Northern Ireland's First Disability Learning Pride Carinval

May McFettridge, Queen of Comedy, will lead Northern Ireland’s first ever Learning Disability Pride Parade and Carnival in Carrickfergus on Saturday the 27^th May. Over 1,000 people with a learning disability from across Northern Ireland are set to join the carnival parade through Carrickfergus to the carnival at Carrickfergus Castle Car Park, hosted by DJ Pete Snodden.

Actor and comedian John Linehan, who plays the superstar May McFetteridge said, “It’s an honour to lead the very first Learning Disability Pride Parade and to support and make people aware of what a learning disability is all about. And to tell all the people attending to have pride in yourself no matter what you do.”

Learning Disability Pride is organised by the Carrickfergus Senior Gateway Club and is the idea of the club leader, Thomas Haighton, who said,  “There are 33,000 people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland and we wanted to organise an event to bring them together and to show pride in who they are. We want to raise awareness about what learning disability is, and how it does not have to stop someone achieving their full potential.”

The event starts with a parade at 12pm from Carrickfergus Health Centre to Carrickfergus Castle Car Park, where the Carnival and Fun Day begins with music by DJ Pete Snodden, entertainment, petting zoo, bouncy castle, market and food stalls, arts and crafts and information and resources to support and help people with a learning disability and their families.

Elizabeth Crozier, a member of the Carrickfergus Senior Gateway Club said,  “We are really looking forward to Learning Disability Pride, it will be a great day out for people with a learning disability and their friends and family. Everyone is welcome, so just come along and you will have a great time. I can’t wait.”

Margaret Kelly, Director of Mencap Northern Ireland said: “Learning Disability Pride is a great idea and Mencap are very proud to be part of this event. People with a learning disability in Northern Ireland need to be listened to, valued equally and fully included in society. Raising awareness and changing attitudes with events like learning disability pride is a fun way to do it."

Learning Disability Pride is funded and supported by the Big Lottery Fund, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and learning disability charity Mencap.   

For more information and to take part visit www.learningdisabilitypride.org or www.facebook.com/learningdisabilitypride  

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