THE first music and arts learning disability festival in west Cheshire has proved a big hit, with around 300 people enjoying Live @ The Civic in Ellesmere Port.

Held at the Civic Hall on Tuesday, July 18, Live @ The Civic featured singers, bands, dancers, music taster sessions, Makaton lessons, a fashion show and much more.

People with learning disabilities across west Cheshire, as well as their carers and family members, visited to take part in the day.

Everyone who attended was given Live @ The Civic wristbands and had the opportunity to purchase merchandise, making it a real festival experience.

Live @ The Civic followed on from the success of the first ever Learning Disability Conference held in west Cheshire last year and people with learning disabilities were involved in all stages of planning the day.

Councillor Sheila Little, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: "Live @ The Civic proved to be such a big success and it was brilliant to see so many smiling faces throughout the day.

"The event sold out within a couple of weeks of tickets going on sale, with people across west Cheshire wanting to get involved.

"The performances on show throughout the day showed what fantastic talent we have here in west Cheshire.

"We’re looking forward to building on the success of Live @ The Civic and holding a similar event for next year.

"All the feedback we had was extremely positive, but we’re hoping to make it even bigger and better in 2024."

The event also featured non-profit organisation Cheshire Dance, whose Wanna Dance? programme encourages people to learn and create through dance.

Cheshire Dance said: "Today we’ve been at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall visiting Live @ The Civic – the very first music and arts learning disability festival from Vivo Care Choices.

"Not only has there been live bands, dancing, DJs, singers and lots of activities, but Cheshire Dance has also showcased an exhibition featuring our Wanna Dance? Programme.

"Super close to our hearts, Wanna Dance? sees Vivo service users’ take part in one-to-one weekly face-to-face sessions with us to explore how they might like to dance. It’s one of our favourite times of the week so sharing our work today at Live @ The Civic has been just fabulous. "

The second Learning Disability Conference in west Cheshire will take place at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall on Tuesday, September 12.