Magnum photographer Martin Parr has joined forces with charity Mencap in an exhibition to celebrate Mexican festival Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead.

Parr’s work will feature alongside artwork by celebrated artists and fashion designers including Matthew Williamson and esteemed artists Tracey Emin and Gillian Ayres OBE at Proud gallery in Camden this October. All money raised will go to learning disability charity Mencap.

The vibrant and emotive festival, also known as Day of the Dead, is an opportunity to remember their dead and celebrate life.

At the heart of Mencap’s exhibition are meticulously individually crafted altars and spiritual shrines built to show respect for and remember loved ones who have passed away.

Mencap’s Dia de los Muertos exhibition will run from 27 October to 1 November 2009 and will include artwork from high-profile artists from across Europe.

The high-profile free exhibition will form part of a wider cultural arts festival organised by Mencap which will include a fancy dress Day of the Dead Ball featuring a live mariachi band, a Q&A session with specialist in Mexican popular culture Chloë Sayerand a film screening of La Ofrenda by Lourdes Portillo – a documentary exploring the roots and current celebrations of Day of the Dead.

Mark Goldring, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap, said: “The 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK are some of the most marginalised in our society. The funds we raise from Mencap’s Day of the Dead events will help us continue our work directly supporting thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.”

For more information please go to www.mencap.org.uk/dayofthedead or call 020 7696 5547.