Organisers behind a Spalding music festival aimed at people with additional needs are stepping aside.
But the popular event is being taken over by two well-known faces.
The Going Forward Festival is held annually and sees live music and attractions come together to make it truly all inclusive.
This year’s takes place at Southview Community Primary School, Crowland, on July 25.
The event was launched in 2018 as the brainchild of Rita Stacey and Aly Commons.
Bekki Hollywood and Abbi Thompson, two already well known in the area for their work with Adults Move Lincolnshire and Diamondz Dance will be ensuring the much-loved event continues.
“Our first music festival was in 2018 at what was the Priory School in Spalding”, said Rita.
“This was a resounding success, despite the inclement weather. Since then, we have held a music festival every year, apart from 2020 due to the lockdown.
“Our festival this year will be our eighth and we are looking forward to another great day.
“Aly and I have really enjoyed organising these festivals – all the hard work was worth seeing the smiles on the faces of all the people who may not have been able to access this type of event due to limited accessibility and understanding of the difficulties arising from their disabilities.
“It is with much sadness that we have decided to step down this year.
“Bekki and Abi are excited to have this opportunity and are already planning to make the festival bigger and better.
“We know the festival will be in very good hands as they already offer many activities for people with additional needs. Aly and I will be in the background, supporting Bekki and Abbi for next year’s festival and we know that they both have lots of ideas to make the festival a great success.”
Bekki, of Adults Move Lincolnshire, said: “We LOVE the Going Forward Music Festival – the music, the dancing, and the joy of seeing everyone come together. It truly is a special day that so many people, including ourselves, look forward to every year, so we simply couldn’t see the festival come to an end.
“Our aim is to preserve everything that makes it so loved, building on the incredible foundations created by
Alyson and Rita. We’re excited to work alongside them to bring the 2027 festival to life.
“We also have lots of ideas that we hope will make the festival even bigger and even more memorable for our community, while keeping the heart and spirit of the event exactly as people know and love.”
