackORourkes & (can you believe) more! We'll each play a song that helped us through the past year. pic.twitter.com/LpoSKZZ8YM

— Emma Langford (@ELangfordMusic) January 12, 2021

Renowned poet Stephen James Smith, comedian and RTE star Alison Spittle, bestselling author and comedian Colm O’Regan and musician and writer Jess Kavanagh are among the names lending their hand to challenge mental health stigma at a First Fortnight festival with a difference.

Returning events include The Therapy Sessions – a popular gathering of poets and musicians; unmissable panel discussions led by RTE’s Jim Carroll (Banter) and journalist Nadine O’Regan (The Art of Anxiety); appearances by comedians Eve Darcy, Hannah Mamalis, Allie O’Rourke and conversations with two of Ireland’s most important, influential and compelling authors Emma Dabiri and Caelainn Hogan.

Other highlights include Empowered Voices; Coalesce – A Retrospective featuring the work of 11 internationally renowned artists who have previously collaborated with First Fortnight; and our first event in Northern Ireland when The Therapy Sessions went North to Duncairn, Belfast in association with Duncairn Arts Centre and SpunOut.ie

Please register in advance for the "pay what you feel" live 'My Story, My Song' event and overall festival here.