A festival which aims to reduce the stigma of mental illness and get people looking after their mental wellbeing is to return with some fresh ideas - and faces.

A new director has stepped forward for Bridport Mind Fest, and promises to add even more to the event's comprehensive programme as it goes from strength to strength.

Ra Zamora says she is pleased to be able to volunteer in a part time capacity in order to keep the successful event, in its third year, going.

Ra, who takes over from Simon Williams, said: “I'm passionate about supporting and raising money to care for people with serious mental health challenges who can sometimes be overlooked by big organisations.”

Ra has more than 15 years' experience working within various arts production teams in London and Bristol, with her most notable achievement being conceiving and co-directing Streets Alive in Bristol. This was the largest city and free arts event in the UK, consisting of 23 central city streets free from traffic for the weekend.

Ra said: “I programmed and co-managed more than 500 artists to do performances and workshops in theatre, dance, film, poetry, graffiti and circus. We used the streets, pavements, parks and shop doorways as a canvas to stage all the artists. The event was a great success and our blueprint map has been used by many other cities.”

Mind Fest's next challenge is to raise the necessary funding to make any event possible.

The charity's voluntary organising committee has launched an appeal for someone with fundraising experience to join.

Ra added: "If you fit the bill and would like to help ensure that this unique festival is able to continue please, get in touch."

Bridport Mind Fest will take place at venues across Bridport from October 10-13.

For more information or to get involved, email Razamora@hotmail.co.uk or bridportmindfest@gmail.com