SEND children and families enjoy 'freedom without judgement' at pioneering Essex festival

Some of the organisers - Andrew Denny, Harry Coules, Chloe Neighbour, Ben Shahrabi, James Hunt, Charlotte Hunt, Kerry Edwards and Grace Rutherford. (Credit: SEND Fest)

THOUSANDS of children with additional needs enjoyed a two-day festival specially designed to give them a summer day out with their families.

SEND Fest 2026 took place at Marsh Farm in South Woodham Ferrers, organised by parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The event was founded by two Essex organisations, with support from Marsh Farm and Essex County Council.

Kerry Edwards, marketing and communications manager at the Independence Project, helped put it all together.

She said: "SEND Fest was born with the idea of creating an event where children and adults with additional needs, and their families, could come together in an inclusive space. It offers connection, understanding and, most importantly, no judgement.

“We wanted to give children and their families the freedom to be themselves, relax, have fun and make memories.”

Inclusive fun - families were encouraged to spread out and enjoy a variety of activities on offer. (Credit: Michelle Rees / Instagram: @photographybymichellerees

The Independence Project collaborated on the event with Stories About Autism, which is based in Burnham-on-Crouch.

They sought to create an environment where SEND families would not feel judged as they may to in other public spaces.

Going for a spin - families enjoyed children's rides including tea cups. (Credit: Michelle Rees / Instagram: @photographybymichellerees)

Independence Project founder Andrew Denny said: “I love seeing everyone coming together and just relaxing.

“I know how important it is for families to just be able to let their guards down in the community with other like-minded families and not feel the constant pressure of what it is to be a SEND parent.

All aboard - children and adults with additional needs were among 3,000 visitors across both days. (Credit: Michelle Rees / Instagram: @photographybymichellerees)

“It makes me proud to say that the Independence Project has played its part in bringing this to the community.”

Marsh Farm was transformed, with a wide variety of additional activities and stalls featuring charities, educational organisations and businesses specialising in SEND-friendly toys.

Building memories - giant Lego blocks and other fun activities were on offer. (Credit: Michelle Rees / Instagram: @photographybymichellerees)

Sam Journet, Essex councillor responsible for SEND provision, attended the event with fellow Reform councillor Paul Godfrey, who is responsible for adult social care in Essex.

Mr Journet, who has autism and ADHD, described the event as “absolutely fantastic”.

“I understand the struggles parents and children go through,” he said.

Essex Reform councillors Sam Journet and Paul Godfrey attended the event. (Credit: Ben Shahrabi)

“Being able to come to these events allow me and the [Reform] party to streamline our policy in how we’re going to make Essex the best place for SEND provision in the country.”