Children’s television presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant George Webster is to return to a heritage centre near Harrogate where he used to volunteer.
George volunteered as a teenager at Washburn Heritage Centre before rising to fame and becoming the first ever CBeebies presenter with Down’s syndrome.
He will return for a question and answer session and sign copies of his new autobiography ‘This is Me!’.
The picture book aims to teach children that “each one of us is different, just like pebbles at the seaside”.
George will talk about growing up and his rapid rise to success.
He spoke about Down’s syndrome in a video for BBC Bitesize in 2021. He also competed in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, and became an ambassador for the learning disability charity Mencap.
George volunteered at the centre when he was at school.
Washburn Heritage Centre was established in 2011 following an extension to Fewston Church and is used as a hub to promote the Washburn Valley.
It is run by volunteers who host frequent workshops, courses and talks, as well as a tea room on weekends.
The event will take place on Saturday, September 23, from 2pm – 4pm.
Children and adults are welcome and will be able to receive signed copies of George’s book.
Tickets start from £8.
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Free festival for disabled children returns to Ripon
A family friendly festival is returning to Ripon this month.
‘This is Me’ festival seeks to provide a fun, family-friendly environment for children and young people with disabilities
Organised by Nidderdale and Morton children’s resources centres, the festival has run since 2018 and has grown in size year on year.
A number of live musical acts will be performing, including Lily Worth, Freddie Cleary, Rock Choir and Rory Hoy.
The Baked Bean Theatre Company, a drama group based around helping those with learning disabilities, will also be making an appearance.
The day will be rounded out by The Doubtful Bottle, an indie-rock outfit from York. Most members were previously a part of The Conspirators who achieved some success on the UK Indie rock charts.
Cllr Janet Sanderson, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for children and families, said:
“This is Me was introduced following requests from our young people who wished to attend a music festival. It provides young individuals with a disability an opportunity to attend a festival, which caters to their needs by being fully inclusive and accessible.
“The fun-filled festival, with so much to see and do, sounds like a perfect day out and we look forward to seeing you there.”
Other attractions will include a silent disco, a circus space, an animal petting area, yoga sessions, and arts and crafts.
There will also be stands where information about local and national groups and support networks can be shared.
They have all given thought to the needs of people with autism. This year sees the addition of quieter area and a sensory tent to help cater for all needs.
As well as this, this year will see the introduction of a well-being camp. This will include activities such as massage, free haircuts by an autism-friendly barber, and support from The Sleep Charity.
The event will be held from noon to 6pm, on Sunday, June 25. The event is both held at and sponsored by Ripon Rugby Club.
Wristbands for the event are free but donations are welcome. They can be booked online prior to the day by emailing NCRC@northyorks.gov.uk. More information can be found on their Facebook page here.