Festability

31/12/2025

Huge apologies to everyone who has had a refund but not the full amount, it appears the booking fees were not refunded. We will get that sorted today and can only apologise.

09/12/2025

After a lot of thought, and looking honestly at funding, rising costs, the drop in social media reach (which has massively hit ticket sales), and my own capacity as a SEND parent carer, we have made the really difficult decision to pause Festability for 2026.

This is a pause, not a stop.
We have done this before in 2023 and came back stronger. This is the same situation. We are protecting the festival’s future, not shutting the doors.

Why now:
• Big funding bids were turned down
• Infrastructure and event costs have shot up
• Social media reach has collapsed, so far fewer people even saw the ticket posts
• Vanessa has stepped back from the day to day work (no drama, just life), which means the entire operational load would fall to me

Pushing ahead under those conditions would risk the quality, safety and joy that make Festability what it is. I will not do a half baked version of something so important.

What happens next:
In 2026 we will run a few smaller Festability fundraising events so we can rebuild properly, reconnect with our community, and put stronger foundations in place.

And yes, the full festival will return in 2027.
Pausing now means we can do it right.

Tickets:
Everyone who bought tickets for 2026 should have received an email yesterday. You will receive an automatic full refund. You do not need to do anything. Refunds will go back to your original payment method over the next few days.

Thank you, genuinely, for the love, support and belief you have shown Festability. This pause is how we protect it for the long term, and I cannot wait to welcome you back in 2027.

Debs 💛
Founder, Festability

08/12/2025

Over on the podcast today, Jay is joined by Charlotte, of

They talk about the music that lifts her up, the songs on her playlist, the role music plays in her life and more. Along with an idea they have for an adult version of the podcast going out after 9pm.

Listen to SEND Backstage wherever you get your podcasts

01/12/2025

In this week’s episode of SEND Backstage, Jay is joined by the entertaining Gemma Bryan from Isla's voice - our journey with autism

Gemma lives in Scunthorpe and years ago when she found no events to go to with her own daughter, she decided to approach local providers and offer her support to host inclusive events. Some didn’t reply, some did. Some events were a huge success and some weren’t. But she went back year after year and now in their area, they have a selection of inclusive SEND events during the holidays and beyond.

We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it.

30/11/2025

Looking for a Christmas gift that brings joy, memories and music? Festability 2026 tickets make the perfect pressie.

Super Early Bird offer ends today so get them now and save a few quid (every penny counts at this time of year).

29/11/2025

Don’t miss it!

Super Early Bird tickets end tomorrow. Snap up your 2026 tickets now and save a few quid.

Head over to our website or link in bio.

28/11/2025

What’s on your weekend agenda? Music, rest, crafts, carers’ cuppa?

Debs will be editing SEND Backstage and wondering why she thought adding more work to her list was a good idea!!!

Tell us below, often people are going to events that others would love but don't know about. So share below, tag events and let others know what is on offer.

27/11/2025

“My daughter had freedom to be herself. Independent, safe and smiling.”

This is what Festability is all about. A place to be yourself, to be independent and to have a great time. Parent carers, you can relax and have fun. That's one of the joys of Festability, it's a place where everyone can relax, everyone can dance and sing like no one is watching and everyone leaves with a smile and great memories.

26/11/2025

Festability is a bubble of music, kindness and joy - and you lot make it magical.

If you came this year, tap a ❤️ and tell others below why they should come along to enjoy the fun next year.

25/11/2025

Just for fun: What’s your favourite music video of all time?

Funny, moving, nostalgic, iconic - anything goes.
Ours may just be the one that taught the whole world to sing… all about inclusion and diversity.

Bonus points if you can tell us:

• The VERY first filmed promo for a song (1953)
• The first band to routinely make promo videos (mid-1960s)
• The music video that changed the industry (1975)
• The first video ever played on MTV (1 August 1981)
• And for the real music geeks… what was the second video MTV played?

Drop your faves below - and feel free to show off your music-video trivia knowledge.

24/11/2025

22/11/2025

🧢 Something new is brewing for Fathers Day 2026... Think music, mischief, and maybe a bit of mud.

DadFest is coming to Quex Park next year, brought to you by the team who bring you Festability. So you know it will be fun, family friendly, inclusive and there will be no judgement (even if your dad's singing and dance moves make you cringe).

Who’s bringing their Dad, Grandad or Favourite Bloke?