AN arts festival with a disabled theme started in the Ribble Valley yesterday. The "No Barriers" festival is featuring workshops, exhibitions, dance and music performances by disabled artists from throughout the North-West.

The event has been organised by the Ribble Valley Disability Arts Partnership, formed last year to enable disabled people to access 'high-quality arts.' It includes workshops and performances in a wide range of media, including paintings, ceramics, textiles, metal and glass.

A preview last night at the Platform Gallery in Station Road, Clitheroe, featured singer/songwriter Ian Stanton, of Oldham, who has been described as the 'Bob Dylan of the Disability Arts Movement.' Using music and jokes, he took a humorous look at the prejudice faced by disabled people.

Other performances will include blind Ugandan pianist Francis Rwama in concert and the Common Ground Sign Dance Theatre, Britain's first touring company of deaf and hearing actors, both at the Centenaries Theatre in Stonyhurst. Further details from the Platform Gallery on 01200 443071.

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