Storyhouse’s Kaleidoscope Festival returns with week of inclusive arts events
By Dherran Titherington 22nd Jun 2026
A celebration of neurodiversity will return to Chester next month with a packed programme of events across the city.
Storyhouse's Kaleidoscope Festival, now in its eighth year, will take place from July 6 to 10 and feature performances, workshops, exhibitions and community events aimed at promoting inclusion and celebrating neurodiversity.
Among the highlights are the Chester Disability Pride Parade, the Kaleidoscope Annual Disability Awards and the return of Kaleidoscope's Got Talent, which will be staged on the Storyhouse main stage for the first time.
The festival will begin with the disability pride parade on Monday 6 July, with participants making their way through the city centre before gathering in Exchange Square for music and dance performances.
A fashion show will also take place on the opening day, featuring designs from specialist brands Intotum and May Marigold modelled by members of the Kaleidoscope community.
Throughout the week, visitors will be able to take part in a range of arts, dance and wellbeing activities, including creative workshops, podcast sessions and inclusive dance events.
The annual Disability Awards, returning for a second year on July 8, will recognise the achievements of people from Chester, Cheshire, the Wirral and North Wales.
Another event on the programme is the Blue Badge Brunch Gameshow, hosted by comedian Benny Shakes, which uses comedy and audience participation to raise awareness of different disabilities.
The festival will conclude on July 10 with a community marketplace featuring local organisations and support services, followed by the finale of Kaleidoscope's Got Talent.
Alongside the festival, a month-long exhibition of artwork created by members of the Kaleidoscope community will be displayed at Storyhouse from July 3 to 31.
The exhibition takes inspiration from the theme "Do You See Me?", part of this year's Learning Disability Week campaign.
All events are free or available on a pay-what-you-can basis. More information about the Kaleidoscope Festival can be found here.
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