Dublin hosts new Sensoria festival to celebrate neurodiversity
Lord Mayor Daithí De Róiste and Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, at the launch of Sensoria, taking place on April 28
A new and inclusive event is taking place at the end of the month in Dublin to celebrate World Autism Month.
Sensoria, which will take place on April 28 in Merrion Square Park, has been organised by Dublin City Council with the help of organisations such as AsIAm and Neurodiversity Ireland.
The event is free, but booking is required. Tickets are available for two sessions on the day, from 11am to 1.30pm, and 2.30pm to 5pm.
The creative outdoor experience will feature several zones to explore, including performances by an ADHD artist from Cork and sensory silent films.
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Other highlights include a sensory movement workshop and performance tent, a neurodiversity information village, Peata therapy dogs, an aerial show, a sensory dome for families to enjoy quiet and regulation, a sensory garden, fun yoga, drawing workshops and a puppet show.
A Street Theatre zone will also be available on the day, focusing on non-verbal performances including acrobatics, juggling and an aerial circus.
“It is every parent’s and child’s right to enjoy public events. Through consultation with experts in the area of neurodiversity, we have created a space of acceptance, calm and understanding,” said Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste.
“We have designed a special, relevant programme of performances, workshops and activities which will be inspirational and entertaining for neurodiverse families.”
He added that he looks forward to this becoming an “annual event” to make Dublin a more neurodivergent-friendly capital city.
The Sensoria festival will take place on April 28 in Merrion Square Park
Other musical performances on the day will include one from The Meeting Place Club, a centre for young people with special needs in Finglas, and the Rejoice Gospel Choir, who will perform on the main stage.
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said that “too often” festivals, family days out, and other special occasions in the life of communities can leave autistic and neurodivergent people behind.
“This festival not only seeks to address the invisible but very real barriers our community face, but prioritises the support needs, experiences and preferences of our community,” he said.
Emma Weld-Moore, a volunteer at Neurodiversity Ireland, added that embracing neurodiversity is not “just a choice” but rather a celebration of the unique strengths and perspectives of each individual.
“This event gives neurodivergent people and their families the opportunity to celebrate their uniqueness and to experience a festival in a neuro-affirming, safe environment,” she said.
