Stockport’s family-friendly accessible festival, run by the Together Trust charity, is less than a month away.
With around 700,000 people in the UK living with autism, 1.5 million people with a learning disability, and one in four experiencing mental health problems each year, many potential festival-goers could be missing out because their physical and/or mental needs are not being met.
But in Cheadle, they will be on Saturday, July 6.
Music and crowds at mainstream festivals are often loud and overwhelming – particularly for festival-goers who are neurodivergent. Being in a noisy environment for an extended period can be stressful and tiring – limiting access to festivals for many people.
The first hour of the event is Quiet Hour: ensuring visitors with additional needs can enjoy the full range of activities and stalls without the noise, strobing lights or distractions that come later in the day. Additionally, ear defenders are available to borrow free of charge at the entrance, and there are plenty of calming spaces, a sensory bus and a chill-out zone outfitted for those who need to ease out of a sensory overload away from the hustle, as well as easily accessible toilets.
Lil, registered manager at Ventnor Road, a residential service at the Together Trust charity, said: “It’s a fantastic socialising event. Our young people and staff attended last year and really enjoyed it. It’s such a beautiful day where everyone in the Together Trust and community can come together and have a really fun day.”
Activities for everyone
For animal enthusiasts, there are a bunch of furry friends looking forward to being stroked and brushed, including sheep, ponies and a variety of other therapy animals. Interacting with animals has been shown to help people with autism cope with anxiety.
Many of the festival’s activities, including an archery, axe throwing, and bushcraft activity, are accessible for wheelchair users. Another opportunity which can’t be found at a commercial festival and a lot of the visitors enjoy exploring is the emergency services.
Last year, the fire service team were more than happy to help people in wheelchairs explore the engine and take pictures with it, whilst others were delighted to meet firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service.
Other activities during the one-day event include, facepainting, My Sen Den sensory room, TrainMaster, a bubble show, tombolas, food and drinks stalls, as well as local businesses selling their wares.
Join Together Festival tickets are available from: https://www.togethertrust.
