Well, what can I say about yesterday’s trip to Parallel Festival in Windsor?

It was another fantastic day for the Blue Badge Bunch team, as we were invited back to celebrate Disability Pride Month.

I came on my own last year, so it was really special to have the whole team with me this time. Looking around our stand and seeing everyone chatting to families, networking with other organisations and simply enjoying themselves made me incredibly proud of what Blue Badge Bunch has become.

As you can see from the photos, we had our own stand showcasing everything we do, from our children’s game shows and workshops to our books and disability awareness training. Events like this aren’t just about promoting ourselves—they’re about meeting other charities, CICs and organisations that all want to make the world a little more accessible.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting the team from Fab Club.

That was a really emotional moment for me.

My children’s book is based around Fab Club because that’s where I found my people growing up. It gave me confidence, friendships and somewhere I truly belonged.

Most importantly, it’s where I met my first best friend, Vicky Walsh.

Vicky was amazing. She helped me understand my disability and gave me confidence when I needed it most. Sadly, she’s no longer with us, but she’s never far from my thoughts, and she’ll always have a place in my heart.

Thinking back, Fab Club gave me some incredible memories.

We went to the Dorchester, completed sponsored walks around Hyde Park, visited car shows and even met Mr Blobby and Noel Edmonds during Disability Pride celebrations back in the 1990s.

Standing at Parallel Festival yesterday made me realise just how much those experiences shaped the person I am today.

Without them, there probably wouldn’t be a Blue Badge Bunch.

There certainly wouldn’t be the passion I have for helping children and families see disability in a positive light.

The best thing about yesterday wasn’t selling books or networking.

It was seeing my own team understand why Disability Pride means so much to me.

Watching them meet people, share stories and celebrate disability together reminded me why we keep doing this.

I also want to say a huge thank you to the people who help make Blue Badge Bunch what it is.

To Ian and Sarah Smith, our brilliant BSL interpreter. Sarah always goes the extra mile. She doesn’t just interpret the shows—she joins in with the games, gets involved with the audience and becomes part of the performance. That makes such a difference.

A massive thank you as well to Susanna Clarke, my business partner. I genuinely couldn’t do this without her. She keeps on top of the admin, helps direct the shows, keeps me organised and is always there when I need her.

And finally, thank you to Joe Dickens. Joe has been instrumental in designing Blue Badge Bunch, helping direct the shows and creating many of the games that families now enjoy. His creativity has helped shape the show into what it is today.

And we’re only just getting started.

This Thursday and Friday we’re off to Chester, where we’ll be celebrating Disability Pride again, presenting awards and performing Blue Badge Bunch.

Who knows where this journey will take us next?

If you’ve been following my blogs, thank you for coming along for the ride.

There’s plenty more to come over the next few weeks, so keep reading and enjoy the adventure with us.

– Benny Shakes