BURY’S Accessible Festival 2018 proved hugely popular

The event, now in its fifth year, was held at Bury Athletics Track on Sunday and families came from across the north west to join in the fun.

Children with disabilities and their families enjoyed a range of activities and entertainment, ranging from African drumming and climbing walls, to ballet and chair/frame football.

Chloe Gallagher and her mum, Hannah, travelled all the way from Preston to enjoy a day out.

Mrs Gallagher said: “I heard about it and it sounded like such a good idea. A lot of events like this aren’t wheelchair-friendly so we made the journey because what’s on offer is so accessible.”

Pop band, The Kraken, entertained visitors with some well-received songs, there were information stands, food and drinks, and a whole variety of stalls.

Speaking during the afternoon, Mrs Ann Pimm, who organised the event with Mr Johnny Makin, said: “It’s going even better than we expected because of the weather.”

She added: “We really feel passionate about making accessibility available to people with disabilities and unfortunately, when you look at a lot of summer fetes and things like that, they tend not to cater for people with disabilities.

“People turn up in a wheelchair after lots of effort trying to get out and they can’t get in the toilets, or they can’t get on the climbing wall, and people are looking at them because they look a little bit different.

“At our event everyone is welcome and able to take part in everything we do. The climbing walls have got special harnesses, we’ve got a silent disco, we’ve got a quiet area for those who struggle when there’s a lot of noise, but we’ve also got the excitement and cutting- edge music that gives a great festival feel.”