SALT Festival Returns to Portsmouth’s Victoria Park for a Powerful Fourth Year of Hope, Connection, and Free Activities
The SALT Festival (formerly known as Let’s Get Talking About Suicide) is returning to Victoria Park, Portsmouth, from 10am to 4pm on September 5. Now in its fourth year, this free, family-friendly event is a vibrant celebration of what life has to offer, combining joy, remembrance, and vital community connection.
Founded by Sarah Mitas, who tragically lost her father, Richard Dobson, to suicide when she was just 13 years old, the festival was born out of a desire to make his life count for something meaningful. Her mission remains steadfast: to help others find light in their darkest moments and to prevent more families from enduring the crushing grief of unanswered questions.
This year’s festival carries an even deeper, more poignant significance following the heartbreaking loss of Lara Kynvin in November 2025. Lara was a cornerstone of the festival's inception, helping to organise the very first event. She went on to touch countless lives by creating the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Memorial Quilt and championing the Baton of Hope. The festival will honour her lasting legacy of advocacy and love.
A Day of Joy, Wellbeing, and Support
The SALT Festival is entirely free to enter and offers a diverse, uplifting program designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Visitors can participate in a wide variety of interactive sessions, including:
Physical Activities: Fun, accessible movement for all ages.
Wellbeing Workshops: Mindfulness and self-care tasters.
Creative Arts: Expressive activities to inspire and connect.
In addition to the activities, a broad range of local mental health organizations and support services will be on-site. Representatives will be available throughout the day to chat, offer resources, and provide guidance on a multitude of subjects that contribute to mental wellbeing.
Championed by Local Leadership
The event is proudly supported by local building partner Mountjoy, serving as the festival's official ambassador. Highlighting the corporate and community responsibility toward mental wellness, Simon Ingram of Mountjoy stated:
"Supporting the SALT Festival is a great honour and brings a sense of hope. Supporting mental health initiatives has become deeply personal and important. We can all suffer; normalising conversations and removing stigma around mental health is of paramount importance."
Event Details
What: The SALT Festival
When: Saturday, September 5th 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Victoria Park, Portsmouth
Admission: Free (All ages welcome)
The organizers would like to extend a special thanks to Delivered Local, who kindly provided the festival’s digital home. For full event schedules, participating organizations, and more information, please visit the official website at www.saltfestival.co.uk.
Come along to remember, to heal, to smile, and to discover the wealth of support Portsmouth has to offer. We want to see as many people as possible join us for this beautiful day.