THE first ever music festival for people with a learning disability is coming to the New Forest.

More than 40 acts are set to perform at the inaugural New Forest Spectrum Festival in July.

Organisers say the event, which is being held in Lyndhurst, is the first festival exclusively for people with a learning disability and autism, their families and carers.

The three-day event will run from Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 12, and will include a variety of acts and entertainment.

It will host two stages, a dance tent and a sensory area, as well a number of other activities including a circus school, swing dance classes and a zip wire.

Carers and children under the age of 12 go free and organisers say the entire site is wheelchair-friendly.

The festival is being run by two New Forest charities, the Minstead Training Trust and Stables Family Home Trust.

Between them, the charities provide care and support to over 250 adults with a learning disability in the area.

Hal Kennard, the festival’s co-producer, has spent the last two-and-a-half years as a carer for a young man with Down's Syndrome.

He said: “New Forest Spectrum’s music policy will be broad, eclectic and fun with a twist of pop, a dab of disco and a sprinkle of reggae.

“The concept behind the festival is audience interaction. The hardest part is letting everyone around the country with learning disabilities know about the festival – please help us spread the word.”

Hugh Calder has been a music tour manager for more than 20 years.

He is also father to two disabled children and is the festival’s other co-producer.

He said: “We have tried to ensure there is something for everyone – from an autism-friendly chill out zone, massage and pampering tent, and CODA Music jamming tent, to zip wires and circus acts.

“We are really excited about this unique offer and hope as many people as possible will come and make it a successful annual event.”

Artist performing at the festival include the pop band Fish Police and the blues band The Travelling Time Wasters. Both bands feature talented musicians with autism and a learning disability.

A variety of tribute acts will also be there including Tony as Robbie, Real Nirvana, Fleetwood Bac and Abba Revival.

A three-day ticket, which includes camping, costs £120 and a one-day ticket costs £80.

To book tickets go to newforsetspectrum.org/tickets-for-new-forest-spectrum.