Laurence Clarke
Laurence has cerebral palsy and his outlook on life as a disabled person very much shapes his comedy. His first show, The All-Star Charity Show, won critical acclaim at Edinburgh Fringe in 2003. The show was named Critics' Choice in The Times and Laurence was described as a "powerful comedy voice" and "stunningly hard-hitting" by critic Kate Copstick in The Scotman's round-up of the best of the fr
Inspiration
Inspiration is a vibrant singing group based in Newcastle and Leeds with a passion for celebrating the power of song. Inspiration concerts are fun and exciting but also have the ultimate aim to take singing into the community.
Loose Salute
Recorded in a Cornish chicken shed, The Loose Salute’s newly released second album, “Getting Over Being Under” is an affectionate, open-hearted, follow up to their critically acclaimed first album, “Tuned to Love”. It’s a strongly crafted, bitter-sweet collection of songs of experience, low key but loveable and bursting with gently twinkling treats.
The Sensory Yurt
We are excited to announce that the Access Events Sensory Yurt will be making its 2012 summer debut at Disability Rocks! For those unfamiliar with the concept of a sensory space, they are most commonly found in care settings and used by people with autism, learning disabilities and/or multiple sensory impairments. A sensory space is a calm environment where you can go to relax if you are feeling
The Beathovens
The Beathovens are a fantastic and unique band from the Wirral, Mersyside. They won the Bumper "Liverpool Battle of the Bands" in 2007 with their fantastic live performances!! They recently played at the Savoy Theatre, London at a show hosted by Jools Holland. The Beathovens write and perform their own material drawing influence from such varied artists from Bob Marley to Neil Young and the Beatle
The Outsiders
The Outsiders are a success story from Yorkshire. An outstanding band with exceptional talent. The Outsiders have decided to ditch the label they have been given ‘adults with Learning Disabilities’ and see themselves as musicians. The Outsiders is their opportunity to show off their talents and perform.
Neil Halstead
Neil lives in Cornwall and was a member of cult shoe-gaze band Slowdive before forming critically acclaimed psych-country/folk outfit Mojave 3 . they have so far released five albums in are in the process of thinking about another one…it may take some time.
Sister Elements
Sister Elements brings her unique style to the festival with original songs combining spoken word, jazz, hip hop and soul. This debut artist releases her first album in 2012.
Roger Davies
Roger has recently enjoyed a succession of sold out concerts and performances at the Towersey, Shepley, Crawley, Otley, Wath, Holmfirth, Ashover, Stainsby and Birdsedge Folk Festivals. Recent concerts with Harvey Andrews, John Tams & Barry Coope, Bernard Wrigley, Vin Garbutt and Simon Armitage have helped to extend his audience and establish Roger as one of the most engaging young performers on t
Den Leanord and Company
Den has refined his guitar and vocal skills during his twenty years in the veterinary profession; gathering around him a band of merry music makers from dairy farms and hostelries scattered across the Cheshire plain. His influences range from Oasis to Van Morrison to Damien Rice and Pink Floyd whilst maintaining a firm connection to his Irish roots.
Peace Artists
Up to 18 musicians playing brass, saxes and percussion in this colourful streetband. Based in West Yorkshire and formed in 1983 in support of the peace movement the band continue to entertain at all kinds of events, benefits, festivals, parties all over the UK and in Europe, playing tunes and rhythms from around the world in their own inimitable style.
Gill Foure
Through running the North West Honour choir, the Central Youth Choir, 2 primary school choirs and an adult vocal group Gill Fourie has gained a wealth of experience teaching singing to children and adults of all abilities.
Active Drumming
Active Drumming provide fun group rhythm activities for school drumming workshops, community drum events and corporate team building. 2012 marks 10 years of drum circles, Boomwhackers, junk percussion and more with group sizes from 5 to 1500 so far!
Clear
Clear have fun playing great music and the audience will have fun too. They are proud of their record of getting people up and dancing everywhere they go. With songs spanning 4 decades and a healthy sprinkling of rock mixed with the sumptuous 3 part harmonies of the female lead vocals this band provide something for everyone.
Emily and Duncan
Local diva Emily Muirhead and guitar maestro Duncan Cooper have joined forces especially for Disability Rocks @ Nell Bank. Expect soulful jazz vocals and deep down Delta blues for this must see acoustic debut. We’re looking forward to a collaboration that will last well beyond the festival!
Walk a Mile
A feature length mockumentary that follows arrogant young comedian Ash Caton as he struggles to find love, fame and success.
Singe 'n' Swing
Singe ‘n’ Swing is a community based jazz band from Ben Rhydding. The band has grown up around playing jazz classics at the Ben Rhydding Community Fete since 2006, but has gone on to playing community charity gigs such as Pat’s Party.
Clayton West and the Hot Dogs
We're all looking forward to Clayton West and the Hotdogs performing at Disability Rocks, here in the heart of the Wild West Riding!
Mid Life Crisis
Based in the Dales (mainly around Grassington) Mid Life Crisis are group of middle aged men (and a woman) pretending to be rock stars. Mid Life Crisis have played the last night at Grassington Festival several times and have regular gigs at Grassington Town Hall and other venues. Mid Life Crisis play cover versions of popular rock songs with a bit of indie, pop and punk.
Gallery
Click here to view the Gallery from the 2012 Disability Rocks
Video
Alternatively,Click here to see a great video from 2012 Disability Rocks… and here to see another one!
A Great Success !
The event was held at the idyllic Nell Bank Outdoor activity Centre in Ilkley West Yorkshire on 24th May 2012, and was attended by over 750 people in total across the day.
The sunshine appeared for one of the few fine weekends this year and set the scene for what was a great day for people and bands from across the country. The event was a day festival and was open to everyone but particularly focused on those living with the impact of disability-including families, parents, carers siblings and friends. There was also a volunteer force which brought together more than 60 additional helpers (Helping Hands) in addition to sound crew, caterers, production team and centre staff.
The acts included bands, singer songwriters and duets from Cornwall, Liverpool, Harrogate Leeds Bradford, Huddersfield, Skipton and locally from Ilkley. Inspiration, a 250 strong choir finished the day sending their songs resounding down the Wharfe Valley. Disability Rocks also provided a stage for some really popular bands with members with disabilities.
Comedian Laurence Clark (Edinburgh fringe favourite) also put in an appearance on the comedy stage. There were specialist features including a drumming workshop, a sensory yurt, a dance and drama session and specialist play areas. The resounding success and the response of the people who attended has meant that the Festival will be repeated next year (June 8th 2013). Musicians and bands are being signed now (register here if you are interested
