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Inclusive Wired Differently Festival open to all

Posted onPosted on 24th Aug

A unique free festival promising the chance to enjoy music, dancing, singing, and being creative — or simply just to relax — aims to be inclusive of everyone.

Wired Differently Festival, which will feature several local businesses, and accessible events and experiences, has the message ‘Come And Be Yourself’.

It is being organised by In Bed With Neurodivergence, a mental health podcast launched earlier this year by two friends.

Photographer Carrie Austin, of Sutton,  and Karina Anderson, of Mansfield, talk about all things neurodivergence and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on the podcast at spotify.com/show/6CQC2401VADiCP5T1VwelW

They share their knowledge and experience of diagnosed and undiagnosed ADHD, autism, and other neurodiversities.

The festival, which will be held on Sunday, 17th September, at Portland College, from 11am to 2pm, will include a a performance from Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure.

There will be therapy donkeys, sensory spaces, outdoor activities, music, meditation, art therapy, crafts, food, and stalls, as well as the chance to experience the college’s Woodland Adventure Zone.

Among businesses offering services (some of which are chargeable) are Mansfield Woodhouse-based Kelly Hopley, nutritional therapist and functional medicine consultant, who is hosting a seated soundbath and guided meditation.

Stallholders will include healing jewellery from RowKay, The Sweet X-Plosion, home scents and aromatherapy from Henry & George, Love Burt Handcrafted, Home Co., Crazy Cat Crochet, Oodles fancy dress, Madeleine’s Boutique, Shooting Star Body Art, Infinity Healing, freelance chef K, and a sensory toy stall.

Carrie, pictured at her mental health exhibition at Mansfield Museum earlier this year, said: “The festival is a family-friendly free event full of entertainment, including people who have kindly given their services for this event.

“There are lots of sensory-enriched spaces around our event, including Portland’s woodland music area, and lots of neurodivergent-friendly activities.

“Our approachable team, wearing yellow T-shirts, will be on hand to help you at the event — for example, whether you need directions around the event or need someone to just chat to because you’re feeling a little overwhelmed.”

For more information on the free event, go to In bed With Neurodivergence on Facebook.