The countdown is on to Scotland’s only music festival aimed at people with disabilities – and its organisers are aiming attract visitors from across the country.
Awakening The Festival, which takes place in Falkirk on June 14, has grown year-on-year with more people than ever coming from out of town to enjoy a day of accessible entertainment.
This year’s programme features an array of household names including queen of comedy Karen Dunbar who will perform a DJ set; Still Game favourite Sanjeev Kohli who will take part in a meet and greet with festival-goers; The Voice winner, singer-songwriter Stevie McCrorie; and Britain’s Got Talent finalist, singer Vinnie McKee.
It also celebrates performers with disabilities and this year’s line-up will see the return of DJ Elad who has autism – his high energy sets have become a festival highlight.
The not-for-profit festival was founded by Maureen and Neil Kilgour, who have two sons with learning disabilities, to address a lack of inclusive social and cultural opportunities.
What started as informal gatherings, and later a social club and monthly inclusive nightclub, has turned into a major event in Scotland’s central belt hosted by the charity Enable – and this year the aim is to attract up to 1,000 people. This year’s festival has been supported by EventScotland’s National Events Funding Programme.
Maureen, from Falkirk, said: “There is no other festival quite like it – it challenges isolation and builds confidence – so we’re putting a call out to all of Scotland to help us take Awakening to a national level. The festival has grown beyond our expectations because those who attend, and their carers, value the fact it truly champions what inclusive community life can look like.“We want to ensure everybody with disabilities across Scotland has the opportunity to experience the sense of belonging, celebration and joy that music festivals bring.”
They have made a huge success of the event while balancing caring responsibilities, full time work and advocacy for disability rights thanks to support from Enable Falkirk Branch and a dedicated team of around 20 volunteers. The organising team includes local lad Steffan McGechie, who has appeared on TV’s Starstruck and is lead singer with band VH5 which is on the festival bill.
Awakening The Festival 2026 promises an unforgettable day of musical entertainment from live bands, DJs and singers alongside a range of other attractions tailored to a diverse audience.
Attendees can expect community pro wrestling; fairground rides (included in ticket price); celebrity meet and greets including River City stars Jordan Young, Frank Gallagher and Gail Watson; character meet and greets, children’s entertainment, creative music and arts activities, emergency services vehicles display, and a food and drink zone including licensed bar where families can relax and enjoy the day.
The entire park is wheelchair accessible, with disabled toilets and changing facilities; there will be therapy dogs and horses on site; and a sensory sanctuary will provide a comfortable place to explore, relax and engage with surroundings. In addition, carer or support worker tickets are free of charge.
There will also be an information zone where you can get guidance on benefits, guardianship, self-directed support, respite, Motability, young driver programmes and more.
The event takes place at Callendar Park, Falkirk, on Sunday, June 14 from 12noon-6pm. For full details of the line-up, activities, amenities, charities and organisations in attendance, and to buy tickets visit falkirkenable.com
Tickets are priced £28 for adults, £14 for youths (11-17 years), and £7 for children (5-10) years, while under 5s go free. A small booking fee will apply. Those who require a wheelchair space, carer or support worker ticket, should call Falkirk Leisure & Culture to book tickets on 01324 506850. The event is dog friendly (dogs must be kept on leads).
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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.
