MORE than six hundred people have attended the Mersea Island Festival this year which gives people with disabilities opportunities to shine that they do not get elsewhere.
The Mersea Island Festival began in 1981 bringing together children, young people, and adults with and without a physical or leaning disability.
The festival is split into two camps, from August 18 to August 23 and August 23 to August 26, with some people attending both camps or just the weekend or day.
Phil Ager, festival coordinator, said that the week-long festival had been great despite the rain on Saturday and it being quite windy during the week.
Phil Ager said: “Crabbing, kaykaking, and paddle boarding has been really popular, and it was it was really great to see those in wheelchairs taking part.
“We have a giant swing too which was really great as it an experience they cannot get elsewhere. We also have a great mixture of intensive and more sedate events with the art activities.”
He added: “We had a camp concert two nights a week, giving them that literal stage to dance or tell jokes.”
“It is about providing opportunities so people with disabilities can shine in those areas.”
To join the crucial volunteers who run the festival or to find out more https://www.merseafestival.org.uk/contact/
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