The award-winning comedian, writer and disability advocate Rosie Jones will host a special event at this year’s Inclusive Performing Arts Festival in Bedford, bringing the Rosie Jones Foundation to Bedfringe for a variety show celebrating performers with cerebral palsy.
The Rosie Jones Foundation: Party, Not Pity event will form part of the two-day festival, which champions deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists while promoting accessible opportunities in performing arts.
The Inclusive Performing Arts Festival takes place during the first two days of Bedfringe, which runs from 22 – 26 July at The Quarry Theatre on St Peter’s Street.
Party, Not Pity will take place at 6pm on Wednesday, 22 July at the Quarry Theatre. Tickets are available here.
Read: Bedford’s Inclusive Performing Arts Festival returns for EVERY BODY
Rosie Jones said: “I am SO excited to host the variety show and enjoy the performances of people we have met through our work at the foundation.
“From a comedy debut to music and poetry, our lineup is going to smash it.
“Amplifying the lived experiences, brilliance and talents of people with cerebral palsy means so much to me. I love my job, and nights like these are what it’s all about. See you there, Bedford.”
Party not Pity will showcase performances by talented artists with cerebral palsy, providing a platform for disabled performers to share their creativity, humour and lived experiences.
“Elevating and celebrating”
Rosie Jones and foundation CEO, Aisling O’Connor, will host the event for a powerful night of comedy, spoken word, film and song.
Aisling said: “We are so excited to present Party Not Pity Live for the first time.
“The work Elise [Gray] and the team have done on the festival is a testament to their unwavering commitment to elevating and celebrating the disabled community’s creativity and art.
“This is a vision we proudly share, and this event celebrates that vision by putting it into action.”
The festival, organised by Inclusive Performing Arts CIC and supported by Bedfringe, aims to challenge outdated perceptions of disability by placing disabled artists centre stage in an environment where accessibility is built into every aspect of the event.
Founder and festival director Elise Gray said: “We are so incredibly proud to welcome Rosie Jones and The Rosie Jones Foundation to Bedford.
“‘Party, Not Pity’ is the first gig ever of its kind, and we are so proud that it is happening in Bedford. We can’t wait for audiences to experience the energy, laughter and incredible performances this event will bring.”
Alongside Rosie Jones’ appearance, the Inclusive Performing Arts Festival will feature live performances, workshops and activities across two days, with British Sign Language interpretation, accessible changing places facilities and sensory-friendly spaces available throughout.
The festival hopes to welcome audiences from across Bedfordshire and beyond, encouraging the whole community to experience outstanding performances while celebrating disability, creativity and inclusion.
Tickets for Party Not Pity! are available online at bedfringe.com, but please contact the theatre for the accessible ticket options.
The Inclusive Performing Arts Festival takes place on 22–23 July at The Quarry Theatre, Bedford, as part of Bedfringe. Follow on Instagram for more updates.
