SPARK Festival (SEND)

SPARK Festival - A Space for Play art Rest and Kin

Come and enjoy SPARK festival where children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, can be with their families and carers in a playful landscape to explore, imagine, play, rest and create. Peppered with opportunities to co-create the festival using natural and up-cycled materials, weaving stories of our shared Earth.

The event offers time and space to explore at your own pace. There is no set route, complex instructions or rigid timetable. Enjoy opportunities that interest you, or simply enjoy being outdoors together.

Our team will be on hand throughout the session to support a calm and welcoming environment. Families are encouraged to follow their child's interests, take breaks when needed and enjoy the garden in a way that feels right for them.

You are welcome to bring a picnic but food and refreshments will also be available to purchase throughout the day.

What to expect

• Loose Arts - modular interactive objects to build, balance, stretch, hide in and more!
• Make Your Mark - use natural pigments to make your mark at SPARK
• Dig Pit - connect with the earth through digging, mixing and pouring
• Dressing Up - fabrics and materials provided to make your own cape and mask
• Garden play and exploration

Financial Access

It is important to us that SPARK  is accessible to all regardless of financial means, whilst also honouring the energy, time and resources it takes to hold this space with care. We are offering a sliding scale to reflect different financial realities. Please choose the contribution that feels right for your circumstances:

Community Ticket – Free

For those who would not otherwise be able to attend. No questions asked.

Solidarity Ticket – £10

For those who can afford to contribute toward the true cost of running the event (facilitation, materials, food, etc.)

Sustainer Ticket – £20

For those with financial security who wish to support others' access, invest in community spaces and help grow this work.

Disability Access

We aim to create an environment that is sensory aware and flexible to individual needs.

The event takes place an outdoor community space with uneven ground in some areas. We will be gathering mostly on soft ground, with seated rest areas and shelter provided.

Access support includes:

• Step free access 
• Accessible toilet
• Facilitators trained in neurodivergent affirming practice
• A flexible, go-at-your-own-pace format
• On-site parking
• No complex instructions
• Secure site with boundary fencing