Our Access All Areas Young Producers invite you to join them at Encounter Festival for an inclusive silent disco celebrating diversity.
The group of young producers all identify as disabled and are passionate about improving access to cultural events and activities. They’ve been working with disabled artist Helena Ascough and producer Maia Barker to plan the Same but Different event which is part of Encounter Festival in Preston.
The free silent disco is taking place in a marquee outside Preston Bus Station on Saturday 21st September from 2.00 – 3.50pm. Attendees will be able listen to DJs performing live in the space through headphones.
‘The great thing about silent discos is that you can take the headphones off whenever you want some quiet time or want to chat to people, without having to leave the space.’ Helena Ascough. The headphones can also be used by deaf hearing aid or cochlear implant users – please bring your radio aid, mini mic or similar device that has a mini jack input and can connect your hearing device via Bluetooth.
One of the DJs at the event is Matthew Beautyman who first connected with the Access All Areas project in 2023 when he performed at an inclusive event at The Ferret in Preston. Matthew is a wheelchair user who enjoys going to raves and mixing his own tracks.
As well as the music there’s also an exhibition of artwork by Sean Ward and placards created by the Young Producers which can be used as selfie props. The group want to create a inclusive and welcoming space so there will be disco balls and sunflowers but no bright or flashing lights, just gentle fairy lights and glow sticks. Chairs and fidget toys will be available and there’s a Changing Places wash room and toilet available at Preston Bus Station. The toilet includes a hoist and changing benches and is available free of charge for people who have a Radar key. Throughout Encounter Festival there is a designated Quiet Space located in Guild Hall.
There’s no need to book a ticket for the event, just turn up. The marquee does have limited capacity which means we might ask people to wait outside until space becomes available. If this happens there’s plenty of other events taking place across Preston that you might like to check out including performances, workshops and a Giant Marble Run!
You can read more about the accessibility at Encounter Festival here and check out the full programme of events here.
If you have any questions about the event you can email gemma@blazearts.co.uk or call 07928668734.
