Pennine Mencap gear up for the inaugural 'Mencap Fest' - a unique music festival celebrating inclusion and diversity

Oldham-based Pennine Mencap, a leading charity dedicated to empowering individuals with learning disabilities, has announced the launch of the first-ever 'Mencap Fest'.

This brand-new music festival will take place today (Friday) at the Hurst Community Centre in Ashton (OL6 8EZ) and promises an extraordinary celebration of music, inclusion, and community.

Mencap Fest is a pioneering event curated and hosted by Pennine Mencap, with a primary focus on creating an environment where individuals with learning disabilities, their friends, and families can experience the joy of live music in a safe and specialized setting.

The festival aims to break barriers and promote accessibility, enabling everyone to enjoy the acts in their own unique and individual ways.

Highlighting the talents of the local music scene, Mencap Fest will feature performances by two talented Mancunian artists Tequilla Princess and Madison Peacock.

These homegrown talents promise to deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees, showcasing a diverse range of genres that will captivate and inspire music lovers of all backgrounds.

The Hurst Community Centre, a versatile venue known for its dedication to local community events, has been chosen as the ideal location for Mencap Fest.

Its accessibility features, ample space, and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect setting to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all festivalgoers, as does the fully stocked bar!

"There’s a real buzz around Mencap Fest. We are aiming for it to be a really groundbreaking event that gives individuals with learning disabilities a chance to experience the joy of live music with friends and support," said Elliot Sparks, Chairman and Director of Pennine Mencap.

"We’re aware that live music events can often be daunting for people with complex disabilities.

"Our expertise and passion lies in creating inclusive and safe spaces, so we’re looking forward to creating the feel and energy of a festival while giving real equal opportunities for those in attendance to express themselves, celebrate music, and make lasting memories.

"If the first Mencap Fest goes well, it will definitely return as a bigger annual event."

Tickets for Mencap Fest are £5 each*, available for purchase via Eventbrite here

*Carers enter free; group discounts are available to other charities and support organisations.

The launch of Mencap Fest marks a significant milestone in Pennine Mencap's ongoing commitment to empower individuals with learning disabilities, promote inclusivity, and strengthen community bonds.

This unique music festival serves as a testament to the power of music to bring people together, regardless of their abilities, and create an environment of acceptance and celebration.

For more information about Mencap Fest and event updates, please click here

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