Festiv-ALL fun ‘down on the farm’ at Torbay's first all-inclusive music festival

Moove ‘n’ groove all day long with music, activities and stalls at Torbay’s very first all-inclusive music festival ‘down on the farm’ next month.

The Moove ‘n’ Groove Festiv-ALL is the brainchild of photographer and community engagement officer, Andy Uglow, who wanted to create an event aimed specifically at youngsters and adults who have learning disabilities and also autism, but, he insists 'everyone is welcome'.

Andy, who teaches photography to adults with learning disabilities and autism, said: “I realised that creative arts such as music and photography really help to engage people and promote wellbeing, so I decided to get the ball rolling with an all-inclusive music festival which, I believe, will be the first of its kind in Torbay.”

Andy, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Torbay Sunrise, called on the support of fellow Rotarians and SPACE – who support adults with learning disabilities and/or autism – to launch the first Moove ‘n’ Groove Festiv-ALL which will take place at Culvertor Farm in Marldon, Paignton, on Saturday, July 22.

Although the event is primarily aimed at offering a safe experience for families, children and adults who have learning disabilities and/or autism, it is also open to anyone who would like to enjoy a relaxing day on the farm listening to music, socialising, taking part in the activities and browsing the many stalls on site, while at the same time supporting those with disabilities.

Andy said: “The performers are a mixture of professional acts, but also include some who have a learning disability or autism such as Samba ROC and award-winning variety act Rhys’ Pieces. The proceeds from the event will be donated back to organisations who support disability.

“Free parking will be available at the farm with disability access to the main marquee. A quiet area will also be available for those that may need a break from the activities during the event. Disability toilets will also be available.”

The festival will kick off at 10am with a lively Zumba display and the hot sounds of Rock the Crowd DJ. The music acts including Two Pint Pasty Club, Tuxedo and Taylor Made will then continue right through the day until 9pm. Expect interactive activities such as target net scoring by Select Soccer, the Boom Bus courtesy of the Sound Communities CIC, hair-braiding and face-painting, as well as plenty of crafts and food and beverage outlets.

Andy added: “As we’ll be ‘down on the farm’, we are also hoping to create a small animal petting area to add to the atmosphere. All in all, we expect it to be a really amazing day with around 200 attendees, all supported by volunteers from Rotary, SPACE, MENCAP and the Torbay Street Pastors.”

Tickets are advance only and available online. Family tickets are £40 (two adults, two children). Individual tickets cost £20 per adult and £10 per child with children under-five free. All registered carers are free using the code CARER2023 when buying tickets on www.eventbrite.co.uk