THE Vivo Makaton Choir took to the streets of Chester this month as part of the city's third annual Disability Pride Parade.

Hundreds attended the event on Monday, July 10 which celebrates the talents and raises awareness of the 14.1 million people in the UK who live with a disability. The parade launched the Storyhouse's week-long Kaleidoscope Festival, which celebrates diversity, inclusion and unique abilities.

More than 80 Vivo Care Choices staff and those accessing their services joined the parade, with the Makaton Choir performing eight songs to the crowds. Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to help people communicate.

Vivo is the Council’s support service for people with learning disabilities and autism and older people and the choir now has 16 regular members, with five staff offering support.

Nicola, who uses Vivo’s services and was also celebrating her birthday, loved the whole day, saying: "It was the best birthday ever!"

Chester and District Standard: • Nicola, who uses Vivo's services, celebrating her birthday in style.• Nicola, who uses Vivo's services, celebrating her birthday in style. (Image: Cheshire West and Chester Council)

Nicola wore a birthday sash to the event and enjoyed music by Back Chat Brass.

Councillor Sheila Little, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: "It’s the second time we’ve taken part in the Kaleidoscope Festival, which is an amazing opportunity to celebrate neurodiversity and disability. The audience’s reaction to our fabulous and talented Makaton Choir was incredible. They copied the signs and sang with us, it was a magical moment.

"Vivo staff and people using services have been taking part in a range of events across the week, performing drama, running a market stall for our popular Diverse Designs shop and showcasing their skills with the Bread-making Co-operative. It has been a fantastic week, full of celebrations and good memories have been made."

The first Disability Pride Parade took place in 2019 when more than 100 people paraded from Chester Town Hall to Storyhouse. In 2023 it remains one of only two such events in the country, along with Brighton.