First ever music festival for people with a learning disability comes to New Forest

10629844_315138032024877_7779499612396450943_n

Event:             New Forest Spectrum
Dates:             10-12 July 2015
Venue:            Lyndhurst, New Forest
Tickets:           £80 for one-day ticket; £120 for 3 days including camping + carers and under 12s go free!
Website:         www.newforestspectrum.org

The first ever music festival exclusively for people with a learning disability and autism, their families and carers is coming to the heart of the New Forest this Summer.

The three day festival will run from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th July and over 40 live acts have already joined the line-up.

The festival will host two stages, a dance tent and a sensory area, as well a number of other activities including a circus school, swing dance classes, a zip wire and a large camp site. What’s more – carers and children go free and the whole festival is 100% wheelchair friendly.

The festival in being run by two charities based in the New Forest – The Minstead Training Trust and Stables Family Home Trust. Between them, the charities provide care and support to over 250 adults with a learning disability in the area.

Hal Kennard, the festival’s Co-Producer, has spent the last two and a half years as a carer for a young man with Down’s syndrome. He said:

“New Forest Spectrum’s music policy will be broad, eclectic and fun with a twist of pop, a dab of disco and a sprinkle of reggae. The concept behind the festival is audience interaction! The hardest part is letting everyone around the country with learning disabilities know about the festival – please help us spread the word!”

Hugh Calder has been a music tour manager for over twenty years, ten of which was spent with The Stone Roses and Ian Brown. He is also father to two disabled children and is the Festival’s other Co-Producer. Hugh said: 

“We have tried to ensure there is something for everyone – from an autism-friendly chill out zone, massage and pampering tent, and CODA Music jamming tent, to zip wires and circus acts. We are really excited about this unique offer and hope as many people as possible will come and make it a successful annual event.”

A three-day ticket including camping costs £120, with a one-day ticket costing £80. Carers and children under 12 go free.

To book your ticket, visit: www.newforestspectrum.org/tickets-for-new-forest-spectrum

You can also visit the festival’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/newforestspectrum2015

Accessibility Tools