SEND Fest

SEND Fest Exclusive events for the SEND Community
Special Educational Needs & Disabilities. Collab x .a.a.clothing

The Pods have created a social story for every one of our SEND FEST events, so we are really excited to share their late...
22/05/2026

The Pods have created a social story for every one of our SEND FEST events, so we are really excited to share their latest edition with the Colchester Zoo social story 🐘

It’s a fantastic way to help everyone get ready for SEND FEST, and there’s even a FREE Zoo Fun Activity Pack to download too! Packed with fun facts, crosswords, activities, jokes (perfect for half term 🐒), plus a parent & carer guide.

Take a look at the full social story and download all the extras here:
https://www.thepods.co.uk/colchesterzoo

Just 8 sleeps to go! 🎉

Tickets are still available at https://SENDFESTZoo.eventbrite.co.uk

We're absolutely thrilled to share that Essex Activate has funded a limited number of FREE tickets for SEND FEST at Mars...
21/05/2026

We're absolutely thrilled to share that Essex Activate has funded a limited number of FREE tickets for SEND FEST at Marsh Farm. To be eligible you must live in Essex and currently qualify for benefit related free school meals or universal credit.

If this is you and you'd like to join us, please DM for details on how to claim your FREE tickets.

Please note FREE tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

SEND Fest at Marsh Farm is back for 2026! This time it's bigger and better than ever with two exclusive days for childre...
11/05/2026

SEND Fest at Marsh Farm is back for 2026! This time it's bigger and better than ever with two exclusive days for children and young people with SEND, and their families.

Join SEND Fest on Monday 20th or Tuesday 21st July, from 10am to 5pm 🎉

You can enjoy the many activities including:

• the splash pool beach
• a giant sand pit
• soft play
• bouncy pillows
• foam parties
• rides
• the disco barn
• dinosaurs
• inflatables and so much more!

Tickets will go live at 10am on Tuesday 12 May. Book using the link shared in the comments below 👇

As well as co-hosting SEND FEST, here at Independence Project & Clubs are delighted to announce that our very own The Wa...
11/05/2026

As well as co-hosting SEND FEST, here at Independence Project & Clubs are delighted to announce that our very own The Washclub will be joining us too 💙

The WashClub creates the most incredible handmade scented soaps, candles and wax melts - but it’s so much more than that. At the heart of The WashClub is an amazing team, working to challenge the shocking statistic that only 4.8% of individuals with learning disabilities are currently in employment by providing meaningful work-based training and employment opportunities.

Sam & Sam, who many of you met while managing our stall at Wyvernwood, will once again be there to showcase all the wonderful products The WashClub has to offer. Please take a moment to stop by, browse our collections and say hello!

Independence Project Ltd & Independence Clubs CIC has been enabling children and young adults to achieve greater independence since 2018 through our day opportunities centre, supported holidays, weekly social nights, indepenDANCE club nights, children’s holiday clubs, after-school clubs, dance classes, weekend activities and so much more.

SEND FEST is everything we believe in - creating opportunities, inclusion and community for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities - and we can’t wait to meet you all.


SEND Fest at Marsh Farm is back for 2026 - and this time we are bigger and better than ever - with 2 exclusive days for ...
09/05/2026

SEND Fest at Marsh Farm is back for 2026 - and this time we are bigger and better than ever - with 2 exclusive days for children and young people with SEND, and their families.

Come and join us on Monday 20th or Tuesday 21st July, from 10am - 5pm. Enjoy the splash pool beach, giant sand pit, soft play, bouncy pillow, foam parties, rides, the disco barn, dinosaurs, inflatables, golf - and so much more!

Tickets will go live at 10am on Tuesday 12 May using this link - https://SENDFESTFarm.eventbrite.co.uk

📍Marsh Farm, CM3 5WP

#

Delighted to announce that Essex Libraries will also be joining us for our SEND Fest at Colchester Zoo! In the incredibl...
07/05/2026

Delighted to announce that Essex Libraries will also be joining us for our SEND Fest at Colchester Zoo!

