Birmingham Disability Festival & Inclusive Walk Brings Birmingham Together in Celebration of Disability Pride
On Saturday, July 4th, Birmingham exploded with colour and celebration as the Birmingham Disability Festival & Inclusive Walk brought together the community at BMet Matthew Boulton College and Aston University. Organised by Ways for Wellbeing UK CIC and the Birmingham Disability Festival Committee, the event highlighted disability pride through live entertainment, inclusive sports, and wellbeing activities.
Attendees enjoyed wheelchair basketball, boccia, adaptive cycling, and various family-friendly activities, all designed for participation. The festival buzzed with laughter, music, and opportunities to connect with local services supporting disabled individuals in Birmingham.
A Proud Day for Cerebral Palsy Midlands
Cerebral Palsy Midlands was incredibly proud to play an active role throughout the festival.
Our citizen Vicky Lilly took to the stage alongside the fantastic FreeWheelin Dance team, showing off her dance skills to the Waltz, the Jive and a Peak Blinders-themed 'Red Right Hand' song.
Pictured above: Vicky Lilly dancing
Our citizens Colin, Gary and Ian also enjoyed everything the festival had to offer, taking part in activities, meeting new people and experiencing the welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.
Pictures above; Top row left to right; Richard Parker (Mayor of the West Midlands) Asma, Amy and David (CPM Staff). Below row left to right: Gary, Colin and Ian (Our Fab CPM Citizens)
Behind the scenes, CPM's Connection tutor Ben worked tirelessly as the Festival Event Coordinator and DJ, helping keep the performances running smoothly and ensuring the entertainment flowed throughout the day.
The Festival's First Ever Inclusive Walk
One of the highlights of this year's festival was the launch of the Inclusive Walk—the first time the walk has formed part of the Birmingham Disability Festival.
The walk was organised by Sarah Lilly, Deputy Manager at Cerebral Palsy Midlands, and welcomed people of all ages and abilities to walk, wheel or move around the fully accessible route surrounding Aston University Lake.
The focus wasn't on speed or distance; it was about inclusion, wellbeing and bringing people together.
As participants gathered at the start line, the incredible Dhol Crew filled the air with energy and excitement, leading everyone from the festival site towards the lakeside
More than 180 commemorative medals were given out. We would also like to thank Irwin Mitchell, whose generous sponsorship funded the Inclusive Walk medals, stamp cards and certificates. These finishing touches helped make the experience even more memorable for everyone who took part.
So far, walkers supporting Cerebral Palsy Midlands have already raised £183, with sponsorship still being collected. Alongside CPM, many other charities also encouraged supporters to take part and raise funds for their own organisations, making the Inclusive Walk a wonderful example of charities coming together for a shared purpose.
Working together to create change
Events like the Birmingham Disability Festival demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work collaboratively.
The festival was led by Nabila Gardner and Ways for Wellbeing UK CIC, alongside members of the Birmingham Disability Festival Committee, including representatives from BMet, Aston University, Midland Mencap, the West Midlands Combined Authority and many other organisations committed to improving accessibility and inclusion across the city.
The event was also honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor of the West Midlands, alongside other guests and community leaders who came to support Disability Pride and celebrate the achievements of disabled people across Birmingham.
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