Kaleidoscope | Storyhouse

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.

Click to download an easy-read flyer
of this year’s events.

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.

Kaleidoscope Disability
Awards 2026

Wednesday 8 July 2026.

Thank you for your nominations. The nomination window is now closed for this year. Book your tickets here to come along to enjoy the awards ceremony.

For the 2nd year running we are celebrating the achievements and talents of people from Chester, Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales at the Kaleidoscope Annual Disability Awards Ceremony.

Everyone nominated for an award will be celebrated and the winners will be announced by your MC Paul Wilshaw who will be joined on stage with this year’s judging panel.

The categories for this year include:

The Shining Star Award: This award is for someone who has been involved in a significant amount of charity or community work.
The Rising Star Award: This award is for someone who has demonstrated growth within their area of employment or voluntary work.
The Sparkling Star Award: This award is for someone who displays an excellent level of how health & wellbeing activities or projects have supported their own health or their peers.
The Shooting Star Award: This award is for someone who has set themselves a goal or challenge and gone onto achieving it.
The Constellation Award: A team, business or group who have shown a commitment to working towards improving the lives of disabled people. Please tell us about a specific project or initiative.
The Bright Star Award: This award is for a young person aged 16-25 who have excelled in any of the categories.
The Supporting Star Award: Someone who has been a role model and/or a mentor and has been influential for others in their community.
The Golden Star: This award is presented to someone who consistently gives 100%, whatever their ability. The recipient shows dedication, determination, and a positive attitude, always striving to do their best and inspiring others through their effort and commitment.

When do we find out if the person I nominated 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 event?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kaleidoscope Festival for?

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.

How much are tickets?

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

Where are the events taking place?

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.

How can I get involved with Kaleidoscope in 2026?

We have several exciting opportunities to take part in this year’s events – click here to find out more. (Applications are now full and closed.)

You have until Wednesday 13 May 11.59PM to nominate someone for an Award by clicking here.

If you’d like more information about Kaleidoscope Festival or would like to ask about getting involved with the festival or other Kaleidoscope events in the future, you can get in touch with our Communities Manager at nicola@storyhouse.com

Is there an easy-read poster available?

Full programme can be viewed here.

You have until Wednesday 13 May 11.59PM to nominate someone for an Award by clicking here.

Are there any corporate sponsorship opportunities for the festival?

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

How is Kaleidoscope organised and planned?

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

Kaleidoscope Opportunities 2026 - Who can apply and who is eligible?

Chester’s Disability Pride Parade

This is open to anyone in the country that can get to Chester (Cheshire, UK) on Monday 6 July!

Kaleidoscope Catwalk

This is open to anyone who can be in Chester for the workshop date at (Monday 15 June) and the catwalk on Monday 6 July. Both will take place at Storyhouse.

Visual Arts Exhibition

Storyhouse will have deliver your canvas to your house, centre or college so the groups that have taken part in previous years of within a 40 mile radius of Chester (Cheshire, UK).

Kaleidoscopes Got Talent

This opportunity is open to anyone! You need to be able to be in Chester for a rehearsal and the performance in the morning and afternoon of Friday 10^th July. There are limited slots so we will be inviting acts that offer a variety of talents.

Kaleidoscope Annual Disability Awards

This opportunity is open to anyone that lives in Chester, Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales.

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.