'ABLEFEST' returns to Causey Farm

ABLEFEST, Ireland’s biggest inclusive music and arts festival, takes place on Sunday at Causey Farm, Fordstown.

ABLEFEST is a festival for people with additional needs, disabilities and their families. It is the third year the festival has been able to run. Some 3,000 people are booked in to attend the event at Causey Farm from all over Ireland.

There will be performances from various artists, some of whom are wheelchair users, have Down Syndrome, Autism , additional needs and visual impairments.

Other events and performances include drumming workshops, stilt walkers, Willows Art shed, Ceilí shed, DJ SHED, Barn Door Studios dancing, Bluestack Foundation Choir from Donegal, the Walkeleles and a host of other performances from people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

ABLEFEST was adapted from a festival in the UK by Shay Casserly, Kevin Farrell, Roisin Clarke, Aiveen Cully and the entire Murtagh family together with members of Causey farm staff and a multi- disciplinary team with experience in events, social media, education, therapy, design and art.

Committee member Roisin Clarke describes the festival as "a chance for people with additional needs and their families to experience a care free, fun, inclusive festival full of smiles, dancing, singing and kind people."

Acessaloo mobile toileting unit fitted with adult size changing beds have been attending the festival since 2018 and providing a vital service.

"Having Accesoloo mobile toileting on site means that children or adults who need these services can come to our festival, knowing the toilets will have hoists and beds and a comfortable space to change, this means they don't have to limit their time away from home. Having access to a toilet is a basic right," said Roisin.

"The festival is based on kindness. People helping people. Our committee is fully voluntary and a lot of our performers give their time for free to make it such a special day."