A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
The Leap, in partnership with communities across the Bradford district, has wrapped up a joyful and inclusive celebration of creativity with the SENDIVERSE Festival — a district-wide programme featuring more than 63 arts and cultural events held between 3 October and 1 November.
The festival offered an inspiring mix of activities across museums, libraries, and community venues, bringing together young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), along with their families and friends, for hands-on creative workshops, performances, and cultural experiences.
Designed in collaboration with young people and families, SENDIVERSE gave participants a leading role in shaping the festival’s activities — ensuring every event was welcoming, creative, and accessible to all.
Imran Hussain MP praised the initiative, saying:
“We need a root-and-branch review of SEND provision in Bradford and across the country. Too many children and families are still unable to access the support they need. That’s why I was delighted to get involved with this festival. It has been incredible to see such a wide range of high-quality arts and cultural activities available to children and families with SEND. Much more needs to be done to provide creative opportunities for people with SEND, and The Leap are doing pioneering work on this issue.”
Across the festival, participants explored creativity in all its forms. At Keighley Library, families joined But I Can’t Read Music, proving that everyone can make music regardless of experience. At Bradford Industrial Museum, Print & Belong celebrated heritage and identity through monochrome printmaking. Meanwhile, WomenZone hosted Shape, Mould, Make — a clay workshop that got hands messy and imaginations flowing — and at the Bolton Woods Centre, Making Waves offered sensory-friendly music-making using inclusive instruments and technology.
Festival lead Ibrar Ali from The Leap said:
“SENDIVERSE has shown how powerful creativity can be when everyone is included. This is possibly the largest arts festival anywhere focused especially on children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We hope to involve many more people in the festival next year.”
The festival concluded with a spectacular finale, The Big Bang, held on 1 November at The Life Centre, featuring more than 20 arts and cultural activities, including live performances by local talents Plumber Drummer, Darren Ellis, and SORM Mashup. Over 1,700 people from across Bradford and Keighley attended throughout the day.
One of the highlights came from 11-year-old Jace Palmer, a pupil at Reevy Hill Primary School, who won the SENDIVERSE sculpture competition with his owl creation.
“We had an amazing day,” Jace said. “I got involved in lots of new arts activities with my mum, brother and sister.”
Looking ahead, The Leap is now calling for new partners to join the SENDIVERSE 2026 Festival, aiming to make the next celebration even more inclusive and creative for all.
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