LOCAL charity Warrington Disability Partnership, the organisers of the UK’s and possibly, the world’s, largest free to enter voluntary-led pan disability awareness day, are finalising the plans for this year’s 34th annual show.
Held within the grounds of Walton Hall and Gardens on Sunday, July 13th, DAD 2025 will be the finale of a week of complementary events that includes.
• Warrington Carers Hub’s, Carers Wellbeing Festival,
• Creating Adventures, Tribute to We will rock you,
• Ella Together, Summertime Special,
• Party in the Park for disabled children, young disabled people and young carers organised by Warrington Disability Partnership, Warrington Youth Zone and Warrington Carers Hub,
• Party Time with Bjorn to be ABBA.
Local disability education specialists Expanse Learning Group and the north west’s water supplier United Utilities, are leading the list of sponsors for DAD 2025.
The aim of the event is to promote independent living through the theme “It’s what disabled people can do that matters”. DAD 2025 exhibitors will highlight solutions supporting independent living and mobility, with equipment, products, transport, employment, education, training, health and social care, leisure activities, alongside over 100 charities/support groups.
During Disability Awareness Day, visitors can gain an insight into the help and support that is available locally, regionally and nationally from statutory organisations, businesses and voluntary sector groups.
Most of the exhibitors will be housed in a huge, tented village of marquees that will be supported by; an extended Sports Zone, a Main Arena, a huge Performing Arts Marquee, with some of the UK’s leading disabled artists.
Three further marquees will house a range of arts activities, including the new Access All Areas Arts Project, a collaboration between Warrington Disability Partnership and Culture Warrington. With a gallery showcasing the work of local disabled artists.
Also new for DAD 2025 is a programme of “have a go” workshops in the Arts Zone. Hosted by Walton Lea Partnership, another addition is the Chillout and Wellbeing Zone in the Courtyard behind the Greenhouses.
The Sports Zone offers “have a go” sports activities including Tennis, American Football, Snooker, Rugby League, Martial Arts, Tai Chi, Football and Scuba Diving in the on-site pool. In addition, Warrington Youth Zone’s giant sports inflatables.
For those looking for a more relaxed day we will have a fantastic line-up of talent in the Arts Marquee. Alternatively, sit alongside the Main Arena watching Guide Dog display team, Reach Sled Dogs Display Team, Batida Rio Samba Band, Royal Marines Corps of Drums and sports demonstrations.
All this and a Silent Disco, Circus Skills and play areas, plus Walton Gardens accessible onsite zoo, crazy golf, high ropes and pitch and putt.
Support services at DAD 2025 will include a free accessible Park and Ride service, free accessible buses from Warrington Town Centre courtesy of Warrington’s Own Buses, a free mobility scooter and wheelchair loan service (subject to availability), British Sign Language interpreters, additional unisex wheelchair accessible toilets and over 60 trained stewards and helper’s eager to make it a day to remember for everyone.
The team involved behind Disability Awareness Day have worked with teams from across the world, who organise events in Cameroon, Gibraltar, Egypt, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda and many more countries.
For more details and tickets for the evening events please contact the DAD Admin team on 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk
