PREPARATION for this year's Big Hat Cabaret has received the backing of South Swindon MP Robert Buckland who has been appointed as patron.

Taking place at Steam on June 23, plans are already underway for another awe-inspiring show. This week, organisers were delighted to announce the Solicitor General had agreed to become The Big Hat Network's first patron.

Mr Buckland said: "I am delighted to become patron of the Big Hat Cabaret, which is part of the Big Hat Arts and Disability Network and I am looking forward to watching the annual show at Steam.

"We have some extremely talented performers here in Swindon and the Big Hat Cabaret will ensure that they are given access to the world of performing arts so that they can showcase their talent and we can enjoy their performances.”

The Big Hat Network began in 2007 with the aim to develop opportunities, raise awareness and increase access to performing arts particularly for disabled people.

The Big Hat annual cabaret emerged from this network and from small means has grown and is now a regular event on the Swindon disability calendar. Each year members of the network have pulled out the stops to give this unique opportunity to a wide range of ages and abilities.

“We are so pleased Robert has agreed to be our patron and I can’t wait to see the performers faces when they see our MP is watching them perform," said Josie Williams, community arts development Officer at Commonweal School and lead for the Big Hat Disability Network.

"Robert really cares about people and always takes time to chat and ask how you are. The Big Hat Cabaret is a unique opportunity for people with disabilities and their teachers and helpers to perform in front of an audience. Their confidence is greatly increased and it is such a joy to see folk having such a fantastic time.

“The show started in the foyer of the Wyvern Theatre in 2007 and quickly outgrew the venue. It was then staged at the Arts Centre in Devizes Road, but after a few years that too became too small. We have been at Steam which is a much bigger venue for four years now and is much better space for wheelchair users."

The Big Hat Network is made up of Reach Inclusive Arts, Commonweal School, Swindon Dance, Swindon Interactive, Uplands School, Swindon Downs Society, Rubber Chicken Theatre, and Music Alive.

The network arose out of the long-standing relationship between Swindon Dance, REACH Inclusive Arts and Upham Rd Day Centre. These three agencies have individually promoted arts inclusion for young and adult disabled people for many years and collaborated on projects including Moving for Change and the CandoCo Dance Residency promoted by Swindon Dance. In 2006, the Dance and Disability network was formed; this became the Big Hat Arts and Disability Network in 2007.

Reach Inclusive Arts is a charity based at the Wyvern Theatre that works with disabled people and those who have used mental health services to create professionally facilitated original theatre performance and art.

Helen Whelehan from Reach Inclusive Arts said: “Big Hat is a marvellous cabaret that show cases the talents of performers, including dance, drama, film and music. This is one of the most successful and popular events in the Swindon cultural Calendar, not to be missed."

Doug Morris who will be singing with his wife, daughter and son, during the performance once again this year said: “This will be the fifth year that my family have taken part to support our son Ben who goes to Commonweal School. Josie has nicknamed us the Von Trap family! We really look forward to this event and go away with pride knowing we have been part of a great community project."