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.
A Bowl, A Brew & A Blether!
Organised by Laurieston Bowling Club
Friday 6 November 2026, 1pm-4pm
Laurieston Bowling Club, Polmont Road, Laurieston, Falkirk, FK2 9QT
This activity is open to the public. Please register in advance.
Having been at the heart of both the social and sporting life of the village for over 100 years, Laurieston Bowling Club in Falkirk is proud to host an informal carpet bowls competition in memory of family, friends and former members.
The event will take place on Friday, 6 November from 1pm to 4pm.
Entrance is free, open to the public and includes teas/coffees and a light buffet. Our paid bar will be open for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Participants will also have the chance to utilise our in-house sound system to play music in memory of their loved ones.
To register your interest or for more information, contact Janet Lumsden on 07927 337 408 or janeterobertson@hotmail.com.
Website link: https://www.lauriestonbowlingclub.com/#toabsentfriends
This activity is supported by a To Absent Friends small grant.
Afternoon Tea for Bereaved Carers
Organised by Carers of West Lothian
6 November 2026
Howden Park Centre
This activity is for the Carers of West Lothian community.
This November, Carers of West Lothian will come together at Howden Park Centre for a special afternoon tea to mark To Absent Friends Week and remember the people we have loved and lost.
The event will provide a gentle and welcoming space for our bereaved carers to pause, reflect, and share memories, while enjoying afternoon tea, conversation and the company of others who understand the journey of grief.
Absent Friends Week is an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us, recognise the love and memories they have left behind, and acknowledge the impact that bereavement can have on carers.
We hope this afternoon will offer comfort, connection, and a chance to celebrate those who remain forever part of our lives.
This activity is supported by a To Absent Friends small grant.
Death Cafe (in person)
In partnership with Finn’s Place, Battlefield Community Project and Curious Mortals.
Thursday 5th Nov 2026, 7.30pm – 9.00pm.
Finn’s Place, 167 Ledard Rd, Glasgow G42 9QU.
This activity is open to the public. No need to book in advance.
Let’s break the taboo, and talk about Death! This event is an informal space to talk with others about something which affects us all. Anyone and everyone can come along, whether you are currently processing the loss of someone, facing your own mortality, or just find the topic really interesting there is a place for you here.
Please note that this is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session.
More information: https://curiousmortals.co.uk/past-and-future-events
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Written in the Stars
In partnership with Finn’s Place, Battlefield Community Project and Curious Mortals.
Thursday 5th Nov 2026, 6.00pm – 7.00pm.
Finns Place, 167 Ledard Rd, Glasgow G42 9QU.
Everyone is welcome, however under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book in advance.
We are bringing a little sparkle to Bonfire Night!
Come and join us in the Finn’s Place Garden to wave some sparklers and take photos as a memento to those we are remembering. There will also be opportunities to add to our remembrance wall as well as stay on later for our Death Café (7.30pm to 9.00pm in the same venue).
Please wrap up warm and bring gloves to hold the sparklers.
Teas, coffees and biscuits will be provided.
For more information, email hello@curiousmortals.co.uk.
This activity is supported by a To Absent Friends small grant.
Good Grief Cafe
Organised by North Berwick Coastal Community Connections
Thursday 5 November, 7-9:30pm
St Columba’s Cafe, Westgate, North Berwick
This activity is open to the public. No need to book.
Absent Friends Week is a national festival of storytelling and remembrance - a space to remember those who are no longer with us and share the stories that keep them present in our lives. This year, Coastal Community Connections explores Legacy Burdens – the expectations, beliefs and behaviours around grief that we inherit from our families, communities and wider culture. These can shape how we think grief should look, what we feel able to express and what we learn to keep hidden.
This group meets regularly, everyone welcome. Make connections, engage, chat and have a coffee... This is not a therapy-based group but a peer-led conversation supported by the Community Connections Team.
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