Sunday 12th July 2026 · Free Entry · 10am – 4:30pm
Disability Awareness Day
The world’s largest voluntary-led disability exhibition. Over 150 exhibitors, accessible sports, live arts, and a day of inspiration at Walton Hall Gardens, Warrington.
Location
Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington, WA4 6SN
Information
Fully accessible event site
Show Sponsors
Disability Awareness Day is a real example of Partnerships in Action, and we would like thank everybody who supports DAD, especially our sponsors for their financial and in-kind contributions.
About Disability Awareness Day
Disability Awareness Day (DAD) is widely recognised as the world’s largest, voluntary led, pan disability, and free to attend, independent living expo. DAD was launched in 1992 and is organised by Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP), a user led charity.
Held within the grounds of the amazing Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington (off A56), DAD 2026 will be the finale of a week of complementary events. None of these events would be possible without the help of our sponsors and supporters, and hundreds of volunteers aptly named DAD’s Army. United Utilities are leading our list of sponsors for DAD 2026.
Over 150 exhibitors will highlight solutions supporting independent living and mobility, with equipment, products, transport, employment, education, health and social care, leisure activities, alongside over 100 charities/support groups.
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A huge, tented village of marquees will house most of the exhibitors that will be supported by; a Sports Zone, a Main Arena, a Performing Arts Marquee, two further marquees featuring Art and Crafts.
The Sports Zone offers “have a go” sports activities or sit alongside the Main Arena or the stage in the Performing Arts marquee watching a wide range of highly talented entertainers.
All this and a Silent Disco, Circus Skills, Classic Car Show, a Viking Village and play areas, plus Walton Gardens accessible onsite zoo, crazy golf, high ropes and pitch and putt.
Support services include a free accessible Park and Ride service, free accessible buses from Warrington Town Centre, a free mobility scooter and wheelchair loan service (subject to availability), British Sign Language interpreters and over 80 trained stewards and helper’s eager to make it a day to remember for everyone.
Although information, advice and guidance are the focus for DAD, a by-product has seen over £1million raised by charities. DAD has been featured on TV (BBC and ITV) and covered by radio and newspapers at home and abroad. In 2006 we were presented the Queens Award for Voluntary Services. Most of all it has provided something for every one of our 700,000 visitors who have attended DAD events during the past 34 years.
In 2011 we welcomed Her Royal Highness, the Countess of Wessex and in 1998, 2001, 2006 and 2013 we were joined by the Minister for Disabled People. Cheshire’s Lord Lieutenant David Briggs MBE represented the Royal Family at our 25th Anniversary event in 2016. Other special guests include Thailand’s Minister for Health and Social Care, RAF Red Arrows, RAF WW2 Dakota and over a dozen European delegates.
DAD Warrington has inspired organisations in nearly 20 countries to run their own versions including Cameroon, India, Uganda, Thailand, Gibraltar, and Egypt.
150+ Exhibitors
Equipment, services, transport, holidays and support all under one roof.
Sports Zone
Accessible Activities, Wheelchair Basketball, Blind Baseball, Scuba Diving and lots more.
Performing Arts
Live music, dance groups, silent disco, and entertainment in dedicated marquees.
Fully Inclusive
Fully accessible with scooter hire, BSL interpreters, information, activites and a free shuttle service.
disability awareness
The Aims of DAD
From assistive technology to live performances, there’s something for everyone at our tented village event.
To Highlight
What statutory, private or voluntary services are available to enable disabled people to stay independent.
To Promote
Equipment and aids that could maintain or improve independence, not just what is offered by statutory service providers.
To Provide
An opportunity to showcase what disabled people can do, in the field of Sport, Arts and Entertainment.
Discover what's on at DAD 2026
From assistive technology to live performances, there’s something for everyone at our tented village event.
Exhibition Village
Over 150 exhibitors showcasing equipment, mobility aids, transport solutions, holidays, leisure, employment and support services.
Sports Zone
Try wheelchair basketball, accessible scuba diving, blind baseball and a wide range of adaptive sports in our dedicated activity area.
Performing Arts
Live music, dance, theatre and comedy in our performing arts marquee — showcasing talented disabled artists on the main stage.
Arts & Crafts
Hands-on creative workshops in dedicated marquees, plus the new Active Arts project with nationally acclaimed disabled artists.
Product Launches
Be first to see new mobility and independent living products launched exclusively at this year’s show by leading manufacturers.
Family Entertainment
Silent disco, main arena, town crier opening ceremony, viking village. classic car show and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
A look Back at 2025
Make your day special
Latest Assistive Tech
See the newest and best equipment and aids to maintain or improve independence.
Accessible Scuba Diving
One of our most popular attractions — try scuba diving with expert instructors.
Tented Village
A huge network of connected marquees within the beautiful grounds of Walton Hall.
Free Shuttle Bus
Complimentary accessible shuttle service running throughout the day.
Exciting Performances
Visit our Arts Marquee or Main Arena for wonderful inclusive entertainment.
Free Programme
Comprehensive event guide handed out on arrival — your map to the day’s highlights.
What visitors usually want to know
What statutory, private or voluntary services are available to enable disabled people to stay independent.
Is Disability Awareness Day really free?
Yes! Entry is completely free, and you’ll receive a free programme on arrival. Parking is also free on site for blue badge holders, and there’s a complimentary accessible shuttle bus from Warrington town centre.
How do I get to Walton Hall & Gardens?
Walton Hall & Gardens is on Walton Lea Road in Higher Walton, Warrington (WA4 6SN). There’s free parking for blue badge holders and a free shuttle bus from the town centre on the day.
Is the venue fully wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely. The entire site is designed to be fully accessible. Pathways, marquees and facilities are all wheelchair-friendly, and volunteers are on hand to assist throughout the day.
How can I exhibit or sponsor the event?
We welcome exhibitors and sponsors from across the disability sector and beyond. Visit our Get Involved page or contact the team directly through our website to discuss options.
Can I volunteer on the day?
DAD is powered by volunteers and we’re always looking for help. Sign up through the Get Involved section of the website to join our team for DAD 2026.