The Going Forward Music Festival will return to Crowland for it’s fifth year
After noticing a gap in the market, founders of a disability social group are gearing up to celebrate their biggest event yet.
The Going Forward Social Group is a non profit community organisation based in Spalding which offers support for young adults with physical and learning disabilities.
Founders of the group have organised their fifth disabilities music festival after it had proved popular in previous years. The festival is set to take place on Saturday, July 29 at Southview Community Primary School in Crowland, from 11am to 7pm.
Alyson Commons who is the founder of the group said: “The festival is a way to give these youngsters a chance to still be able to meet up with friends – It just gives them a bit of a social life.”
She added: “The event is an opportunity for people with disabilities to come together and socialise in a welcoming and non judgemental environment.”
The first Going Forward Disability Festival took place in 2018 after Alyson and other founders of the group took inspiration from a similar event they saw online which was held in the South of England.
“We thought it would be really nice to do but at the time we didn't imagine we would ever be able to actually do it.”
Alyson explained the Going Forward Social Group was created due to cuts in funding from Lincolnshire County Council. “We noticed that after the cut was made there were things on offer for younger people and older, but there was no inbetween. There was a group of young people who suddenly lost all of their social activities and this is how we ended up putting the group together. “
This year’s festival will include a range of food and charity stalls, face painters, a raffle which includes prizes such as £200 and many more. There will also be a MINI Fun Zone activity which will have convertible mini’s on show to sit in and take photos.
Attendees can also enjoy the games, goodie bags and mocktails on offer. The Linkage vintage sensory bus will also be there on the day as well as music from bands and singers in our area and RevoLOOtion, a specialist changing vehicle.
Alyson said: “ Its always really nice on the day to see people enjoying themselves - it’s a nice event to host and the festival is open to all ages of any disabilities.”
Each disabled ticket is £12 and includes free entry for a carer. For more information on tickets or any requirements email Goingforwardsocialgroup@outlook.com.
The money raised from the event will be going towards another festival next year.