Festival isworld’s first on ‘taboo’ subject

A festival to tackle the stigma around menopause will go ahead online this year after Covid-19 forced organisers to cancel last year’s event.

Organised by Perth charity Menopause Cafe and founded in 2017, #Flushfest2021 is the world’s first menopause festival.

It aims to provide information to people of all ages and genders, with the virtual event due to be held on April 30 and May 1.

Organisers will be joined by Newsnight’s Kirsty Wark – patron of the cafe – in delivering the festival.

Cafe chairwoman Rachel Weiss said: “#Flushfest2021 is a volunteer-run festival, whose aim is to inspire and educate people of all ages and genders about menopause while having fun along the way.

“There will be talks by experts, stand-up comedy, creative workshops, theatre and cabaret performances, all raising awareness of the impact of menopause on those experiencing it, their friends, family and colleagues.”

A seminar of menopause and the workplace will be held as part of the festival, with discussions and debate surrounding the issues.

It aims to explore women’s rights, employers’ obligations, menopause policies, and how the issue affects women’s economic participation at a national level.

The event is sponsored by numerous organisations including Lindsays law firm, the Guildry Incorporation of Perth, Rowan Consultancy and the Robertson Trust.

Employment law partner at Lindsays, Kate Wyatt, will speak on the first day.

Ticket booking can be accessed on the Menopause Cafe website.