Learning Disability Pride is set to make a spectacular return to Carrickfergus this summer. The event is taking place on Saturday 24 June to raise awareness of learning disability and will commence with a noon carnival parade from Taylor’s Avenue along the seafront to Carrickfergus Castle.
The parade will be led by Oscar winning actor, James Martin, who entered the Guinness Book of Records this year as the first person with Down Syndrome to win the award.
Positive Futures has previously participated in this event, and we are delighted to be taking part again this year, with around 40 people we support and staff coming from Omagh, Lisburn, Belfast and Bangor. Feel free to join us – the event runs from 12pm – 5pm. In addition to the parade, there’ll be family fun activities in the castle car park, including live entertainment hosted by Q Radio’s Declan Wilson.
The line–up features dance and drama performances from learning disability organisations and music from local band, This Way Up. Other activities include arts and crafts, face painting, bouncy castles, and a petting farm with many of the activities being free to take part in. The packed programme has been developed around the theme ‘Do Your Thing’ and will also feature market stalls, food vendors and workshops such as drumming and drama.
Positive Futures is also behind the scenes at the event this year as we have been part of the organising committee for the first time. It promises to be a fantastic celebration of the contribution people with a learning disability make to society, as well as a fun day out.