Inclusive Disco 2026 Summer Celebration with Brent Council and BANG

On a Monday afternoon in July, the Inclusive Disco 2026 Summer Celebration was organised through a partnership between BANG and Brent Council. Pupils from three schools – Woodfield School, The Village School and Wembley Manor – came together at Wembley Manor for a sensory-aware event where they could express themselves, enjoy the music, and connect with their friends.

With colourful decorations, a lively dance floor and a relaxed atmosphere, everything was in place for a memorable event.

Behind the Decks: Students Took Charge of the Playlist

One of the day’s standout moments was seeing students become part of the entertainment rather than simply watching it. Under the guidance of DJ John Fraser, they stepped behind the DJ booth. They discovered how the equipment worked, experimented with mixing tracks and chose songs for the dance floor.

Hearing their song selections played to a room of dancing friends was unforgettable, giving them confidence to explore something new.

On the Dance Floor: Games, Singing and Plenty of Smiles

Host Amanda from BANG kept the celebrations moving with a variety of interactive activities. Favourite games such as Freeze Dance and Limbo encouraged everyone to get involved. Students were also given the opportunity to sing along to their favourite songs as the microphone was passed around.

Young people expressed themselves confidently and took part in a way that suited their individual communication styles.

The dance floor remained full throughout the event as students enjoyed dancing independently, with friends or alongside members of staff. Everyone was encouraged to participate in their own way, creating an inclusive environment where every contribution was valued.

Behind the Event: BANG and Brent Council

BANG and Brent Council organised the event for Wembley Manor, Woodfield School and The Village School students. Staff, inclusion teams and parent-carer representatives also joined in.

BANG stands for “Building A New Generation” and is a Brent-based youth-focused charity organisation. They organise early intervention programmes to encourage and sustain a positive impact in young people’s lives.

BANG seeks to co-produce a community that provides support and teaches life and career skills while centring young people’s agency and individuality.

The Inclusive Disco shows how collaboration is vital in providing a welcoming atmosphere for young people.

This event is also a part of Brent Council’s Inclusion Strategy 2026-2029, a way to provide young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) with the opportunity to socialise outside of school.

Looking Ahead: Feedback and Future Events

After the event, students shared their favourite parts of the afternoon. The DJ experience and dancing received the most praise, closely followed by the games and the opportunity to spend time together.

Students described the spirit of the event with words including “fun,” “good,” and “hip-hop”.

One student’s comment summed up the afternoon:

“I love the music because of the DJ.”

Another student shared:

“The best time of my life! No stress, no peer pressure, no controlling people.”

Students also offered valuable suggestions for future events. Ideas included adding sports activities, arts and crafts, a photo booth and a wider variety of refreshments. Some also mentioned that parts of the disco felt quite busy or noisy, feedback that will help shape future celebrations.

BANG shares they have started planning for the next Inclusive Disco, as well as a winter celebration, which is sure to continue to foster confidence and diversity, with young people’s enthusiasm at the forefront.

Future programmes will include a broader range of activities to ensure every young person can actively take part in a way that reflects their interests and abilities. The next event will include a dedicated quiet space alongside creative activities away from the dance floor, giving everyone more choice in how they participate and ensuring the experience remains welcoming for all.

Natalie Bissah, Project Officer for Inclusion at Brent Council, reflected on the event:

“It was great to have BANG on board, and I can honestly say this event outdid the winter event.”

To learn more about BANG’s projects, visit their website.

Written by Ejemen