HappyFest 2026 takes place at Malone House, Belfast, on Sunday 16 August from 12pm to 6pm.
HappyFest will celebrate its fifth anniversary this August with its biggest and most diverse programme to date, bringing people together for a day dedicated to health, happiness and human connection.
HappyFest has grown year on year from a small community wellbeing event into one of Northern Ireland’s leading wellness festivals, attracting more visitors, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors each year.
Founder Ciara Daly believes its mission has never been more relevant.
“Many people are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected and uncertain,” says Ciara. “We need positive spaces where we can come together, learn from one another, have meaningful conversations, share a laugh and remember what unites us rather than what separates us.
“That is what HappyFest has always been about, and it is why its mission feels more important than ever.”
Northern Ireland continues to face significant challenges around mental and physical health, with many adults experiencing stress, anxiety, loneliness and burnout. Children and young people are also struggling with confidence, resilience and their overall wellbeing.
“We often talk about mental and physical health as if they are separate, but they are not,” says Ciara. “How we move, eat, sleep, connect with other people and spend our time all affects how we feel.
“If we want happier communities, we must create opportunities for people to come together and feel seen, supported and inspired.”
This year’s festival features keynote talks from Josh Connolly on emotional resilience, Fergus Rooney on mindset, Dr Jennifer McHugh on women’s hormones and HRT, Adele Owens on nutrition, Jeanne Sullivan Bileci on healthy relationships and Deirdre Maguire, creator of The Stress Solution System.
Visitors can also enjoy yoga, laughter yoga, 9D Breathwork with Martin and Ashley Duffy, wellbeing workshops, exhibitors, live entertainment and delicious food. Family activities will include bouncy castles and face painting, creating a welcoming day out for people of all ages.
Ciara believes wellbeing should be proactive rather than reactive.
“Too often, we wait until we are burnt out, overwhelmed or unwell before making changes. HappyFest gives people inspiration, practical tools and support before they reach that point.
“Wellbeing does not have to be complicated. It can begin with moving your body, learning something new, spending time with good people, finding purpose and creating more moments of joy.”
The fifth anniversary marks an important milestone for Ciara, who founded HappyFest with a vision of helping to create a happier, healthier Northern Ireland.
“Five years ago, I wanted to create an event that would bring people together and remind them that wellbeing matters,” she says. “Five years later, that vision feels more relevant than ever.
“We cannot always control what is happening around us, but we can choose how we respond. We can choose kindness, compassion and community. When people feel healthier, happier and more connected, our communities become stronger too.”
HappyFest is proudly sponsored by Thrive Business Networking Group.
Tommy Fitzsimmons of Thrive Business Networking Group says:
“At Thrive Business Networking Group, we’re proud to support a festival that makes such a positive impact across our community. HappyFest shares our values of bringing people together, creating meaningful connections, encouraging collaboration and creating opportunities for people to grow, both personally and professionally.”
Susan McEwen, founder of Yoga Quarter studio in East Belfast, who will lead yoga sessions at HappyFest, says:
“At Yoga Quarter, we believe yoga is about much more than exercise. It is about creating a supportive community where people feel welcome, listened to and able to be themselves. The physical practice is only one part of it; yoga also gives us tools to manage stress, quieten the mind, build resilience and feel more connected to ourselves and others.
“HappyFest shares that same ethos of community, connection and supporting people to take an active role in their wellbeing. We are delighted to be part of a day that brings people together and makes wellbeing feel welcoming, accessible and something we can all be part of.”
HappyFest 2026 takes place at Malone House, Belfast, on Sunday 16 August from 12pm to 6pm.
For further information, media enquiries, images or interview requests, please contact: Ciara, happyfest_ni@hotmail.com and @happyfestni and https://www.happyfestni.com/
