A FESTIVAL staged by People First Keighley and Craven attracted participants from across the country.

A wide range of inclusive wellbeing activities was on offer during the fortnight-long initiative.

Events were held across two sites – Cliffe Castle in Keighley and Broughton Hall, near Skipton.

The idea for the festival was sparked following a discussion involving a group run by People First Keighley and Craven, a self-advocacy organisation which supports people with learning disabilities and those who are neurodiverse.

A spokesperson says: "When we had to cancel one of our wellbeing events – a positivity pop-up, with Bradford People First – our Thursday group discussed something we had all noticed, a lack of representation of those with disabilities in the wellbeing industry.

"In response we decided to create a festival promoting the importance of exercise and self-care for our bodies and minds. The aim was to make the tools for improving body and mind such as mindfulness, yoga and pilates accessible to all.

"The festival became a celebration of inclusivity, championing practitioners working inclusively. It inspired conversations that we hope will lead to real change."

Activities began at Broughton Hall, where Kirran Shah led mindfulness exercises.

There were sessions with Missfits Workout, and Sam James from InclusFit headed up a workshop featuring seated dance exercises and ball games.

Team leader Janet Clarke delivered a session on the 'M' technique hand massage, which was followed by Kate Stanforth and Chris Bartholomew-Fox who showed how to create dance music using random sounds.

At Cliffe Castle, members trained with holistic therapist and tai chi instructor Val Preston, and a meditation at the fountain was led by social prescriber Midge Driver from Modality AWC.

Other activities included a session with Nana Crawford of JiggleFiiT dance and fitness; exercises and ball games courtesy of Eat Move Be Happy; appearances from 'Happiness Enchanters' Angela Sandland and Katie Abey, and the crafts duo Innabox; and a non-traditional football workshop with coach Sean Farnell.

"The festival was awesome!" said the spokesperson.

"It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase members' talents, and we're so proud.

"We would like to say a huge 'thank you' to the staff, members and volunteers of People First Keighley and Craven; Bradford Council for a wellbeing grant, and Asda, Cliffe Castle and Broughton Hall for their support.

"We are already looking forward to next year and hope to make it an even bigger success!"