Challenge Accepted: Improving Accessibility and Inclusion at Ayclive Festival:
Improving Accessibility and Inclusion at Ayclive Festival
I have emailed the following:
Dear Ayclive Festival Team,
I’m reaching out in the hope of initiating a constructive dialogue regarding accessibility and disability inclusion at Ayclive.
Putting aside the personal bias I experienced in person from the manager, Paul Howarth, I want to clarify that I don’t hate your festival. In fact, I care deeply about making it better—not just for myself, but for all disabled residents of Newton Aycliffe. My goal is simply to see improved support and awareness for those with disabilities, particularly invisible illnesses, so that Ayclive can be a more welcoming event for everyone in our community.
I was disappointed to be blocked from the Ayclive page, as it appeared to be a way of silencing legitimate concerns. Rather than shut people out, I believe there is real opportunity here to collaborate and grow. As an Independent Disability Advocate, I would be more than willing to work with your team to help improve accessibility measures for next year’s event.
While I personally found the actions of Mr. Howarth exclusionary and hurtful, I am not seeking to make this personal. I simply want to ensure that future events are more inclusive, that mistakes are acknowledged, and that the voices of disabled people are not dismissed or erased.
If the Ayclive team is willing to show accountability and work with me, I would be more than happy to remove any negative reviews or posts I’ve made. I do not take joy in criticising local efforts—my concern is and has always been how disabled Newtonians are treated, and how we can do better as a community. I sincerely care about our town and want Ayclive to be something we can all feel proud of.
Let’s work together to make Ayclive 2026 a festival that all Newtonians can enjoy safely and equally.
Kind regards,
Sarah Wingfield
Newtonian
Independent Disability Advocate
