Open invite to inclusive music festival

ORGANISERS of an inclusive music festival in Falkirk are calling on people from Dumfries and Galloway to go along and be part of a growing national event.

Awakening The Festival is Scotland’s only music festival aimed exclusively at people with disabilities.

This year’s programme includes queen of comedy Karen Dunbar who will perform a DJ set; Still Game favourite Sanjeev Kohli who will take part in a meet and greet with festival-goers; The Voice winner, singer-songwriter Stevie McCrorie; and Britain’s Got Talent finalist, singer Vinnie McKee.

It also celebrates performers with disabilities and this year’s line-up will see the return of DJ Elad who has autism.

The not-for-profit festival was founded by Maureen and Neil Kilgour, above, who have two sons with learning disabilities, to address a lack of inclusive social and cultural opportunities.

And this year the aim is to attract up to 1000 people.

Maureen said: “There is no other festival quite like it – it challenges isolation and builds confidence – so we’re putting a call out to the people of Dumfries and Galloway and other major towns and cities across Scotland to help us take Awakening to a national level.

“The festival has grown beyond our expectations because those who attend, and their carers, value the fact it truly champions what inclusive community life can look like. We want to ensure everybody with disabilities across Scotland has the opportunity to experience the sense of belonging, celebration and joy that music festivals bring.”

Attendees can expect community pro wrestling; fairground rides (included in ticket price); celebrity meet and greets including River City stars Jordan Young, Frank Gallagher and Gail Watson; character meet and greets, children’s entertainment, creative music and arts activities, emergency services vehicles display, and a food and drink zone including licensed bar where families can relax and enjoy the day.

The entire park is wheelchair accessible, with disabled toilets and changing facilities; there will be therapy dogs and horses on site; and a sensory sanctuary will provide a comfortable place to explore, relax and engage with surroundings.

In addition, carer or support worker tickets are free of charge.