Case Study: Accessibility Innovations at Festivals

Introduction

Ensuring accessibility at festivals is not just a legal obligation – it’s a chance to welcome a wider audience and set an example for the industry. Around the world, forward-thinking festival organizers are implementing creative solutions so that all attendees can enjoy the experience. From improving physical routes and signage to offering sign language services, accessible viewing, and sensory-friendly spaces, these innovations show how inclusion and great event design go hand in hand. This case study examines several standout festivals known for their accessibility innovations, comparing how they handle routes, captioning, viewing areas, and sensory accommodations. Each example provides practical lessons on making events more inclusive for people of all abilities.

Just So Festival (UK) – Family-Friendly and Fully Accessible

The Just So Festival in the UK is a boutique family arts festival (around 5,000 attendees) that has become a model of accessibility. In 2019, it earned the coveted Gold award from Attitude is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice (justsofestival.org.uk) – joining giants like Glastonbury in being recognized as one of the most accessible outdoor events. This achievement came after years of auditing and incremental improvements, moving from Bronze to Silver to Gold level accessibility. The festival’s approach shows how even a smaller event can integrate accessibility into its core planning and reap the benefits.

Innovative Accessibility Measures at Just So:

• Pre-Event Support: Just So provides detailed accessibility information well in advance. The team created an audio programme guide and a 360° virtual site tour for their website (justsofestival.org.uk). This allows attendees with mobility or sensory needs to explore the grounds online, familiarize themselves with terrain, and plan their visit. Families with autistic or disabled members can preview loud or busy areas and choose suitable activities, making the festival feel welcoming before they even arrive.
• Accessible Routes & Facilities: On-site, the festival maps out step-free routes and marks them with clear signage (justsofestival.org.uk). Terrain can be a challenge in outdoor events, so Just So invested in pathway improvements (like temporary trackway on grass) to ensure wheelchair users and those with strollers can navigate between stages easily. An Access Manager oversees accessibility during the event, promptly addressing any issues. Facilities include a Changing Places restroom in the accessible campground (with adult changing bench and hoist) and plenty of accessible toilets and showers, so that those with complex needs are catered for.
• Viewing & Engagement: Rather than confining disabled attendees to one spot, Just So offers flexible viewing areas and early entry options at performances (justsofestival.org.uk). For example, families with a child on the autism spectrum might be allowed to settle into a venue space before the general crowd, reducing anxiety. The festival also labels certain shows or zones as “Relaxed” or “Make Some Noise,” indicating which activities are quieter or high-energy (justsofestival.org.uk). This way, visitors can choose experiences best suited to their comfort levels.
• Staff Training & Feedback: All festival staff and volunteers undergo disability awareness training. Area managers receive briefings on potential barriers in their zones (justsofestival.org.uk) – for instance, noting if a particular path gets muddy or if a loudspeaker could overstimulate some guests. Just So actively consults with Deaf and disabled attendees each year, inviting feedback and continuously auditing the experience. This dialog has paid off with steady improvements and a growing number of disabled attendees returning each year (justsofestival.org.uk).

Lessons: Just So Festival demonstrates how a smaller festival can punch above its weight in accessibility. By embracing creative planning tools (like virtual tours) and weaving access considerations into every aspect of the event, they proved that accessibility isn’t a “bolt-on” addition – it’s a design mindset. The result is an event that families of all abilities trust and love, which in turn broadens the festival’s audience and reputation.

Fortaleza Sound (Spain) – A New Benchmark for Inclusion

Spain’s Fortaleza Sound festival has quickly emerged as an accessibility standout. In only its second edition (2025), this music festival in Lorca made inclusion a top priority. Organizers allocated about 6% of the event budget to accessibility upgrades (elpais.com) – a significant investment that shows their commitment to equitable access. The payoff is a festival experience that many are calling a model for “universal accessibility” in live events.

Notable Accessibility Features at Fortaleza Sound:

