AFTER a successful fundraising campaign One Wirral Festival returns this weekend.

Organised by Wirral Mencap and Options for Supported Living, One Wirral Festival, was secured after a £2,500 cash pledge from The Lauries and Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

The free event celebrating the borough and all the residents will take place on Saturday, August 18 from 11am until 4pm at Birkenhead Park.

Chief executive at Wirral Chamber of Commerce Paula Basnett told the Globe: “It is important that events such as the One Wirral Festival continue, offering great opportunities to promote the achievements and important contributions made by people with and without disabilities in making our community stronger.

"Both Wirral Chamber of Commerce and The Lauries are very much community minded about our businesses and our people, so we were delighted to show our support for the One Wirral Festival.”

Promoting diversity in the community and bringing everyone together, One Wirral will highlight the talents and contributions of people with disabilities.

Activities will be set across seven zones which include a Community Zone, Active Zone, Cultural Zone and Stage.

To ensure everyone can enjoy the event, organisers have made adjustments including having sign language interpreters in the workshops and specialist toilets for people with complex disabilities facilities on site.

Wirral Mencap’s event lead, Sharon Nicholson said: "We’ve had individual pledges from members of the public, volunteers, staff, family and friends of Wirral Mencap and Options and from local 3rd sector organisations and Wirral businesses.

"It has been a real community effort to raise the funds.

"A huge thank you to everyone who gave One Wirral 2018 their support.

"Join us on August 18 for a fantastic fun-filled FREE day out for all the family!"

Wirral Change, a charity that supports black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in the borough also pledged £500 to see the festival go ahead this year.

Sharon Munroe, community liaison officer said: "Wirral Change is supporting this fantastic festival because we love bringing the community together and we love celebrating cultural diversity.

"This year we will be hosting the Cultural Zone celebrating the diverse communities that reside in Wirral: there will be food from across the globe and an exhibition of different cultural traditions."

For more information visit www.facebook.com/onewirral2018 or contact Wirral Mencap on 0151 666 1829.