GLISTEN Fest
Friday 10 – Saturday 18 October 2025
Our annual sparkly, sensory festival filled with light and sound for people with Profound Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). GLISTEN Fest has been designed to ignite the senses, inspire creativity and create memories that can be shared with family, friends and carers!
On the 10 and 11 October you can experience ‘Drift’ by sensory theatre specialists Interplay. Drift is an amazing arcade inspired sensory show designed for people with PMLD and learning disabilities, where the audience can help to shape the story!
From 14 to 18 October join our facilitated sensory sessions, and be transported through a world of light and sound around the theme of Starry nights! It’s the perfect excuse to come more than once!
You can also relax in our chilled out Sensory Space or drop in and visit Wishing Well, our accessible, fun new interactive installation filled with characters, visuals and animations!
Scroll down to find out more!
What’s on?
We have some wonderful experiences to bring you during GLISTEN Fest 2025, ‘Drift’ by sensory theatre producers Interplay, and specialist facilitated sessions in our wonderful Starry Nights themed space. Drift performances take place on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 October. Facilitated sensory sessions are available Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 October, plus some drop in, unfacilitated time available on Saturday afternoon.
There’s a relaxing, chilled out Sensory Space for some quiet time, and an area for parents and carers to unwind. You can also drop in and visit our wonderful new interactive installation Wishing Well, a fun, sensory and peaceful space, filled with characters, visuals and animations!
How to book
Places are limited to make sure everyone gets the most from their visit, so please book in advance to avoid missing out. Tickets are free (donations are very welcome)!
Drift tickets give access to the show for two people (one participant and one family member, friend or carer).
Facilitated sensory session tickets give access for one participant plus family members, friends or carers.
Groups may book out the whole centre for the facilitated sensory sessions (excludes Drift). Please contact us directly to book your dedicated group session. Email us at: info@levelcentre.com
If you need any further information, or would like to talk to us before your visit, then please get in touch. Our friendly team are on hand to help you!
To help plan your visit…
Scroll down to book
Drift
Experience the magic of sensory theatre! Drift is an arcade inspired show for audiences with PMLD or learning disabilities, their families, friends and carers, by specialists Interplay Theatre.
Follow Player 1 and Player 2 through an amazing sensory performance, as you are drawn inside an old arcade game. With music, and video-game inspired lighting, audiences are invited to explore with their senses on every level! This interactive and immersive experience puts the audience on the controls, steering our Players through the journey of the game.
Through the non-verbal narrative of the show, Drift highlights themes of choice and resilience. Drift is an accessible, high quality show with participation and interaction throughout the performance that engages audiences of all ages, abilities and experiences.
Each show last approximately 45 minutes. There may be up to 14 other audience participants plus their family members, friends or carers in the space with you. You can also enjoy our relaxing Sensory Space and our interactive installation Wishing Well during your visit.
Please book in advance. Each ticket gives access for two visitors (one participant plus one family member, friend or carer). We understand that you may be attending with other party members. If you require extra tickets, please let us know and we will do our best to help dependant on booking numbers. Large groups – please contact us directly to book your session. Email us at: info@levelcentre.com
Facilitated Sensory Sessions
There are two different facilitated sessions available to book over GLISTEN Fest week. These will take place in our wonderful Starry Nights themed main space, which will be full of beautiful sensory objects, sparkling and glowing lights and a gentle, ambient soundscape.
Heart Songs – Music for Creativity, Connection and Care
Relax and enjoy spending time together through responsive music and song. Come and listen, move, sing or play, as you’re taken on an interactive journey using accessible musical instruments and technology. These sessions are facilitated by expert community musician Matthew Laurie.
Sparking Connection – Breath, Body and a Bit of Stardust!
Take your time, gently soaking up the atmosphere and letting it spark movement, breath, and connection. There’s no right way to join in—just playful possibilities with space to respond, connect and enjoy what feels good. Whether it’s a flicker of a finger or a full-body swirl, we’ll celebrate each person’s way of moving and being, discovering preferences and finding joy in the journey. Facilitated by somatic movement artist Miriam Keye.
You have the option of booking onto a group session (up to 10 participants taking part together), or a quieter focussed session (up to 5 participants with some 1:1 facilitation time). You can also enjoy our relaxing Sensory Space and our interactive installation Wishing Well during your visit.
Please book in advance. Each ticket gives access for one participant plus family members, friends or carers. Large groups – please contact us directly to book your session. Email us at: info@levelcentre.com
Drop In (unfacilitated sessions): Saturday 18 October 1pm – 3pm
Come and enjoy our space at your own pace. Drop In time is not facilitated, but our friendly staff will be on hand to help with any requirements you may have. Booking not required, free to attend.
We’ve been able to create GLISTEN Fest 2025 with generous support from:
- The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024 donations
- Plumco Meadowhead Charity of Choice fundraising activities including a skydive!
We believe that everyone should have access to high quality art experiences, but events specifically for people with Profound Multiple Learning Disabilities and Learning Disabilities are rare, especially in rural areas. Through GLISTEN Fest we hope to inspire individual creativity and create memories that can be shared with family, friends and carers.
If you’d like to see this GLISTEN Fest continue in years to come, please look out for our fundraising events later in the year. Your donation will help us continue to build on a truly magical event.
Support Us
Find out more about how you can support Level and our work, from donations to advocacy and volunteering
Access For All
Find out more about our access at Level Centre including our access statement and sensory story.
What's On
Read more about our current exhibitions, installations and events at Level, online and beyond
Address
LEVEL Arts Centre, Old Station Close, Rowsley, DE4 2EL
Call Us
01629 734848
Email Us
info@levelcentre.com