A disability support charity has joined forces with Brighton’s performing arts celebration to enhance inclusion for all visitors.

Grace Eyre, which offers services to people with learning disabilities and autism, has been named the Local Charity Partner for Brighton Fringe.

Eva Eriksson, the charity’s chief executive, said they were delighted to have been chosen by Brighton Fringe for this partnership.

She explained that the organisation has had a significant presence in the city for more than a century, helping people with learning difficulties and autistic people live independently and creatively within Brighton, and they were proud to take part in this innovative festival in 2026.

She added that they looked forward to supporting this inclusive event, with their volunteers and those they support gaining valuable professional experience at the festival.

She said this would promote significant personal growth and advance their goal of helping more people with learning difficulties or autism find meaningful work.

Grace Eyre’s Purple Productions collective and representatives, many of whom have learning difficulties or are autistic, will participate throughout the festival, creating accessibility materials, interviewing performers and supporting various events.

Volunteers will also apply their skills in marketing, operations and visitor services while gaining useful workplace experience.

The charity is additionally delivering Disability Confident training to Brighton Fringe staff as part of its status as a Disability Confident Leader.

Duncan Lustig-Prean, Chair of Brighton Fringe, said they were happy to be supporting Grace Eyre as their local charity this year.

He noted that Brighton Fringe encourages artists and gives them chances to develop their full potential in performing arts.

He said their approach matched Grace Eyre’s goal of helping people achieve their true capabilities.

He added that they looked forward to working with Grace Eyre and providing training opportunities for their volunteers during the festival.

Members of the Purple Productions team will also be appearing in the Brighton Fringe show Not Another Group Chat!!! at Caravanserai.

Meanwhile, Grace Eyre’s Pioneer Arts collective will be exhibiting work at The Modern Funeral near Preston Park station as part of the Artists Open House event.