• Barrier-Free Routes: The festival grounds are designed for easy mobility. Temporary ramps and platform pathways ensure that wheelchair users can reach all major areas without hindrance. From parking lots and drop-off points to front-of-stage viewing zones, routes are planned to avoid stairs or uneven terrain. Clearly marked pathways and staff guidance help attendees with visual impairments or mobility devices navigate comfortably.
• Sign Language & Captioning: Fortaleza Sound provides sign language interpreters at performances, shown on large LED screens (elpais.com). This means Deaf attendees can follow lyrics and banter in real time. Uniquely, the festival also introduced closed captions on video screens for certain acts (elpais.com), which supplements the interpreters and benefits attendees who may not know sign language. Important announcements onstage are transcribed, ensuring no one misses critical information.
• Multi-Sensory Accommodations: To help Deaf fans connect with the music’s rhythm, Fortaleza Sound offers vibrating backpacks – wearable devices that convert audio signals into vibrations that concertgoers can feel (elpais.com). Bass lines and beats are experienced through the body, adding a new dimension to live music for those with hearing loss. For attendees with sensory sensitivities or autism, the festival loans out noise-cancelling headphones and has quiet areas available for retreat (elpais.com). These measures prevent sensory overload and let neurodivergent guests regulate their festival experience.
• Priority Viewing & Assistance: Fortaleza Sound created priority viewing zones close to the stages for wheelchair users and others who need a clear sightline (elpais.com). These platforms or reserved areas are staffed with trained personnel to assist with any needs – from fetching water to communicating with security. The festival also equips its customer service team with extra training (including basic sign language and disability etiquette) so that help is always at hand. Additionally, attendees with disabilities receive a 50% ticket discount (elpais.com), an uncommon but impactful policy to encourage attendance and acknowledge the extra costs they often incur.

Lessons: Fortaleza Sound’s approach underscores that robust accessibility can be achieved even for new festivals if there is will and planning. By dedicating a portion of the budget to accessibility, they implemented a wide range of services – from tech gadgets to human support. The festival’s reputation has quickly grown, proving that prioritizing inclusion can set an event apart. Festival producers can learn from this that investing in accessibility is an investment in community and goodwill. Even if some measures don’t have immediate financial ROI, they fulfill a social responsibility and build long-term loyalty among attendees.

Rock in Rio (Brazil) – An Iconic Festival Embraces Accessibility

Rock in Rio is one of the largest and most famous music festivals in the world, and its Brazilian edition recently took major steps toward inclusivity. In its 40-year history, 2022 marked the first time the festival featured on-screen sign language interpreters for all main-stage shows (apnews.com). This change, driven in part by Brazil’s 2015 inclusion law that mandates access for people with disabilities at cultural events (apnews.com), shows how even legacy festivals can innovate to become more accessible.

Key Accessibility Initiatives at Rock in Rio:

• Sign Language on the Big Screen: During headline sets, Rock in Rio now broadcasts Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) interpreters on the massive stage video screens (apnews.com). These interpreters don’t just translate lyrics; they convey the music’s energy – dancing, emoting, and bringing songs to life visually (apnews.com). By doing so, the festival created a richer experience for Deaf attendees, who for the first time could enjoy the performances in a way that resonates with them.
• Audio Description for Concerts: In another first, the 2022 edition offered audio description headsets for blind and low-vision attendees (apnews.com). Trained narrators described stage visuals, artist movements, and crowd interactions in real time through earpieces. This service, more common in theater or film settings, was groundbreaking at a rock festival. It allowed visually impaired music fans to immerse in the full atmosphere – hearing both the music and a narration of the spectacle.
• Dedicated Accessible Viewing Areas: Rock in Rio set up a special viewing platform near the front-of-stage, reserved for Deaf and disabled guests and their companions (apnews.com). This was, in effect, a VIP area for disabled fans, ensuring they had a clear view of performers and interpreters. Security and volunteers managed this area, checking that only those with access needs entered, so it remained uncrowded. Importantly, situating this platform close to the action (instead of at the back) sent a message of true inclusion.
• Future Innovations: The organizers publicly stated they plan to continue expanding accessibility features, including exploring vibrating floor sections or platforms so that Deaf attendees can physically feel the music’s bass in the future (apnews.com). This forward-looking mindset keeps accessibility as a growing element of the festival, not a one-time project. Rock in Rio’s changes have already made a tangible impact – Deaf concertgoers reported feeling deeply connected to live music at the festival, some for the first time (apnews.com).

Lessons: Rock in Rio illustrates that it’s never too late for a festival to improve accessibility. Pressure from accessibility laws or public advocacy can catalyze positive change, but it ultimately takes leadership buy-in to execute these services well. The festival learned that providing sign language and audio description doesn’t change the essence of the event – it enhances it. Other large-scale events can take note: with tens of thousands in attendance, there will always be audience members with disabilities, and accommodating them can be done at scale. Additionally, advertising these services widely ensures that those who need them know they are available, which can boost attendance and goodwill in new segments of the audience.

Lollapalooza (USA) – Sensory-Inclusive Music Experiences

In the United States, Lollapalooza (Chicago) has been a leader in adopting sensory accessibility at a large music festival. Lollapalooza’s organizers recognized that disabilities are not always visible – many attendees have autism, anxiety, PTSD, or other conditions that make loud, crowded festivals challenging. In 2018, Lollapalooza partnered with a non-profit called Sensory Access to introduce a suite of accommodations for neurodivergent and disabled guests (sensoryaccess.org). This initiative was one of the first of its kind at a major U.S. festival, and it set a precedent for others to follow.

