A music festival for people with disabilities will take place in Falkirk this weekend.
Awakening The Festival is thought to be the largest event of its kind in Scotland for disabled fans, with up to 500 people expected to flock to Callendar Park on Sunday for the festivities.
The event, organised by Enable Scotland’s Falkirk branch, was only given the go-ahead a few months ago.
Maureen Kilgour told STV News: “It’s not to segregate them, it’s to give them exclusivity and make them feel like a VIP.
“It’s to bring the experience of a festival to them in a safe environment where there’s no expectations and no judgement and they can just come and relax and enjoy it.”
Members of Enable had been enjoying nights out at Falkirk’s City Nightclub before the coronavirus pandemic. But for much of the past year and a half, they haven’t been able to socialise with their friends and enjoy dancing to music.
For many, Sunday will be their first festival experience.
Lizzie said: “I’ve tried booking to go to festivals, but every time I book I get told ‘can’t allow you, we’re only allowed so many disabled people’.
“But I’m looking forward to it because this is going to be with all my new friends.”
It is hoped if this weekend’s festival is a success, capacity can be increased next year.
Tickets are still on sale for anyone hoping to attend.
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