A CELEBRATION of kindness, generosity and hope will take to the stage at MAST Mayflower Studios this autumn.

Across nine days in October, the Festival of Loveliness is an opportunity for everyone to sing, dance, laugh, write and generally get creative following the challenges of the last year, with a programme of theatre, poetry, comedy, workshops and music.

The Festival will launch on Saturday October 2 with a Fun Palace Family Day offering free activities for children and grown-ups. There will be workshops, face painting, performances, craft, a bookswap and lots more fun in every corner of the building.

The Festival will close on Sunday October 10 with the 48 Hour Artist Challenge, where local artists will come together to create and perform a brand new work from scratch over just one weekend. Performers, musicians, writers, directors, beatboxers and storytellers will meet for the first time on Friday evening and collaborate to make something special. The result will be shared with a one-off performance.

366 Days of Kindness is actress Bernadette Russell’s comic take on her mission to carry out an act of kindness for a total stranger every day.

Everlasting Cake Scratch Night is the story of octogenarian Elsie and her younger self, and the discovery of a mysterious cake recipe found in a nursing home.

Madcap comedy duo Luke Bateman and Elliott Williams present their laugh-out-loud slapstick farce Kitty Rats about the adventures of two hapless housemates, Benjamin and Jed.

My Soulmate’s Husband’s Soulmate is a black comedy about fate, love and relationships as happily married couple Erin and Adrian are knocked sideways when Erin’s soulmate arrives on their doorstep.

National Poetry Day is celebrated with Tongue Fu, in collaboration with Artful Scribe. Poets and storytellers take to the stage, amplified by the quick-witted improvising musicians of the Tongue Fu band.

An appearance from local band collective Sofa City will feature some of Southampton’s most talented musicians and singers at their gigging best.

Visit mayflowerstudios.org.uk to book.