Attivo is proud to support Cheltenham Festivals’ Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) programme
It helps children, young people and families to access music, science, literature and the arts in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Our partnership is rooted in a shared belief that cultural opportunities should be open to everyone. Through relaxed performances, bespoke workshops and accessible festival experiences, Cheltenham Festivals creates spaces where young people can take part in ways that work for them.
A natural partnership
Cheltenham Festivals is a charity with a year-round mission to bring arts, culture and education to as wide and diverse an audience as possible. Its SEND programme supports that ambition by making festival experiences more accessible for children and young people with additional needs.
For Attivo, the partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the communities we are part of and championing opportunities that help people live fuller lives.
What our partnership supports
Our support helps Cheltenham Festivals deliver relaxed concerts for schools and families, alongside bespoke SEND workshops across its Jazz, Music, Science and Literature Festivals.
Over the last two years, the programme has shared the joy of live music with more than 200 children and young people in relaxed and inclusive settings. As it grows, we are proud to help make more cultural experiences accessible to those who may benefit from them most.
Inside a relaxed concert
At Cheltenham Music Festival’s Relaxed Concert for Schools, children are welcomed into an informal space where they can experience music in their own way. There is no expectation to sit still or stay quiet. Children can stand, dance, sing along, move around or simply listen.
After the performance, young people are encouraged to meet the musicians and explore the instruments for themselves, creating moments of curiosity, confidence and connection.
Alongside supporting the programme, Attivo colleagues also volunteer at these events, working alongside the Cheltenham Festivals team to help create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for attendees. Of the 2025 concert, one of Attivo’s volunteers shared that:
“We really appreciated the chance to volunteer. It’s events like this that make a big difference in the community – giving children access to live music and creating experiences they’ll remember.”
Shared values, shared impact
Our connection with Cheltenham Festivals began through Attivo client and Lifetime Festival Patron Jeremy Lewis, whose passion for the charity helped introduce us to its community work. What started as a conversation has developed into a partnership focused on accessibility, inclusion and enriching lives.
“When people ask what Cheltenham Festivals does for the community, I say that, among other things, the Festivals spark curiosity amongst children and adults alike. Sparking curiosity is what inspires change,” says Jeremy.
Alaana Watt, Director of Fundraising at Cheltenham Festivals, said: “We are delighted to grow our partnership with Attivo, whose commitment to enriching lives mirrors our own vision of making culture accessible to everyone.”
Culture has the power to inspire confidence, curiosity and connection
Through this partnership, Attivo and Cheltenham Festivals are helping more young people and families enjoy experiences designed with them in mind.
We are proud to support a programme that brings together community, creativity and inclusion in a way that makes culture feel open to everyone.
