TWO New Forest-based charities have joined together to set up the country’s first not-for-profit national music festival for people with learning disabilities, their families and carers.

New Forest Spectrum Music Festival will offer three days of music, dance, circus school and theatre at Lyndhurst this summer.

Running on July 10, 11 and 12 it will feature more than 40 bands with a line-up that already includes ABBA Revival, Kosheen (unplugged), Fleetwood Bac, Wille and The Bandits, The Egg, Dubheart, Tony as Robbie (Williams tribute), The Godfathers and teenage Welsh harpist Hero Melia.

Also confirmed are record producer Mark Tinley (Duran Duran, Adamski) who is putting together a Doctor Who-themed DJ set, the Big Noise Community Samba Band and a number of bands from the Isle of Wight.

The many activities and side events will include a circus school, 1920s swing dance classes and electro swing, and even a zip wire.

The Minstead Training Trust and Stables Family Home Trust between them provide care and support to more than 250 adults with learning disabilities.

Set in 65 acres of woodland, the festival will be an opportunity for people with learning disabilities and on the autistic spectrum to enjoy three days of activities and music.

The first carer is free for a person with a learning disability, children under 12 are free and young adults between 12 and 18 are half-price. The full price is £120 for three days, including camping.

The festival’s co-producer, Hal Kennard, said: “New Forest Spectrum’s music policy will be broad, eclectic and fun with a twist of pop, a dab of disco and a sprinkle of reggae. The concept behind the festival this year is audience interaction.”

Co-producer Hugh Calder said: “We have tried to ensure there is something for everyone – from an autism-friendly chill-out zone, massage and pampering tent, CODA Music jamming tent, to zip wires and circus acts.”

  • Visit newforestspectrum.org.