Learning Disability Pride is set to return to Carrickfergus in just over one month on Saturday 21st June 2025, welcoming Northern Irish model Kate Grant as its official ambassador.
Kate Grant is a model and advocate from Cookstown in Northern Ireland who made history in 2018 by becoming the first model with Down’s syndrome to win an international beauty title. Since then, she has broken barriers in the fashion industry, becoming the first model with Down’s syndrome to be featured in a major beauty campaign. Kate uses her platform to promote inclusion, inspiring others with her message of empowerment and visibility for people with a learning disability.
Kate’s involvement in this year’s Learning Disability Pride underscores the charity’s mission to celebrate diversity and challenge stereotypes.
Commenting on her role as Learning Disability Pride’s ambassador, Kate said: “I’m honoured and excited to be part of Learning Disability Pride in 2025. This event is about celebrating who we are and showing the world that people with learning disabilities have so much to offer. It’s going to be an amazing day!”
Founder and Chair of Learning Disability Pride, Thomas Haighton, emphasised the significance of the event’s growth with Kate on board:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Kate as ambassador this year. Kate embodies everything this event stands for – confidence, inclusion, and the celebration of difference. Her involvement also brings increased visibility to our cause, and we’re so proud to have her as part of our Learning Disability Pride family in 2025.”
“This year we are working closely with our event partners to make the event bigger and better, and to shine a spotlight on children and adults with a learning disability. With just over a month to go until the big event, we can’t wait!” Thomas continues.
The bi-annual event, first launched in 2017, will return for its fourth year this June. Learning Disability Pride recently announced that it has officially become a registered charity, marking a major milestone in its mission to promote visibility, inclusion, and celebration for people with learning disabilities across Northern Ireland.
Since it started, Learning Disability Pride has grown into a major celebration of inclusion and visibility for people with learning disabilities across Northern Ireland. This year’s festivities will begin with a vibrant carnival parade at noon, starting from Taylor’s Avenue and proceeding along the scenic seafront to Carrickfergus Castle. The day will continue with live performances from community members with learning disabilities, a DJ set from Q Radio, and a variety of local food and craft stalls.
Learning Disability Pride is supported by organisations including the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Mencap, Kilcreggan Homes, AEL, Sense NI, Caring Breaks, Positive Futures, Praxis Care, Cedar Foundation, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. The event also receives funding from the National Lottery.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Emma Harte at emma.harte@mencap.org.uk.