Comedy night kick starts build-up to 31st Disability Awareness Day this Sunday!

A fantastic comedy and curry night, featuring TV comic Adam Hills helped kick start the build-up to Warrington Disability Partnership’s 31st Disability Awareness Day this Sunday, July 17.

A sell-out crowd in the giant marquee saw Adam Hills entertain the audience with fellow stand-up comedians Michelle Shaughnessy Steve Royle and Lea Roberts raising funds for the October PDRL World Cup event being hosted in Warrington.

Meanwhile later today (Thursday) there will be a Party in the Park ofrom 6pm – 9:30pm! Warrington Disability Partnership, Warrington Youth Zone, The Warrington Wolves Foundation and WIRED Young Carers present a fun-filled evening. Multi Sports, Arts, Dance, chat and chill out, crafts, Karaoke, Music, Silent Disco and fun areas.

Other events include Pete Pinnington’s Bedlam Bingo taking place, tomorrow, Friday, all building up to the main event at Walton Gardens on Sunday.

Since its humble beginnings three decades ago DAD, as it is affectionately known, has grown immensely and has taken place in 13 countries worldwide, the latest being Cameroon. DAD Warrington is recognised as the world’s largest voluntary-led pan-disability event.

There will be a tented village housing over 240 exhibitors promoting independent living, a “Can Do” Sports Zone with Scuba Diving in our onsite pool, Inclusive Cricket, Wheelchair American Football, Wheelchair Basketball, Total Tai Chi, Martial Arts, sports for blind and visually impaired people, Wheelchair, Physical Disability and Learning Disability Rugby League.

“The back-story to DAD is a great example of just how far a ‘can do’ attitude can take you,” says Event Founder and Co-ordinator, Dave Thompson MBE DL. “What started out as a one-off, one-day event is now one of the highlights of the international disabled community’s calendar – inspiring similar events as far afield as Cameroon, India, Uganda and Gibraltar!
“There is no greater satisfaction for me than seeing ‘DAD’s Army’ of over 100 volunteers coming together to support people to enjoy and access our week-long programme of events – all of which are about celebrating diversity and promoting independent living. A huge thank you to all of our sponsors – including principal sponsors Expanse Learning and United Utilities- there is something for everyone during ‘DAD and DAD Week’ and I urge people of all ages to take the opportunity to join us at Walton Hall Gardens”.

DAD caters for families and people of all ages, with over 120 disability support charities, being pan-disability means there will be something for everyone, including mental health, sensory impairments as well as neurodiverse, physical and learning disabilities. Dozens of businesses will be promoting a wide range of mobility and independent products, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, car adaptations and Motability car dealerships, alongside statutory service providers, health, social care, education and employment.

The crowds in the Arts Marquee will be treated to acts including nationally acclaimed Ella Together Performance Group, plus Creating Adventures Beautiful Noise Choir, Carly Ryan, Dream Team Drama, BSL Signing Choir, Stars Drama, Signature Brass Band, and more. The Centre Arena entertainment included the Reach Sled Dogs, Birds of Prey, Physical Disability Rugby League and Martial Arts. A marquee will be dedicated to Silent Disco which offers visitors the opportunity to wear wireless headphones (supplied) and select from three channels of music at the volume of their choice. Our Visual Arts Marquee offers painting, photography, poetry, and reading, including nationally acclaimed, Grandad Wheels storytelling.
One of the highlights of this year’s show will be WDP’s Disability Heritage Project which includes a display of vintage mobility equipment including a 1970’s Invacar AC70, a 1917 three-wheeled invalid trike and a pre-WW1 wicker wheelchair.
DAD is free to enter and includes a free event programme. Check out the range of complementary services; BSL interpreters, wheelchair and scooter loans, free park and ride and free buses from Warrington town centre.

The main day follows a week-long programme of events including Merseycare’s Ignite Your Life, Metal Health and Well-being, Comedy and Curry Night in aid of the 2022 Physical Disability World Cup hosted by international star Adam Hills, Carers Well-being Day, and much more. For more details about Disability Awareness Day and Week visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk or call Kate on 01925 240064.