A festival celebrating inclusivity in the arts for children and young people is set to return to Darlington this summer.
More than 750 people took part in IncludFEST last year as they enjoyed a packed programme of events designed to be as accessible as possible.
It proved such a success that the organisers TIN Arts plan a return to the town’s South Park for IncludFEST Tees Valley to be held on Sunday 24 July, 11am-3.30pm.
There will also be a an IncludFEST Durham event held on Saturday 13 August and TIN Arts is calling for artists and organisations interested in taking part in either, or both events to get in touch before 20 May.
Martin Wilson, Executive Director at TIN Arts, said:
“IncludFEST provides a range of arts opportunities for children with and without disabilities to take part equally as a listener, viewer, doer and maker.
“Our focus is on making sure all the activities or performances are inclusive for all, so we’re especially keen to hear about how any ideas or work might engage all those attending, particularly children and young people with a disability.
“We are keen to receive as many expressions of interest as possible, whether they are from professional companies or community and young people’s groups, to make our events truly diverse, vibrant, exciting and to cater for all interests and needs.
“The Tees Valley event in Darlington last year was a huge success and we’re delighted to be able to return this year with the support of Creative Darlington, County Durham Community Foundation and Lifestyle Fitness Darlington.
“It’s a shining example of local businesses, organisations and council services coming together to create a fun, enjoyable, high impact event in a great accessible venue and we hope as many people as possible come along to join in the fun.”
Stephen Wiper, Creative Darlington Manager, added:
“Ensuring the arts is open to all is one of our key aims and we’re delighted to once again support IncludFEST Tees Valley. It proved to be one of the highlights of the summer last year and promises to be even bigger and better in 2016.”
For more information about IncludFEST log onto the website at www.includfest.co.uk, contact Martin Wilson at TIN Arts or you can follow them at Facebook.com/Includfest or Twitter @includfest