The organisers of a much-loved inclusion festival have paid tribute to Ripon Rugby Club for helping make the event possible year after year.
The annual "This is Me Festival" returns to Ripon Rugby Club on Sunday (28th June), offering five hours of free entertainment, activities and live music for children and families from across the region.
The festival, organised by staff from Nidderdale Children's Resource Centre and Moreton-on-Swale Children's Home, was first created in 2017 after young people attending the resource centre asked if they could go to a festival.
Speaking ahead of this year's event, Registered Manager Jane Clarke said the continued support of Ripon Rugby Club has been vital in allowing the festival to remain free:
"They are amazing.
Obviously we move into the set-up from their beer festival the night before, and they sponsor us not only by giving us the venue and the set-up, but they man it on the day as well.
There are lots of volunteers from the rugby club who we want to give a massive shout out to and lots of thanks for their continued support."
Jane said the club's backing means organisers only ask visitors for voluntary donations.
"Through them we're able to keep the event free to attend.
We just ask people to make donations, and really those donations go towards paying for the event and then a little bit of fundraising for the two children's homes.
The rugby club is a massive part of it."
The festival has grown significantly since it was first suggested by children attending short breaks at Nidderdale Children's Resource Centre.
Originally designed to provide an accessible festival experience for children and young people with additional needs, it is now open to everyone.
Jane said creating an environment where families can simply relax is what makes the event so special.
"The feedback we've had from parents is that their children can just be themselves. Nobody's looking, nobody's making comments and everybody can just have fun.
It's five hours of entertainment where everybody can just be themselves. Fun is the main word, really."
This year's festival will feature trampoline sessions, free haircuts, DJ sets from local favourite Rory Hoy, food trucks, animals, arts and crafts, slime making, badge making and stalls from local charities and community groups.
Jane said staff from both children's homes organise the festival alongside their day jobs and are thrilled with how it has developed:
"We're so proud that we're part of such a successful community event that started as a suggestion from our children.
People now come from quite a distance and it's become an annual date in their diary.
When we look back afterwards, the magic moments are seeing everyone coming together, having fun, relaxing and just being themselves."
The festival is also supported by the Jaytee Foundation and North Yorkshire Council.
Listen to Jane Clarke speaking to Your Harrogate's Pete Egerton below:
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