IncludFEST

IncludFEST is a free, fully accessible and inclusive outdoor arts festival for d/Deaf, disabled children, young people and their families. It is one of a very few festivals across the United Kingdom that are focused on inclusion and access.

Noise and crowds are common concerns for disabled young people attending festivals. IncludFEST is always located in large parks or green spaces so everyone can find quiet areas away from the main activities.

IncludFEST starts with a parade or big performance that brings the audience together and acts as a tone setter for the rest of the event. 

A map of the festival site and programme using symbols and Easy Read principles ensures all information available is universally accessible to all. 

It is important that those who attend are also represented in the work they see and experience so d/Deaf and disabled artists are embedded across the programme.

Music is a constant at IncludFEST where community and professional performers perform side by side.

IncludFEST aims to be young-person focused, inclusive and memorable. There is never a shortage of strange new characters to meet!

The festival site is a busy place and there is always room for roaming acts which allow for more intimate and spontaneous engagement close-up. 

For those who don't want to be in a crowd or close to something that is too 'lively', smaller programmed 'walkabout' activities allow for quieter more intimate interactions ensuring the programme offers something for everyone.

IncludFEST annually features a new dance piece made by young people with and without a disability based on either the theme or the location. This creates a sense of connection to the festival for those involved and a chance to be part of the team of performers. 

One of the Festival's strengths is that it brings together both disabled and non-disabled audiences, breaking down barriers and building new connections and understanding.

Being inclusive is about ensuring all who join in can be included without pre-determined barriers around who something is for or what age it would suit.

All Festival activities are open for anyone to join in with no prior knowledge or experience.

Everything is planned with families in mind, encouraging children, young people and their caregivers to experience all of the Festival's activities and performances together.

If the sun shines and the wind is not too strong (the perils of outdoor arts), then everybody is included, valued and there are smiles all around!