Sponsored Editorial

The Be You Festival is proudly coming to North Kent College in Tonbridge on Tuesday 25 October 2022 as a day to celebrate creativity and individuality.

The event will be run by local Tunbridge Wells based inclusive dance specialists - ‘This Is Us Dance Company’.

It is their vision to ensure that opportunities to participate in high quality creative sessions are accessible for all, allowing families to feel inspired by live theatre and gain a sense of pride in being true to who they are.

The Be You Festival has been postponed for over two years due to the pandemic - but it is now time to bring families and opportunity to reconnect with others and engage with the arts in a fully inclusive setting!

Dance Teacher and Festival Organiser Hannah Rotchell said: “We all grow from the opportunities we are given and the social experiences that are offered to us. This can be as simple as giving someone the chance to explore their own voice or develop a piece of movement that they can call their own. We have been running This Is Us for over six years, and have recognised the difference the arts can make on many levels.”

Co-Director and Event Organiser Jan Cockburn added: “Festivals can be daunting places and often avoided by families, especially if there is someone with needs within the family. However, ‘Be You’ hopes to change that, we want to celebrate all individuals and give everyone a platform to explore their creativity.”

The Be You Festival that is proudly supported by both Arts Council England and Kent Community Foundation, has been designed as a dedicated day for families to come to an inclusive event where there is something for everyone.

As well as the activities that are taking place in the main creative space, families also have the option to book on to two free ‘Taster’ workshops upon booking. These give deeper insight into a particular arts activity and will be delivered in small groups.

Attendees can either attend a morning or afternoon session (10am to 1pm or 2pm to 5pm).

Every ‘Be You entry ticket’ gives the attendee access to attend TWO additional workshops one either inclusive dance, poetry, signing, or singing.

However, everything is optional at the Be You Festival. As well as taster workshops there will also be a sensory room, arts and crafts, activities, LEGO, a silent disco, food and drink opportunities, pop up performances and information stations/stalls where charities and organisations are there to help connect with likeminded families and offer support or help.

The finale of the event will be a showcase of fantastic inclusive arts organisations. Expect to feel uplifted and inspired by singing, dancing and film, and a chance to join with us as we celebrate inclusivity in the arts.

This performance will be delivered in a “Relaxed Setting” and a BSL interpreter will be present. This Us Dance are honoured to have some of the UK’s top leading inclusive arts organisations at the festival including performances by Confico, Stopgap Dance Company and Casson and Friends and Square Pegs Arts.

The event also shines the spotlight on local organisations such as: Arty Farty Retreat, Arts Without Boundaries, Scotts Project, Strange Face Theatre, Bricks for Kidz, The Silent Disco Company, Imago, Kent Autistic Trust, 21 Together, Bloomin' Arts, Space 2 Be Me and Autism Threads!

This is a day for all the family to explore the arts, feel part of a community and let themselves be immersed in an inclusive setting that allows us to think ‘anything is possible’ and ‘it’s good to be me!’

Please note early booking is advised to secure your slot as spaces are limited. There are family and carer tickets available to help make this event as accessible as possible.

Tickets are from £6. Book tickets now at www.thisisusdance.co.uk/beyou.