The summer can mean many things, good weather, holidays and the odd cheeky pint in a hot beer garden. One thing it definitely means is the return of the summer music festival.
For many disabled people, festival attendance can be anxiety-inducing and require a lot of extra planning. So whether you are a Boomtown beginner or a Glastonbury guru, our helpful blog can give you advice on attending a festival as a disabled person.
1 – Accessible viewing platforms
Accessible viewing platforms exist so that disabled people can comfortably see the stage. These are raised platforms that are designed to have space for wheelchair users, people who may need to be seated or neurodivergent people who struggle being in crowds. Visually impaired people may find it easier as there are less people. It can also provide Deaf or people with hearing loss with a space to see interpreters. If you need access to the viewing platforms – be warned that you may need to apply for a wristband ahead of time. This can be done through the website for the individual festivals.
It’s worth familiarising yourself with the festival’s layout through maps, asking staff where the platforms are and leaving enough time to get there before the crowds form.
2 – Accessible camping and parking spaces
Accessible camping spaces can provide welcome extra space for campsites, motor vans and cars. They may also have power points where people can charge assistive technology or sometimes they may even have wi fi. There are usually accessible toilets and showers in the campsite which are quieter than the ones in the main arena to allow people who may have medical conditions the chance to find a toilet when they need one. There will also be accessible toilets there that are quieter or wider so they are easier to move around in. The campsite will usually be positioned closer to the festival entrance so that people don’t have too far to walk. This is usually the same for the parking spaces but you may find that some festivals have shuttles that can bring people to the festival and back.
Many neurodivergent people may find the campsites quieter and more spacious than others. Accessible camping can be used by people with a range of different disabilities although festivals will have different entry requirements. It is worth visiting their website or contacting the festival team to find out what you need in order to be able to access the campsite. Usually, you will be given a lanyard that states you have access to the area that can help you get in and out.
3 – Get a PA/companion ticket
A lot of festivals offer a free carer or personal assistant ticket for disabled people. There will be some criteria to meet and each festival is different. It would be a good idea to reach out to the festival team or have a look at their website to find out what works for the particular festival you want to attend.
4 – Know where the medical support is
Getting to know the layout of a festival is important because it can help you to find where everything is especially the mental health or first aid tents. They will usually be open 24 hours a day with trained staff who are experienced at dealing with all sorts of medical emergencies or queries. You may even be able to charge powerchairs at the welfare tents as well as keep your medication in a fridge if you need to.
5 – Mud, bumps and wheels
The good old English weather doesn’t always hold up and festivals can very often turn into a mudbath. Some devices can help with this such as Free Wheels which are compatible with some manual wheelchairs. It lifts the front casters off the ground to allow a person to roll over difficult terrain more easily. It can handle grassy fields, uneven paths and forests which, make up a lot of festival grounds. You may also be able to hire all-terrain wheelchairs which can do the same thing from different companies.
It can be handy to keep dust sheets or plastic covers in the car to avoid ruining the interior of your car with mud when you leave.
6 – Do your research
Reading the festival website is great but reading blogs is even better. It can give you a real insight into the personal experience of other disabled people who have been to the event. Bloggers or YouTubers can share tips and advice on how to get the best out of the festival experience. Not only that, but they can advise you on what to avoid if they have had a bad experience potentially saving you time and money.
7 – Sanitary wipes and gloves
Trust us on this one. If you have ever visited a festival toilet, you will understand why wet wipes are a must-have at a festival. If you can, look into biodegradable wipes where possible. Having gloves with you means that you can touch the walls if you need to steady yourself in the loo without picking up germs on the way.
8 – Reduce sensory overload
If you find festivals overstimulating at times then do pack items that can help you to feel better. This could be weighted blankets, tinted sunglasses to reduce light, fidget toys, ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
Some festivals may have quiet areas where you can escape if it becomes too much or head to the welfare tents to catch your breath. Don’t be afraid to give yourself space if you need to by leaving an area to go somewhere quieter. Forcing your way through crowds or staying if you are feeling close to a meltdown, shutdown or panic attack can have a negative effect that lasts for longer.
9 – Heaters, heated items and blankets
We often don’t think about bringing heaters or heated items to festivals but it can get cold at night. Especially thanks to the wonderful British weather! Heated clothing is great for keeping you warm at night or helping if you have sore muscles. You will need to do your research ahead of time to make sure that the clothing you choose is safe for use both indoors and outdoors.
Alternatively, stocking up on blankets to go under and over your sleeping bag can help to keep you cosy and warm. You may also want to bring layers of clothing with you too.
10 – Bumbags, not backpacks
While it’s tempting to pack everything you need to go walking around the campsite, in reality, you don’t need as much as you think you do. Streamline your belongings to the essentials and pop them in a bumbag instead of a backpack if you are struggling with back pain or want to avoid the strain.
11 – Waterproof bucket hats
There are so many different types of bucket hats which means you’ll never run out of designs to choose from. However, waterproof bucket hats can be useful for a number of things including keeping you safe from sun exposure. They can also help to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants keeping them dry if the weather takes a turn. These can work better than a hood because they don’t tend to muffle sound.
12 – Footwear with grip
It might sound like an obvious one but you would be surprised how many people forget that festivals mean mud and fields. Choosing footwear with a grip can be the difference between sliding into the mud
Also, if you are wearing new shoes then take plasters and thick socks while you break them in. Wellies can also rub blisters at the top as well as the foot. Wearing longer socks that you can fold over the top or up to the knee can make a difference.
14 – Give feedback and be fair
Festival teams work hard to make sure that the event happens, runs smoothly and that is as accessible as possible. By giving feedback to the team, they can know where something went wrong or what worked which means they can implement it again the following year or change it completely.
All too often, we are quick to give negative feedback but don’t forget to let someone know what went well. There will always be room for improvement but festival teams won’t know this unless you let them know. Emails, official websites, socials and online reviews are a great way of getting in touch after an event.
