Apulstock is a community based, not-for-profit event run by volunteers as a music festival, for Adults with Learning Disabilities. The first Apulstock Festival took place in the summer of 2011. It grew from a very simple idea, done for the right reasons, bringing people together for the love of live music, community and rock and roll. Each year we aim to build on the success of the previous year’s music festival. Our focus is putting on a fantastic show for our guests, in a safe and friendly environment where everyone is included. In 2013, Apulstock became fully independent of the Apuldram Centre. Since then it has grown steadily in popularity, attracting guests from all over the UK. The purpose of Apulstock is to offer a festival experience to people that would not normally have the chance to visit a music festival. It is a small, community orientated event that values the principles of Music, Community and Equality.

What we'll deliver:

• 20 + hours of live performances across 2 days, taking place on an outdoor stage with professional sound and lighting.
• Full disabled access toilet facilities including a dedicated changing space with accessible hoist
• Public liability insurance for the event
• A 32 page, full colour event guide, featuring photos from the last 10 years of the event.
• Supervised camping activity for people with learning disabilities

Why it's a great idea:

Apulstock is a music festival that enables people with learning disabilities from across the UK to let their hair down and rock out without having to worry about what others may think. It is an inclusive and friendly community event that brings people together from all walks of live, breaking down barriers and creating joy. The festival is not a fundraiser, it is undertaken with the simple purpose of making people feel good about themselves. Since the festival began, it has grown steadily in popularity and now attracts guests from as far away as Hastings, Bournemouth, Kingston and Somerset. Although the festival is aimed at people with learning disabilities, anyone is welcome to attend. Apulstock is an entirely not for profit event, run by unpaid volunteers and supported by local businesses. It is a highly inclusive festival and actively encourages other community groups and charities to get involved. In 2016, the Apulstock won the Observer Award for ‘Best Community Event’.

Steps to get it done:

• Meeting the cost of staging, light and sound
• Meeting the cost of venue hire
• Meeting the cost of insuring the event
• Meeting the cost of equipment hire
• Meeting the cost of security
• Meeting the cost of first aid
• Meeting the cost of changing facilities for wheelchair users
• Apulstock 2020 will then take place on 17-18 July 2020

Apulstock is a simple idea, done for the right reasons. It is music, community and equality.