THE first ever Every Sort of People Festival went with a bang on Saturday at Lewes Football Club stadium and was attended by more than 1000 people.

The event started at noon and featured live music, DJs, and other performances and workshops over three stages which continued until 8pm.

The event was accessible and was attended by many people with physical and learning disabilities as well as non-disabled people of all ages who enjoyed top quality entertainment in a friendly, chilled atmosphere.

Organisers say the success proves that integrated, accessible community programming is possible and that such accessibility benefits and is enjoyed by everyone.

Specific accommodations to make the event truly accessible included accessible toilets, free tickets for carers, an accessible changing suite, Blue Badge parking, accessible bars and food.

There was a strong showing from the local community sector with more than 30 organisations represented.

They included Patina, Diversity Lewes, Dementia Action Alliance, Chestnut Tree House and Starfish Music.

Accessible, family-friendly activities included circus skills, samba, table tennis, jewellery-making, ‘pimp my wheelchair’ and exploring mindfulness through chocolate.

Culture Shift and Lewes Football Club organised this event with a team of community partners including Starfish Music, Stay Up Late and Fresh Tracks DJs.

The partnership behind the day hopes that this will become an annual event and will inspire more accessible community programming in the future.

Tongue and Groove were one of the performers and lead singer Phil Rose said: “It was a life-changing, joy giving and humbling experience.

“Every second was beautiful and sparkling with gold.”

Culture Shift is a community interest company based in Lewes, which puts creativity to work to create positive change in the community.

It works in partnership with organisations across the cultural and arts sector, as well as with education, health and social care providers.

A spokesman said; “The sun shone on us and what a glorious day it was.

“To look around the site and see people chilling on blankets drinking beers and eating together, families hula hooping together, people with and without learning/physical disabilities dancing and wheelchairs pimped up in gold sheets and fringing was amazing!”