Belonging, joy and connection: Inside the Southdown’s Summer Fiesta 2025
Posted on 25 July 2025
As guests made their way into the Fiesta venue, set in the sprawling South of England Showground in Ardingly, the energy was unmistakable. Music played in the background, bubbles floated through the breeze, and smiles were everywhere. Some guests adjusted their costumes just right, while others were supported by staff as they wheeled in, their chairs fully themed, from pirate ships to colourful bunting and bold Marvel designs.
The Learning Disability Summer Fiesta is a yearly celebration hosted by Southdown’s Learning Disability services. It’s a space for clients and staff from across our learning disability support services and the wider organisation, to come together. This year, we were delighted to be joined by members of our Leadership team, Board, and staff from across Southdown. Everyone came together to celebrate the people we support and everything they bring to our community.
Karaoke, competitions and stalls that had something for everyone
The main hall came alive with music, cheers and big performances as clients took to the stage for karaoke, hosted by the team at one of our learning disability services. With 11 slots to fill, we heard everything from pop hits to personal favourites, and it was clear that for many, the stage wasn’t daunting, it was exciting. Clients sang solo, in duets, and sometimes with staff by their side for support.
From ABBA Coaster Mania to Club Coconut, Makaton Mash-Up, Origami, and the Stocks (a big hit, especially for those who wanted to see a few familiar faces get soaked!), there was plenty to get stuck into.
This year’s competitions were a big hit, with clients and staff getting creative for categories like Best Service Theme, Best Dressed, Best Decorated Wheelchair, Best Plant Pot (a new idea from our Client Steering Group), and Best Stall – complete with a trophy for the winner. Clients had sent in their personalised plant pots in advance, which were used as table centrepieces. Each one unique, and a brilliant reminder that small ideas from clients can shape big moments on the day.
Chit Chat Corner: Breaking down barriers to friendship
This year also saw the introduction of something new: Chit Chat Corner. It was a space set up to help clients meet new people, start conversations, and build connections beyond their service in a supported environment.
Run by Lindsey Henderson, Rebecca Sharma and client volunteers, the table was busy throughout the afternoon. Clients could join in games and conversations, with communication tools on hand and the option to swap contact details if they wanted to stay in touch.
“Helping our clients make friends is something I’ve wanted to support for a long time,” said Lindsey. “When working with clients and staff teams, one of the biggest gaps we talk about in terms of quality of life is loneliness and people wanting to make friends. Chit Chat Corner helped change that – and the feedback we’ve had from services since has been amazing.”
One particularly special moment came when a group of clients started talking about becoming pen pals. They signed up to a list to write to each other and stay in touch, a simple but powerful way to build ongoing friendships. Some returned home chatting about the new friends they’d made and how happy they felt. For people often at risk of isolation due to communication barriers or limited opportunities, those small steps mean a lot.
Living life to the full, with the right support
At Southdown, we believe everyone should be supported to live the life they want. To connect with others, to feel proud of who they are, and to be part of a community. The Fiesta is one way we create space for that. It’s more than a party. It’s about visibility, inclusion and joy.
As Matt Gough, our Chief Operating Officer, shared:
“It was fantastic to attend the Learning Disability Summer Fiesta where I saw so many clients embracing the opportunity to chat with friends, try new things, dress up, enjoy the food, and meet new people too. The Fiesta really is an important social event and, along with the Learning Disability Christmas Carol Concert, gives everyone something to look forward to.“
“Being hit by wet sponges wasn’t exactly in the recruitment pack when I applied to be COO at Southdown, but it was really nice to be able to take part in the fun, and quite refreshing on a hot summer’s day!”
Behind the scenes, Louise Booreman, our Learning Disabilities services Administrator, worked closely with teams across services to bring the day to life. There was music, laughter, sunshine, but what stood out most was the simple joy of clients and staff spending time together. It captured the heart of what Southdown is all about.
It was a fun afternoon, and we’re already looking forward to the next one.
Find out more about our learning disability support services on our website here: https://www.southdown.org/how-we-help/learning-disability-support/
Here are a few snippets from the day:
