With the onset of warmer weather, music festivals become one of the most popular choices. Yet, individuals with disabilities must carefully assess accessibility options to enjoy these events to the fullest. In recent years, organisers have significantly improved, and we’re discovering more accessible music festivals that are inclusive for people with disabilities. Crucially, they are starting to introduce measures not only for those with reduced mobility but also for individuals with cognitive and sensory disabilities.
Guide to accessible music festivals
Since its inception in 2019, the Music For All Foundation has been dedicated to ensuring that festivals are disabled friendly festivals, involving these communities in festival organisation and design. They have also developed a comprehensive and highly recommended guide to accessible and inclusive festivals, which addresses any uncertainties.
In this day and age, musical gatherings should aim for inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and participate equally and autonomously.
Measures to promote inclusivity in music festivals
With this in mind, adhering to the 7 principles of universal design and DALCO criteria, accessible festivals should cater to various types of disabilities.
Steps to enhance physical accessibility:
- Designated parking spaces for people with reduced mobility (PRM).
- Specific camping areas at the entrance for this community.
- Adapted showers and bathrooms.
- Platforms near the main stage for optimal concert viewing.
- Improved lighting to mitigate potential obstacles.
- Creation of refuge zones.
- Trained staff available to assist attendees as needed.
- Barrier-free spaces without uneven surfaces or obstructions. Implementation of ramps or lifts where there are changes in elevation.
- Information points and accessible interaction with other auxiliary services (e.g., ticket validation, wristband placement, festival currency purchase or recharge).
Cognitive accessibility:
- Clear and understandable information: Websites designed with a user-friendly interface and programmes presented in a readable format.
- Effective event signage: Using icons for bathrooms, reserved areas and exit signs.
Sensory accessibility:
For individuals with visual impairments:
- Provision of audio descriptions, Braille systems, audio guides, tactile maps and acoustic messages within the venue.
- Measures to enhance reading and viewing of venue information and visual signals for those with low vision, including adjustments to character size, contrast and brightness. Also, increased lighting around signs and information points.
- Access allowed for guide dogs for those requiring assistance.
For individuals with hearing impairments:
- Individual induction loop systems ensuring clear audio for users of hearing aids and cochlear implants.
- Availability of subtitling resources.
- Sign language interpretation: Trained personnel providing interpretation services at concerts.
- Vibrating backpacks provided for individuals with severe hearing impairments.
Accessible and inclusive music festivals for people with disabilities
For festivals offering accessibility to individuals with reduced mobility, there are numerous options with extensive online information available for reference. Below is a list of accessible festivals catering to various disabilities:
- B-Side Festival (Murcia)
- Coachella
- Coca-Cola Music Experience
- Cooltural Fest (Almería)
- Festival Inclusivo por la Diversidad Asturias
- Glastonbury
- Hellfest
- Lollapalooza
- Mallorca Live Festival
- Murmura (Almería)
- Predifest (Valladolid)
- Primavera Sound
- Reading Festival
- Som Festival (Castellón)
- Sonorama Ribera (Aranda del Duero, Burgos)
- Sziget Festival (Budapest)
- Vesu Oviedo
Organising your inclusive concert or wheelchair festival
If you’re considering organising an accessible and inclusive music concert or festival for individuals with disabilities, the Music For All platform provides excellent support. Many of the inclusive festivals mentioned above, as well as artists like Vetusta Morla, Amaral and Love of Lesbian, are already part of this initiative. Join us too!
Additionally, within the music industry, there are plenty of successful musicians with disabilities who are already making waves.
Don’t miss out on seeing your favourite band this summer, and find the accessible festival that suits you best. 😉
