When sitting down wondering what to write in this blog, I thought I know, I must share what has been a real moment of joy in the past week, and give a big shout out to the incredible work of so many staff in Norfolk coming together to support our population of children with SEND and their families.

So, this is ‘hot off the press’ from our SENDfest, an event in Norfolk designed to bring together hundreds of young people across the county with SEND and their families for an unforgettable weekend of music, joy, and inclusion. SENDfest, now in year two, embodies all that is positive about those with additional needs, thanks to the tireless efforts of my exceptional team and the enthusiastic participation of so many.

What began as a one-day event in 2023, has grown into a two-day festival, reflecting its immense popularity and impact for C&YP and their families. This year marked the introduction of a digital offer, making the festival accessible to a broader audience. The festival, led by our amazing music hub, saw an impressive team of 397 volunteers and practitioners transform co-produced ideas into an awe-inspiring reality, making sure the needs and voices of families were at the heart of all the activity, enabling the diverse needs of participants to be met

The scale of SENDfest is incredible, to date, more than 5,000 participants from 1,000 families have enjoyed a broad range of activities, workshops, and performances. The commitment is spectacular, from the organisational planning and staff volunteers who bring their unwavering enthusiasm and devotion.

An inspiring addition this year was the Ambassadors Programme, providing young people, including those with SEND, valuable work experience. These ambassadors undertook various roles across the festival from communications and security to hospitality and events.

One of the standout features of the event was its extensive marketplace, allowing families to explore and connect with bespoke services tailored to their individual needs. The marketplace showcased the diversity and quality of providers, enabling our families to seek out support most relevant for them.

Music, with its unique ability to bring communities together, sits at the heart of SENDfest offering young people the opportunity to express themselves. The main stage, compered throughout the weekend by Mark DeLisser, was a particular highlight and the addition of Peter Andre in 2023, Chesney Hawkes and Mr Bloom from CBeebies this year, added that extra sparkle to our ‘Picnic in the Park

The feedback from attendees has been overwhelming, with many sharing heartfelt testimonials about their experiences, “when you create something built around individual needs, you create something accessible to and for all”. Such feedback highlights the impact of SENDfest on the lives of children and families, creating a sense of belonging and acceptance that lasts long after the event.

As we reflect on the success of SENDfest, it’s clear that this is more than a festival, it’s a testament to what can be achieved when united with a shared purpose. I want to say thank you to everyone in Norfolk who have created a space where joy, music, and community can thrive, and our C&YP can FLOURISH.