People who have died remain a part of our lives – their stories are our stories, yet many Scottish traditions relating to the expression of loss and remembrance have faded over time.

To Absent Friends – a new festival to be held for the first time from 1-7 November 2014 – is an opportunity to revive lost traditions and create new ones. The festival gives people across Scotland an excuse to remember, to tell stories, to celebrate and to reminisce about people we love who have died. Join in and organise something big or small, celebratory or reflective, share it or keep it private.

The festival will be the sum of its parts. Read more.

To Absent Friends was originally initiated by the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care through the alliance Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief. Final Fling and many other organisations have contributed to shape planning for the week long festival.