DEMFEST
A day of inspiration, innovation and education.
We welcome anyone living with dementia, their families as well as health professionals.
Our aim is to provide people with the chance to find out how to live well with dementia, with different activities and wellbeing sessions also on offer.
Demfest 2026
We are so excited to announce that this year our VIP guest is....
Louis Alexander
Adventurer, Speaker and Guinness World Record Holder
Louis made a promise to his grandfather who had dementia that he would be an advocate and raise awareness for the disease and has undertaken many challenges from running through the harshest environments, to swimming across shipping lanes and summiting the worlds most notable mountains. He has raised tens of thousands for dementia charities.
Louis will be opening the event and giving a presentation at our event all about his life, challenges and living with dementia.
Full programme below:-
Timing:
1000 Cinnamon Jazz (Jazz trio)
1030 Opening
1055 Romsey Rapids demo
1100 Southampton Gradband (brass/woodwind band)
1145 Sara Hobbs
1145 Louis Alexander presentation in education centre
1230 Southampton Gradband
1315 Romsey Rapids demo
1320 Juggling Jake (circus act)
1355 DemenHa Hub Drumming Demonstration
1425 Zdravets (folklore dance group) – own PA system
1510 Nomads (Singing group)
1550 Closing
DemfesT 2025
2025 DemFest took place on the 31st August 2025.
It is a free community festival celebrating our ongoing commitment to being a dementia-friendly town.
Taking place at the beautiful Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, this uplifting and inclusive event brings together families, carers, professionals, and people living with dementia for a day of inspiration, information, and fun.
Enjoy live music, performances, creative activities, and information stands offering support and resources.
We were thrilled to welcome special guest Susan Hampshire, three time Emmy award winning English actress to open Demfest 2025.
Whether you're looking for guidance, connection, or simply a great day out, DemFest has something for everyone.
“I think RomDAG is a wonderful, wonderful charity. I say this because my husband was diagnosed with dementia in 2005. I had the great privilege of looking after him for 14 years and I would do it again in a heartbeat. But for many people it is a very challenging journey, and I have great empathy for those who are caring for people with dementia and for those who are experiencing dementia. At the beginning, when you find that your memory is not working, it is a mystery and it is very frustrating. I send huge love to the carers and those with dementia"
Susan Hampshire
2025
Special Thanks To
