Debates on the human cost of war, arguments about the economics of happiness and odes to the joys of singing will feature in this year’s month-long philosophy festival Think In Kingston.

The theme of this year’s festival is happiness but the range of events includes yoga, a walk, poetry, a film show and singing, as well as discussions about equality, peace, human rights, religion and education.

This year’s festival is being run by voluntary and community groups including Kingston Amnesty and Transition Town Kingston with a grant from Kingston Council.

Vital Kingston will kick off with a walk and a picnic for happiness from Kingston Market House on October 1 at 12pm.

Other events include a showing of the film The Economics of Happiness, the editor of The Philosophers’ Magazine questioning if gross domestic happiness is welcome, yoga in the Rose Theatre and a tea and natter over biscuits in Old Malden library.

Edward Davey, Kingston and Surbiton MP, and Charles Seaford of the New Economics Foundation will discuss whether measuring well-being makes a difference on October 13 at Kingston University.

Euphonix community choir will hold a lunchtime singing workshop to see if expanding lungs equal greater happiness.

Richmond and Kingston World Development Movement and YMCA London South West will talk about whether an unequal society creates unhappier people.

Towards the end of the festival South West London Humanists will ask whether religious people are happier than others. In the final event on November 1, Kingston University Sustainability Hub will ask can happiness be taught?

For a full programme of events visit www.thinkinkingston.org.uk