Sensory-Friendly Innovations at Lollapalooza:

• Sensory Access Center: Lolla set up an Access Center on the festival grounds where attendees with sensory sensitivities or other disabilities could check in (sensoryaccess.org). At this tent, guests could get a special disability wristband that discreetly signals to staff they may need assistance or use of accessible amenities. The wristband also grants access to the festival’s wheelchair viewing platforms for those who might not use a wheelchair but cannot tolerate dense crowds (sensoryaccess.org) (e.g., an autistic attendee who needs more space and a clearer view).
• Quiet Zones: The festival carved out small quiet areas a short distance from the busiest stages (sensoryaccess.org). These zones provided a break from overwhelming noise and crowds, while still allowing people to hear the performances from a safe distance. Shade, seating, and calming activities (like fidget toys or comfortable mats) were available so that anyone feeling overstimulated could regroup. Clearly marked “quiet space” signage helped attendees find these spots when they needed a timeout.
• Trained Support Staff: Sensory Access-trained staff roamed the park in easily identifiable shirts (sensoryaccess.org). Their role was to assist attendees on the spot – whether it meant guiding someone to a less crowded viewing angle, offering noise-reducing earplugs, or helping communicate a need to security or medical teams. This proactive support made a huge festival feel less anonymous for those who might require help.
• Adaptive Equipment: Lollapalooza made noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs available for free at the Access Center on a first-come, first-served basis (sensoryaccess.org). They also shared live updates on social media about which stages or areas were quieter at any given time, helping sensitive attendees plan their movements (sensoryaccess.org). These practical tools empowered festival-goers with sensory issues to customize their experience (for example, by reducing sound intensity or avoiding trigger areas).

Lessons: Lollapalooza’s sensory-inclusive program taught the events industry that large festivals can accommodate invisible disabilities with relatively simple steps. By collaborating with experts and offering amenities like quiet spaces and headphone loans, they significantly improved the comfort of neurodiverse attendees. The key takeaway is that understanding your audience is crucial – by recognizing that “accessibility” isn’t one-size-fits-all, festival organizers can address a spectrum of needs. The success of Lolla’s approach has since inspired other festivals and venues to implement similar sensory-friendly initiatives, showing the ripple effect a single festival’s leadership can have on industry standards.

Comparing Accessibility Innovations: Routes, Captioning, Viewing, and Sensory Support

Each of the standout festivals above tackled accessibility from multiple angles. While their specific solutions varied, they can be compared across a few key categories of inclusion:

Routes & Site Navigation

A common focus is ensuring people with mobility impairments can move freely around the venue. This starts with accessible routes: solid or ramped pathways, alternative entrances, and thoughtful layout. For example, Just So Festival installed temporary walkways on grassy areas and clearly marked slope-free paths (justsofestival.org.uk). Rock in Rio and Fortaleza Sound created platformed routes and ramps so wheelchair users can reach front-of-stage areas and remote corners of the grounds. Many large festivals designate an accessible campsite or parking close to the entrance (as Glastonbury does (www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com)) and provide shuttle services or golf carts to help attendees move across vast sites. The lesson is to audit your festival map from the perspective of someone using a wheelchair or cane: Are there bottlenecks or steep hills? Are there resting points along long paths? By preemptively removing physical barriers and providing mobility support (like on-call transport carts or staff escorts), events can dramatically improve the experience for attendees with limited mobility or stamina.

Communication: Sign Language & Captioning

Effective communication is another pillar of accessibility. Festivals are increasingly offering sign language interpretation for performances and announcements. In practice, this means hiring certified interpreters and displaying them prominently (on stage or via video screens). Rock in Rio’s addition of on-screen sign interpreters is a prime example (apnews.com), as is Fortaleza Sound’s use of both interpreters and captioned lyrics on LED boards (elpais.com). Smaller events might provide interpreters upon request or only at select shows (due to budget constraints), but the trend is moving toward more ubiquitous coverage – especially for headliners and any spoken content. Additionally, offering captioning (either on screens or through a mobile app) can support those who are hard-of-hearing but may not know sign language. The key is to plan these services in advance and advertise them: let attendees know during ticketing that they can request an interpreter for a specific show, or that certain stages will have captioning, so Deaf and hard-of-hearing fans can plan accordingly.

