What's On At DAD 2026
Multiple strands interwoven into a colourful, inspiring, fun and informative day out. From over 150 exhibitors to accessible scuba diving, there’s something for everyone.
Over 300 exhibitor spaces across our tented village
Over 300 exhibitor spaces are available to organisations including voluntary, statutory and business sectors all working to a common goal of “Promoting Independence Throughout Life & Work”, with support groups and services, equipment, transport, technology, holidays, benefits, employment, education, training, mobility, leisure, recreation, sport and much more.
Exhibitor Spaces
Sports To Try
Have a go — accessible sports for everyone
The DAD Sports zone offers chances to ‘have a go’ at participating in Scuba Diving in our on-site pool with kit and instructors from Cheshire Scuba Academy. We also offer Tai Chi, Wheelchair Basketball, Tennis, snooker and Rugby League – physical disability, learning disability, and wheelchair. All activities are supported by qualified coaches and instructors. Plus there will be information on how you can get involved in local weekly activities.
An exciting programme of live performance and creativity
There is an exciting programme of performing arts in the Arts Marquee with audience seating for up to 400 people. The 2026 line up will include nationally acclaimed Ella Performance Group, Timepiece Band, Creative Remedies and Wargrave Community Choir.
This year the growing Arts Zone has on stage entertainment in the hugely popular Performing Arts Marquee, plus three new marquees with lots of new features, activities and experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Seat Capacity
Craft Activities for all ages
Arts, Crafts & Displays
Alongside all the exciting performances, the Arts Zone also features craft activities with WDP’s Monday Club and Warrington Youth Zone.
The Arts Zone also offers facepainting, Marbling Art with Ebru, Postcard making with Laura Aquilina and art displays from Walton Lea, Keate House and Creating Adventures.
An exciting programme of live performance and creativity
The Main Arena, hosted by Radio General, features a packed programme of entertainment and opportunities to try something new. Enjoy displays from Reach Sled Dogs, Warrington Wolves Foundation, RhythMative Street Dance Group, Odinn Born Viking Re-enactment Group, the Royal Marines Association Corps of Drums, UK Blind Baseball Association, and Batida Rio Samba Band, with plenty of chances to get involved throughout the day.
Seat Capacity
Silent Disco Channels
Chill zone and sensory-friendly music
Our popular Silent Disco returns for Disability Awareness Day 2026.
The Silent Disco Marquee is fully accessible with support from our friendly stewards and volunteers to make the experience enjoyable and inclusive for all visitors. Whether you want to dance, sing along, or just enjoy the atmosphere, the Silent Disco has it all!
Our Brand New, Fully Accessible Canal Boat
New for DAD 2026, The Wizard II – John B will be moored on the Bridgewater Canal adjacent to the entrance bridge for visitors to come and have a look around or have a short cruise on the water. The new canal boat was designed with accessibility at the heart, and therefore is now bigger, wider and features an accessible toilet, wheelchair lift and the opportunity to drive the boat yourself!
Family Friendly Entertainment for All
In addition to the Sports Zone activities, we have circustry skills, arts and crafts, performances and the Viking Village.
On site services available at Walton Gardens include an accessible zoo, pitch and putt, crazy golf, accessible swings and fair ground rides.
Unique Classic Car Display
Members of the North West Classic Car Club will be displaying a range of classic and vintage cars, in a dedicated site located adjacent to the fish pond.
HERITAGE PROJECT
The Heritage Project
WDP’s heritage project includes a disability timeline, stemming back before Christ, plotting the history of disability to modern day. The display also includes a Invacar AC 70 and several 100+ year old wheelchairs and mobility aids.