Free Send-Friendly Creative Session - Light Up Wakefield 2026

Join us for a free, relaxed and inclusive exploration of Twist and Shine at WX - part of Light Up Wakefield.We invite families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to join us for a calm, flexible and inclusive session to explore the indoor light installation at WX, Twist and Shine.Families are invited to take their time, follow their curiosity and engage at a pace that feels comfortable. Support by a creative facilitator, take part in a range of optional creative activities inspired by light, shape, pattern and nature.Activities may include mark-making, colour and shadow play, kaleidoscope making, discovering patterns in nature, sensory and imaginative play.All creative activities are open-ended, allowing for individual interpretation and exploration.The session will be led by experience SEND Creative Practitioner Bryony Pritchard.Session details:
1:30pm - soft arrival
1:40pm-2:45pm Explore Twist and Shine and creative activity stations
2:45pm-3:00pm Gentle wind-down and finishThe installation will be closed to the public during this time, and you'll also be provided with an activity sheet to help explore our other light up installations around Wakefield city centre from 5pm.Guide age 4-14yrs (please contact us if you'd like to discuss suitability)Maximum 20 people per session to maintain small group size in support of a calm engagement.
These sessions aim to:Support children to engage in their own way and at their own pace
Encourage sensory exploration and curiosity
Build confidence, agency and self-expression
Support communication through movement, gesture, sound and mark making
Offer opportunities for connection, calm and share experience
Create a welcoming cultural experience that values different and individualityHow are these sessions SEND-friendly?Open-ended activities with no expected outcomes
Children lead the pace and level of engagement
Sensory storytelling and object handling
Slower transitions and processing time
Attention to noise levels
Accessible materials and tools
Table-top options for wheelchair users
Quiet/chill-out area available throughoutFamilies are welcome to step in and out of activities as needed.
Access information:Pushchair and wheelchair accessible
Buggy parking available
Ear defenders are available on requestIf you have any questions or would like to talk through access needs before booking, please contact: ncambridge@wakefield.gov.ukWe are committed to making WX a welcoming and accessible space for everyone to enjoy.
We have full step-free access from our entrances and a fully accessible lift on the ground floor by the main bar.
A Changing Places Toilet (CPT) is located on the ground floor adjacent to the exit into The Yard.
Assistance guide and well behaved dogs are welcome throughout the venue.
You can find our Easy Read Guide here.