Music and fun planned for East Kent Mencap street party

Street party fun with East Kent Mencap Photo Brian Whitehead

An accessible festival is being planned by charity East Kent Mencap, especially for people with a learning disability. The ‘street party’ will take place on Friday, August 2.

Nine music acts will perform rock, 60s, Blue Grass, acoustic covers and chart hits in two spaces at East Kent Mencap’s newly opened Ramsgate Day Resource, Forester’s Hall.

Photo Brian Whitehead

Inspired by Glastonbury and Latitude, East Kent Mencap hope the street party will – in a slightly smaller way – bring fun festival vibes to Ramsgate for people with learning disabilities, and their families and carers, as well as the wider community.

East Kent Mencap’s CEO Jason Gerlack said: “Many people with learning disabilities would love to be able to attend music festivals, but due to accessibility issues this is often not a possibility – and so in true East Kent Mencap style, if we can’t get our members there, we will bring a festival to them!”

Photo Brian Whitehead

As well as live music, there will be a chance to learn circus skills, meet therapy pets, play outdoor twister and have a massage. There will also be a sensory chill out zone, as well as a barbecue and other refreshments. Kent Fire & Rescue and South East Coast Ambulance Service will be attending with their vehicles.

Photo Brian Whitehead

Festival goers will also be able to try out some of the Day Resource activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and upcycling. Staff will be available to provide information for anyone who wants to know more about learning disabilities and the support services available.

Photo Brian Whitehead

The street party will take place on Friday, August 2, 10am – 4pm, at Forester’s Hall in Meeting Street, Ramsgate. Tickets are £3 or 4 for £10, and £1 for children under 12. Carers’ tickets are free.

For more information and to book tickets, email [email protected], call 01843 22 44 82 or visit www.eastkentmencap.co.uk