Kaleidoscope Festival
Monday 6 July – Friday 10 July 2026
A weeklong celebration of neurodiversity, inclusion and the talents of those living with a disability.
Storyhouse, Exchange Square and across Chester
What is Kaleidoscope Festival?
Storyhouse’s hugely popular Kaleidoscope Festival returns this July with another exciting programme.
Kaleidoscope Festival is a weeklong programme of performances, events, workshops, and activities that are programmed specifically for and by the learning-disabled community.
This year’s festival kicks off with our annual Chester Disability Pride Parade on Monday 6 July, followed by a week of events and performances, including the Kaleidoscope Disability Awards ceremony.
How to Book Tickets?
At Storyhouse we encourage you to book so we know to expect you and we want to make this as easy as possible. We have an in-house ticketing team who can talk you through the events and reserve tickets for you/your group. To pay you can bring cash on the day if this is the preference. Call 01244 409113 (option 1) to speak to a member of the team and they will be ready to help – phone lines are open 11am-6pm Monday – Saturday.
Want to pay on the day? If phoning isn’t an option or you would prefer not to call please complete this form and we can reserve tickets for you. For all the free events go ahead and book online as no payment is due.
Chester Disability
Pride Parade
Our annual parade is one of the UK’s only disability pride parades.
Each year we unite with disabled people, charities and businesses to raise awareness and promote positive change by inviting everybody to join us as we march through Chester City Centre!
The Chester Disability Pride Parade will return on Monday 6 July 2026 – join us on the street of Chester to celebrate our sixth year of this empowering and joyous event.
Click here to see the Pride Parade schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kaleidoscope Festival is specifically programmed for and by the learning-disabled community. Our Kaleidoscope focus group help us decide how the festival is run and what events and activities we programme.
Many of our events are open to all and are designed to bring together people from right across the community. If you’d like any more information before joining us, get in touch with a friendly member of our team.
Most events at this year’s festival are Pay What You Feel starting from £0 – but please book your tickets in advance so we know to expect you.
Carers, support staff or other essential companions can access free tickets by signing up to the access register here.
For further support with your booking, please get in touch with us at hello@storyhouse.com
If cost if a barrier to any of your service users please contact nicola@storyhouse.com to access the free community tickets.
The festival will take place across a number of different locations.
Some events will take place in Storyhouse, including the Garret Bar and Theatre spaces, the cinema, and The Kitchen. Others will take place outside the building and across the city.
Yes – we’re always keen to work with local businesses who can help support the Chester Disability Pride Parade, one of the only disability pride parades in the country.
Find out more about Corporate Partnerships
This festival is co-curated with the community. This year we have been working each month with the social action group who meet at LIVE!
If you would like to be involved in the planning of future festivals, please contact nicola@storyhouse.com
When do we find out if the person I nominated for an Award has won?
At the event on Wednesday 8 July! The awards will be presented by actor- Paul Wilshaw.
Are all the nominees invited to the Awards Ceremony?
Yes, everyone is invited including support staff, friends and family. Please book your tickets here so we know to expect you.
Are refreshments available?
Yes, the bar in Storyhouse will be open for refreshments
We’re proud to be partnerning with Axia to present this year’s Kaleidoscope.
Axia are an award-winning assessment service for neurodevelopmental adults and children across Cheshire. You can find out more about their services here.
Full Kaleidoscope 2026 Lineup:
Events in this season
Kaleidoscope Club Nights
Kaleidoscope: Monthly Open Mic
