About Spectrum

Spectrum was inspired by two young boys – William and Edward. Their struggles to find places to play and be themselves led to the creation of the first Spectrum Autism Friendly Festival in 2018. Spectrum was initially set up by David & Chris of PeaksGO. Despite already running a hugely successful outdoor events company, running a festival was a whole new ball game that they grabbed with both hands and created a wonderful inclusive event.
 
To say the first festival was a success would be an understatement. In its first outing, it won the award for ‘Most Accessible Event’ in 2018. Not a single complaint was received, or refund requested. Achieved through a combination of incredible facilities and staff of Lea Green and appropriate activities, stalls and entertainment. The goal of creating a festival that would allow people with Autism, and other disabilities, to have fun in an environment where they can truly be themselves, whilst providing parents and carers a space to relax, without fear of judgement was achieved. It was also be a place to get the much-needed support for those that need it most. In 2020, the Festival officially became a CIC (Community Interest Company) which allows for the team to reach out to sponsors and apply for funding to support the not-for-profit festival. The running of the festival was passed to David’s wife Gemma, who has an obvious passion for the festival and its future.
 
As the world ground to a halt in 2020, the first festival as a CIC had to wait until 2021.
Since then with Gemma at the helm, the festivals have grown from strength to strength with not only the Autism Friendly Festival at Lea Green in September but now the additional MiniFest at Young People’s Forest in Heanor which held the first event in May 2024.
2024 also saw the introduction of parent/carer workshops to help with understanding autism, ADHD & anxiety. In January 2025 Spectrum Autism Friendly Festivals CIC became Spectrum Derbyshire CIC to help Gemma to include more events and workshops alongside the festivals with lots more exciting things to come so watch this space…….