In the incredible surroundings of the Kingdom of the Wild, with the elephants and giraffes as your backdrop, join in for a series of fantastic storytelling sessions complete with props and interactive fun 📚🦒🐘

Join us for:
🕖 7:00pm – The Gruffalo
🕢 7:30pm – The Smartest Giant in Town
🕗 8:00pm – The Smeds & The Smoos
🕣 8:30pm – A Squash & A Squeeze

Essex Libraries

Essex Library Service provides dedicated SEND support through free monthly multi-agency drop-in sessions, offering advice, resources and expert connections. Key services include the Home Library Service, specialised Reading Well collections, and support for children and young adults.

06/05/2026

A huge thank you to Kaley at Sign Possible who is supporting our SEND Fest at Colchester Zoo by sharing a few signs every week in the lead up to event night!

First up is 5 of the big animals, so let's all get practicing!

SEND Fest is a private ticketed event and is not covered by the zoo annual pass or general day ticket admissions. Tickets are limited and must be booked in advance via EventBrite for this private event.

SEND Fest tickets are still available at https://sendfestzoo.eventbrite.co.uk

Tonight, we spent time with a small group of Event Ambassadors from Multi Schools Council, a student-led initiative in E...
30/04/2026

Tonight, we spent time with a small group of Event Ambassadors from Multi Schools Council, a student-led initiative in Essex that aims to break down stigmas around children with SEND and mental health difficulties. Everything they do is shaped by the young people themselves.

We talked about what a great event looks like for them, and what we can do to help reduce any worries or concerns they have, when they’re heading out for the day.

Every single one of them brought amazing insights and ideas, and we’re excited to start putting these into action.

SEND Fest has always been about creating a space that feels exactly how you need and want it to be, and conversations like this are what make that possible.

Thank you so much for your support The multi-schools council
We can’t wait to see you at SEND Fest!


🦒🐅 Let’s talk about Colchester Zoo 🦍🦓 The venue for our first SEND Fest of 2026 - on 30 MayHome to over 150 species and ...
17/04/2026

🦒🐅 Let’s talk about Colchester Zoo 🦍🦓
The venue for our first SEND Fest of 2026 - on 30 May

Home to over 150 species and more than 10,000 animals, those who love animals will be in their absolute element! All set within 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, (CZS) brings the natural world to life with incredible habitats - from the humid home of the Komodo dragons to the stunning African plain, Kingdom of the Wild.

The zoo has earned the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (2023–2025), ranking among the top 10% of attractions worldwide and celebrated as a top 5 UK zoo ⭐

And that’s not all...it also boosts amazing outdoor play areas, a Discovery Den, the Dinosaur Realm, the Lost Madagascar Road Train and more. PLUS we will also have live entertainment from the wonderful throughout the evening.

Then we add in SEND Fest ❤️ we create a space where judgement and expectations are left behind - where support, inclusion, and understanding take centre stage. You’ll find SEND supporting stalls & SEND services, interactive stations across the site, a dedicated quiet zone, FREE face painting & sand art and of course our team of advocates from .a.a.clothing & - on hand whenever you need them.

Just over 6 weeks to go!

Tickets still available at https://sendfestzoo.eventbrite.co.uk

Please note: SEND Fest at Colchester Zoo is a private, ticketed event and is not covered by the zoo annual pass. Tickets are limited and must be booked in advance.

Welcome to SEND Fest ❤️Let us tell you a little about who we are…SEND Fest is a partnership between Independence Project...
24/03/2026

Welcome to SEND Fest ❤️

Let us tell you a little about who we are…

SEND Fest is a partnership between Independence Project Ltd & Independence Clubs CIC and SAA Clothing - built on a shared dream of inclusion, opportunity, belonging, and of course… fun!

From the very beginning, SEND Fest has been about creating a space without judgement or expectation. A place where everyone can come together, share their stories, support one another, and simply breathe a little easier knowing they are never alone.

And already, after just two events, something truly special is happening. SEND Fest has become a place where magical memories are made, friendships are formed, and a real sense of community is growing stronger every time we meet.

We cannot wait to do it all again…

Roll on SEND Fest 2026 - we’ll see you there!

✨ SEND Fest 2026 kicks off on 30th May at Colchester Zoo ✨
Tickets available at now at
https://sendfestzoo.eventbrite.co.uk/?aff=SENDFestInstagram

Address

9 Kingsdale Business Centre, Regina Road
Chelmsford
CM11PE

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441245939294

Website

https://independenceproject.co.uk/about/send-fest/, https://youtube.com/@sendfest?si=Dc0fd

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