We are extremely proud of the 2014 music programme. Since the second edition of the festival we have been exploring music as a mechanism for empowerment, an aid to recovery from mental ill health, and as a means of protest to bring about social change. Music is extremely important for our well-being and as such will mark the beginning and the end of the festival this year.

Techno legend Derrick May will headline our closing party in a one-off, special extended set in the Assembly room, while Glaswegian groove-maker Auntie Flo will play in the Vic café.

Scottish indie musician Withered Hand will entertain Paisley with his new album which deals with love, death, friendship, infidelity, stargazing and cough mixture abuse. He will be supported by Fruit Tree Foundation mentee Marie Collins and Laura St Jude.

TYCI will run a dedicated SMHAFF event with Deux Furieuses in Bar Bloc, Glasgow while independent DIY label Olive Grove Records will showcase their talent with music from The State Broadcasters, Call To Mind and Jo Mango.

The Art School will feature a double bill from Glasgow-based electro/bass/shoegaze crossover outfit Machines In Heaven and three piece Electronica Act Atom Tree. Expect collaborations and surprises at this unique event as we explore the power of music.

If that isn’t enough there are plenty more music events being held across the country including community singing events led by the Rockus Community Choir in Paisley and North Edinburgh Time Bank singers. Join an African drumming workshop lead by award-winning Buddy Beat, participate in a blues jam at the Malt Mill in Aberdeen or write a protest song in a workshop led by singer/songwriter Penny Stone in the Contact Point open day in Edinburgh.

Whether as a spectator or participant, experience the power of music to move and excite, to entertain and to challenge.