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Death happens to all of us, and people pass away every day, but most people find it very difficult to cope with loss. Death Fest reckons we should talk about mortality a bit more openly, and frankly, it's onto something.
This might sound like an unusual fair, but Death Fest has become something of an annual gathering for anyone who reckons we should talk about mortality a bit more openly. Running from March 13 to 15 at IMPACT Exhibition Center Hall 6, the event brings together everything from elderly care services to end-of-life planning, and entry is completely free.
The theme this year is 'old, sick, dead', which sounds rather blunt until you realise what they're getting at. Quality of life matters whether you're healthy, unwell or facing your final days, and it involves everyone around you too. Family, friends, community and society all play a part.
Inside you'll find five main areas. Old School offers theory and practice sessions where you can learn care skills either solo or with loved ones. The Human Life-brary Cafe hosts discussion circles with experts from various fields. Life Journey showcases service providers covering everything from ageing to palliative care. Friends Eat gathers restaurants where you can share meals with the people who matter most.
But let’s talk about Before I Die, an exhibition space designed for activities you might want to experience with family before time runs out. This year brings three particularly interesting highlights.
Test Die returns with an expanded coffin showroom where you can actually lie down and try different options. There are pet coffins, customisable designs and even mushroom-biodegradable coffins made with new eco-friendly innovations.
The re-member Photo studio invites families to capture moments together in warm, bright portraits. It builds on last year's black and white Last Photo service but shifts the mood towards celebration and memory-making, whatever your relationship might be.
Then there's re-member Book Club, a reading zone curated with stories about memories and life relationships. What makes it special is the volunteer grandparents who read to children, giving parents freedom to explore other parts of the fair.
There are many more activities to join at Death Fest, runs March 13 to 15, 9am to 7pm at IMPACT Exhibition Center Hall 6. Check the full schedule here.