Cheeky Fest; arts for social impact

Aim

We use the arts to help people manage their mental health and support themselves by doing what they love through events & community.

Cheeky Fest

Using the arts to support mental health & community.  Cheeky Fest uses the creative and performing arts to help people manage their Mental Health and support themselves by doing what they love.

Why This Matters

At Cheeky Fest we recognise the connection between creativity and mental health.  In May 2019 I lost a close friend and musician I used to play with. He died by suicide after struggling with bipolar disorder. I have also struggled with depression at various points in my life.

This experience strengthened my commitment to supporting people through the arts, listening to their stories, connecting them with others, and helping to reduce stigma around mental health. 

How Cheeky Started

Cheeky began as a Facebook group in January 2013 to help musicians connect and promote themselves. Over time it grew across social platforms and through interviews with musicians and entrepreneurs.

After an accident in 2011, I wanted to organise an event to fundraise for London Air Ambulance, who rescued me and took me to hospital. I also wanted to support Nordoff [and] Robbins, a music therapy charity — something meaningful to me as I received music therapy myself as a child.  Cheeky Fest was born from that idea.

Cheeky Fest So Far

With the support of Alejandro Sesma, the first Cheeky Fest took place in Kingston, SW London on 29 Aug 2024. The second took place on 10 April 2025 in the same venue. Cheeky Fest is creative, collaborative, colourful, inspiring, empowering and thought-provoking.

It brings together people who want to:

• Share their stories
• Connect with other artists and audiences
• Develop skills and opportunities
• Earn a living doing what they love
• Support others facing mental health challenges

Why We Need Your Help; 

We want to take Cheeky Fest to the next level. Your support will help us:

• Hire a larger venue
• Guarantee fair fees for performers
• Build a small team and pay them fairly
• Develop a strong marketing campaign - inc boosted posts, Caasie
• Expand the event to include music, theatre, opera and dance

Possible venues include

• Bush Hall Music (from 900 + VAT UKP)
• All Saints Kingston (500 UKP - 3k depending on how much of the church)
• Battersea Arts Centre (10-15k depending on how much of the building)
• Exhibition White City (c15k+).

By supporting Cheeky Fest you can receive:

• Private event invitations
• VIP or backstage access
• Opportunities to volunteer and meet artists
• Promotion or branding opportunities for businesses
• Newsletter updates
• Lifetime entry to Cheeky events (travel not included)

Most importantly, you help build a community where creativity supports mental health and people support each other.  Be part of something creative, collaborative and meaningful. Support Cheeky Fest today.

Join us!

This project closed unsuccessfully on 12th April 2026