Accessible Viewing Areas

Crowd density and poor sightlines can turn a festival from fun to frustrating for attendees with disabilities. That’s why accessible viewing areas or platforms are now standard at most large festivals. These are typically elevated platforms or reserved sections with a direct view of the stage, meant for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues, and others who genuinely need them. Each case study festival approached this smartly: Just So kept viewing areas flexible to accommodate families’ needs at various performances, and Rock in Rio placed its platform in a prime location near the front (apnews.com). Lollapalooza even allowed people with non-visible disabilities to use platforms via a wristband system (sensoryaccess.org), recognizing that not all who need a less crowded viewing space use mobility devices. Best practices for viewing areas include: providing seating (chairs or space for wheelchairs), a clear line of sight (e.g., above standing crowd height), shade or cover if possible, and an admission system (like a pass or wristband) to prevent misuse by those not in need. It’s also crucial to allow a companion to join the disabled guest in these areas – most festivals offer a personal assistant ticket for free, so no one is isolated.

Sensory-Friendly Spaces

An emerging innovation in festival inclusion is the introduction of sensory-friendly spaces and services. Large events can be overwhelming with loud music, flashing lights, and big crowds – sensory overload is a real barrier for some attendees. Festivals like Lollapalooza addressed this by creating quiet zones where noise and visual stimuli are reduced (sensoryaccess.org). These calm spaces might be tents or areas at the edge of the festival, equipped with comfortable seating, low lighting, and supplies like water, earplugs, or even weighted blankets. Similarly, family-oriented festivals are providing “relaxed” performance sessions or dedicated time slots with lower volume and gentler lighting for those who need it (often advertised for attendees with autism or learning disabilities). The availability of sensory support items – from noise-cancelling headphones (as offered at Lolla and Fortaleza) to fidget tools – can make a huge difference for neurodivergent festival-goers. The main takeaway is to acknowledge diverse sensory needs: even a short break in a quiet corner can enable someone to enjoy the rest of the event.

Continuous Improvement Through Audits and Feedback

The accessibility standouts we reviewed did not become inclusive overnight – they reached that point through continuous improvement. Conducting accessibility audits is a vital practice. This means reviewing all aspects of the festival (routes, stages, signage, facilities, communications) with disability access in mind, ideally with input from experts or attendees who have disabilities. For instance, Just So Festival worked closely with Attitude is Everything, going through Bronze and Silver levels before achieving Gold standard (justsofestival.org.uk). Each year they gathered feedback, identified gaps (like adding the 360° site tour once they realized pre-visit familiarity was important), and implemented upgrades. Likewise, many festivals now partner with organizations or hire accessibility consultants to do on-site evaluations.

Improvements often come from listening to attendees’ experiences. It’s wise to survey your audience or hold community forums after the event – you might learn that the accessible parking was too far, or that the signage color was hard to read for colorblind guests, for example. Acting on this feedback builds trust. Also, stay updated on new technology and services: innovations such as hearing loop systems, mobile app captioning, or tactile audio wearables (like vibrating vests) are advancing quickly and becoming more affordable, offering new ways to enhance inclusion. Finally, fostering a culture of accessibility within the team is key. Make it a standard topic in planning meetings, allocate budget for it, and celebrate successes (like earning an accessibility award or simply seeing more disabled fans attend because they feel welcome). Over time, these improvements not only make the festival more inclusive, but often improve the experience for everyone – for example, better signage and shuttle services help all attendees, not just those with disabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Plan for Accessibility from Day One: Incorporate accessibility into venue selection, layout design, and budgeting at the very start. It’s much easier to build inclusive infrastructure (ramps, viewing areas, etc.) into your site plan than to retrofit last-minute.
• Consult Experts and Users: Work with disability advocacy groups or accessibility consultants, and engage directly with attendees who have disabilities. First-hand insights will highlight needs you might overlook, and expert guidance can ensure you meet or exceed standards.
• Training and Awareness are Essential: Ensure your staff and volunteers are trained in disability awareness and customer service. A well-trained team can solve minor issues on the ground and make attendees with disabilities feel truly welcome through their attitude and assistance.
• Offer Multiple Accessibility Services: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Aim to provide a menu of accommodations – for example, physical access (routes, shuttles, ramps), communication access (sign language interpreters, captioning, hearing loops), special facilities (accessible toilets, quiet rooms, medical equipment charging), and inclusive policies (personal assistant tickets, service animal provisions). A broad approach ensures you cover different needs.
• Promote and Communicate Your Accessibility Features: Don’t keep your great accessibility work a secret. Dedicate a section on your event website or ticket page to explain all the accommodations available and how to use them. Clear communication – including how to contact the accessibility team – helps attendees feel confident and prepared.
• Continuous Improvement: Treat each festival as an opportunity to improve. Gather feedback through surveys or meetings, document what worked and what didn’t, and make a plan for next year’s upgrades. Accessibility standards and technologies evolve, and so should your festival. Over time, even small yearly improvements can lead to major inclusivity gains and set your event apart as an industry leader in accessibility.