The Wildest Festival of the Year
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as SENDfest takes over Banham Zoo for a full day of music, magic, animals and pure festival joy! This is the celebration for children, young people and their families – a one‑of‑a‑kind event bursting with energy, creativity and unforgettable experiences.
⤓ Download Easy Read event flyer (.pdf)
⤓ Download festival guide (.pdf)
Choose Your Experience
Chilled Vibes
A quieter start to the day designed for young people who benefit from a calmer environment with fewer visitors.
Festival Vibes
The full festival experience as the zoo comes alive with music, performances and activities throughout the site.
Families attending Chilled Vibes are welcome to remain at the event for the rest of the day if they wish.
What to Expect
Activities across the zoo will include:
- Drop-in creative workshops
- Keeper talks and animal shows
- A main stage music programme
- Bug handling sessions
- A Big Sing and special guest performance
- Rides on the famous land train
- Pop-up performances across the zoo
- Exploration activities surrounded by nature
…all set against the incredible backdrop of Banham Zoo’s spectacular residents. (Fingers crossed the giraffes and cheetahs are into our playlist!)
SENDfest is open to accompanied young people under 25 and is fully inclusive, fully accessible and fully FUN.
⤓ Download Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure visual guide (.pdf)
Event Details
Date: Sunday 7 June 2026
Chilled Vibes: 9:30am
Festival Vibes: 10:30am
Venue: Banham Zoo, Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norfolk, NR16 2HE
Festival Vibes
The afternoon transforms into a musical feast – think uplifting performances, a big community sing‑along and a very special guest lighting up the main stage. With food available to buy on-site (including healthy and gluten‑free options) or the option to bring your perfect picnic, it’s the ideal day out for families who love fun, music and animals.
Quiet spaces will be available across the site for anyone who needs a break from the activity.
What’s New for 2026
SENDfest will have a slightly different format this year:
- No pre-booked workshops
- More flexibility and freedom
- A stronger focus on live music
- More time with the animals
- Additional land train rides
- More time for nature-based activities and exploring
- More choice
Families can move around the site at their own pace and join activities whenever it feels right.
Event Timetable
9:30am–10:30am: Chilled Vibes (pre-registered families only)
10:15am: Car park opens
10:30am: Festival gates open
10:30am–2:30pm: Main stage programme
2:30pm: Event ends
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on a question to expand the answer.
How accessible is SENDfest?
We have undertaken an accessibility audit for the event and will be putting all accessibility recommendations in place to ensure that all young people are able to attend.
If your young person has any specific requirements, you must let us know by 5th May 2026 by emailing sendfest@norfolk.gov.uk to ensure that any specialist provision can be made.
Banham Zoo also have their own accessibility page which can be accessed here: Accessibility | Inclusive Days Out | Banham Zoo
What is Chilled Vibes and how do I sign up?
If your child or young person needs a quieter option with fewer people, you will be able to sign up to attend pop-up performances before the main festival starts, commencing at 9:30am.
You must select a Chilled Vibes ticket on the Banham Zoo ticketing site, as ticket types cannot be changed once selected.
Do we have to leave after Chilled Vibes at 10.30am if we select that ticket type?
The reason we have a Chilled Vibes option is to give young people who need it the opportunity to experience the festival in a quieter environment. However, your family are free to leave the festival whenever they feel comfortable doing so, even at the very end of the day!
If I am unable to attend, are my tickets transferable?
Bookings are for individual families. Tickets for SENDfest are not transferable to another party if you are unable to attend.
If I am unable to attend, are my tickets transferable?
Unfortunately, as bookings are for individual families, tickets for SENDfest are not transferable to another party if you are unable to attend.
What age range is SENDfest suitable for?
SENDfest is for all young people and their families aged 25 or under with complex needs. We are unable to accommodate any young people who are not accompanied by a family member or PA.
Any bookings made that do not include a young person will be automatically cancelled as this is a requirement of the event.
Can I book for multiple families?
Bookings are managed by vehicle. If you require more than two vehicle passes, please make a separate booking.
Any bookings made which do not contain young people will be automatically cancelled.
Do we need to book workshops?
No. Workshops will not be pre-booked in 2026.
Based on previous attendee feedback, activities will run as drop-in sessions across the site.
The event this year is a very different vibe, so while there will be lots to explore across the site, including some drop-in activities, 2026 is very much a collaborative approach between Banham Zoo and the Music Hub.
Will there be a marketplace this year?
No. SENDfest 2026 focuses primarily on the festival and music programme.
Families can access provider information at other events during the year, including the Family Voice Conference.
Is there a booking deadline?
Ticketing is managed by Banham Zoo.
Once the event reaches capacity, bookings will close.
Is accessible parking available?
Yes. The car park can accommodate vehicles with tail lifts.
Please select accessible parking during checkout when booking tickets.
Will there be accessible toilets and changing facilities?
Yes. Accessible toilets and changing facilities with hoists will be available.
Additional AccessoLoo facilities will also be provided.
Are dogs allowed?
Only assistance dogs are permitted.
Please contact sendfest@norfolk.gov.uk in advance so an assistance dog pass can be issued.
Will the main stage performances be signed?
Yes. Performances will include British Sign Language (BSL) and Makaton interpretation.
Will there be a venue walkthrough video?
A walkthrough video of Banham Zoo is available online.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j876iDcIWyk
Will there be a map of activities?
A festival map will be available on the day.
It will also be uploaded to the webpage in mid-May.
Banham Zoo’s map can be accessed here: Zoo Map | Navigate Norfolk’s Biggest Zoo | Banham Zoo
Will there be designated quiet spaces?
Yes. Four designated quiet or chill-out zones will be available and marked on the event map.
Will food be provided at the picnic in the park?
Families are free to bring their own picnics. There will also be food available to purchase on the day itself.
Banham Zoo have agreed to have healthy and gluten free options available.
There will also be a designated food allergy zone should you require it.
Is medical storage available?
Yes. The event control centre will provide room-temperature and refrigerated storage for medication if required.
Will there be a waiting list if I miss out on booking?
No waiting list will be operated for SENDfest 2026.
What if I have a question about my family’s needs?
Please email sendfest@norfolk.gov.uk.
The inbox is monitored Monday to Friday.
Can families help plan the event?
Families interested in joining the SENDfest planning group should email sendfest@norfolk.gov.uk by 1 April 2026.
Event registration
Tickets are booked via Banham Zoo Ticketing Website: