Scotland’s inclusive music festival celebrated its first ever sell-out event as record numbers descended on Falkirk on Sunday (June 14).
Awakening The Festival – a unique event created for people with disabilities and their families – was at capacity as 1,000 people from across the country descended on Callendar Park.
Big names at this year’s event included headliner Karen Dunbar who performed a DJ set, multi-tasking between songs as she came down from the stage to meet delighted fans. The line-up also included The Voice winner Stevie McCrorie, BGT finalist Vinnie McKee, and Still Game favourite Sanjeev Kohli.
Maureen Kigour and husband Neil, from Falkirk, co-founded the event which was hosted by charity Enable and supported by VisitScotland’s National Events Funding Programme, The National Lottery Community Fund and Wee County Respite Care.
Maureen said: “We are thrilled to celebrate our first ever sell-out festival – we’ve worked hard to spread the word beyond the Central Belt, and within five minutes of opening the whole place was full – it was incredible.
“The atmosphere was electric from the minute we opened the doors. The entertainment went down a treat, as did everything from the stalls to the fairground. We even had the weather on our side!”
The event was made possible thanks to Enable Falkirk Branch and a team of around 20 volunteers, and Neil and Maureen gave a special mention to local lad Steffan McGechie, who not only performed on the festival bill with band VH5 but also doubled up as an event promoter and ambassador and helped make the event a big success.
They also emphasised the invaluable role of their funders, who are instrumental in keeping the festival sustainable, accessible and affordable for those who attend.
Rebecca Edser, Head of Events at VisitScotland, said: “Scotland is an exciting year-round destination, with every season and region offering something distinctive for visitors to enjoy. Events like Awakening The Festival showcase the power of music and community in creating truly meaningful experiences, set against the beautiful backdrop of Falkirk’s Callendar Park.
“Supported through our National Events Funding Programme, Awakening The Festival is an important part of Scotland’s diverse events landscape. Its commitment to inclusion helps bring people together from across the country, creating a space where everyone can feel a sense of belonging and celebration.
“By helping organisers deliver high-quality, accessible events, we support positive impacts for local communities and the wider visitor economy. It’s fantastic to see Awakening The Festival celebrate a record year and continue to strengthen its place within Scotland’s events calendar.”
About Awakening Festival
Awakening the Festival, now in its seventh year, is Scotland’s only outdoor festival created specifically for people with disabilities, their friends and their families. Organised by Enable Falkirk Branch, the event is the vision of Maureen and Neil Kilgour, supported in its early years by the late David Irvine. What began as a small community gathering has grown into a major celebration of inclusion, with a target of welcoming 999 attendees in 2026.
EventScotland notes to editors
EventScotland, part of VisitScotland - the national tourism and events organisation for Scotland, works to make the destination the perfect stage for events by securing and supporting an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events.
It provides funding opportunities and access to resources and information to develop the industry. By raising Scotland’s profile as a leading events destination, we hope to attract more visitors to our shores.
It supports the delivery of Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035 which aims to build on the events industry’s many achievements to date.
The strategy refresh has been shaped by, Scottish Government, VisitScotland’s Industry and Events Directorate, Scotland’s Events Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA, Trade Union representatives, and those who responded to the consultation process.
Media Contact
For more information on the festival, its background, or for imagery or interview requests, contact:
Lesley Pert, Senior Account Director
Tigerbond
07740 492 333
lesley.pert@tigerbond.com
