Festival 2026
The To Absent Friends festival takes place across Scotland from 1-7 November 2026.
It is an opportunity to remember, to tell stories, to celebrate and to reminisce about people we love who have died. To Absent Friends, a People’s Festival of Storytelling and Remembrance is an opportunity to revive lost traditions and create new ones.
Below is a list of the events taking place around Scotland and online.
These listings are live, so new events will be added in the coming weeks. If you have an event or activity you’d like to add, please email details to samara@palliativecarescotland.org.uk.
PAMIS Absent Friends Celebration
Organised by PAMIS
12 November 2026
Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, Glasgow
This activity is for the PAMIS community.
PAMIS will host its annual Absent Friends Gathering on 12 November at The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, Glasgow, providing a safe, supportive and compassionate space for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
Bereavement support is a vital part of the PAMIS service. Following the loss of a son, daughter, sibling or family member, many carers experience profound grief, isolation and the loss of their long-held caring role. This event offers an opportunity for families to come together with others who understand these unique experiences, reducing social isolation and promoting emotional wellbeing.
The gathering will begin with a reflective walk through the hospice grounds, leading to the Remembrance Viewing Hut. Participants will be invited to light candles, share memories and take part in a moment of remembrance to honour loved ones who have died. Following this, families will enjoy lunch together in the welcoming surroundings of the hospice, creating opportunities for connection, peer support and meaningful conversation.
The event is designed to provide comfort, reflection and a sense of community, helping families to feel remembered, valued and supported in their ongoing bereavement journey. For many attendees, this annual gathering is an important opportunity to maintain connections with others who have shared similar life experiences and to remember their loved ones in a dignified and caring environment.
PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society) is Scotland’s leading organisation supporting people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, their families and professionals. Through family support, advocacy, education and inclusive community opportunities, PAMIS works to ensure people with PMLD and their families are valued and included throughout every stage of life.
For more information about PAMIS, visit www.pamis.org.uk.
This activity is supported by a To Absent Friends small grant.
Memories Matter
Organised by Linthouse Housing Association
4 November 2026, 10:30am - noon
Elder Cottages, Glasgow
This activity is for the Elder Cottages community.
Thanks to the Absent Friends Grant Scheme, Linthouse Housing Association’s older tenants will gather together to commemorate those they have loved and lost.
Our regular coffee morning on Wednesday 9th November, which falls during the Absent Friends Festival, will be dedicated to making photo frames and memory jars to remember and celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost.
The session is open to tenants of Linthouse Housing Association and will take place in our amenity housing in Drumoyne Drive, 10.30am to 12noon.
Image credit: Linthouse Housing Association
Elders Remember
Organised by LGBT Health and Wellbeing
3 November 2026, 2 - 4pm
LGBT Health and Wellbeing Community Space, 14 Claremont Street, Glasgow
This free event is open to LGBTQ+ people aged 60+, as well as friends, carers and supporters. Please register in advance.
As part of Scotland’s To Absent Friends Festival, LGBT Health and Wellbeing is hosting a special afternoon of remembrance, reflection and community for LGBTQ+ older people and their supporters. Taking place on 3rd November from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at our community space in 14 Claremont Street, Glasgow, this free event offers a welcoming opportunity to celebrate the lives, stories and contributions of friends, partners, family members and community members who are no longer with us.
Together, we will honour the memories that have shaped our lives and communities through storytelling, conversation and creative memory-sharing activities. Whether you would like to share a personal story, bring along a photograph or keepsake, or simply listen and reflect in the company of others, you will be warmly welcomed.
The afternoon will include refreshments, with sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee provided, and plenty of time to connect with other LGBTQ+ elders, friends and supporters in a supportive and inclusive environment.
This event is open to LGBTQ+ people aged 60+, as well as friends, carers and supporters. Spaces are limited, so advance booking is recommended.
Please contact Jean at jean@lgbthealth.org.uk or 07516 553 274 to reserve a place.
Join us as we remember absent friends, celebrate cherished memories, and recognise the lasting impact of those who have helped shape our communities.
This activity is supported by a To Absent Friends small grant.
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