Wheelchair-Friendly Festivals: Ensuring Accessibility for Attendees with Mobility Challenges

Introduction

Creating a festival that is truly wheelchair-friendly is about more than just meeting legal obligations – it’s about delivering a great experience for all attendees. Over 1 billion people (roughly 15% of the world’s population) live with some form of disability (www.inclusivecitymaker.com), and an estimated 130 million worldwide rely on wheelchairs for mobility (www.wheelchairfoundation.org). In the United States alone, studies indicate around 40% of people have a chronic illness or disability (www.teenvogue.com). These numbers represent a huge audience of potential festival-goers. By ensuring events are accessible, festival organisers not only comply with laws like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) but also welcome a wider audience and demonstrate social responsibility.

Accessibility isn’t just a box to tick – it’s integral to a positive attendee experience. A festival that removes physical barriers and provides thoughtful services will make attendees with mobility challenges feel included, safe, and valued. On the flip side, failing to accommodate these needs can lead to frustration, exclusion, or even safety hazards. (One wheelchair user recounted an ordeal at the Shaky Knees Music Festival in Atlanta where unclear ADA entrances and untrained staff turned the journey into a frustrating experience (wheelchairtravel.org).) To avoid such scenarios, festival producers must plan for accessibility from day one. This guide offers practical, actionable advice – from site layout and infrastructure to attendee services and staff training – to help make any festival fully accessible for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

Site Layout & Physical Infrastructure

Designing an accessible site layout is the foundation of a wheelchair-friendly festival. When evaluating venues or planning your festival grounds, consider how a person using a wheelchair (or a cane, walker, or mobility scooter) will navigate every area. Key elements include smooth pathways, ramps, and dedicated viewing platforms:

• Smooth, Continuous Pathways: Ensure there are stable, step-free routes connecting all major areas – stages, food courts, restrooms, camping zones, first aid, etc. Uneven terrain, mud, or loose gravel can be major obstacles. Many outdoor festivals invest in temporary flooring or trackway mats over grass to create solid paths. For example, the boutique Just So Festival (UK) laid down temporary walkways on grassy areas and clearly marked slope-free paths to ease navigation (www.ticketfairy.com). Similarly, Tomorrowland in Belgium makes accessibility a priority by offering nearby accessible parking and even an elevator at its main entrance, and it lays wooden floors and concrete paths across the grounds to guarantee wheelchair mobility even on a massive outdoor site (faq.tomorrowland.com) (faq.tomorrowland.com). By providing firm, slip-resistant paths (with gentle inclines where needed), you enable attendees with wheelchairs or limited stamina to move around comfortably.

• Ramps & Level Changes: Any place where there’s a step or change in elevation should have a ramp or alternative accessible route. This includes stage platforms, entrance steps, raised VIP areas, and viewing decks. Make sure ramps are ADA-compliant – sufficient width (at least 36 inches in the US), with a gentle slope and handrails if the rise is significant. If your festival uses bleachers or raised seating, designate sections with ramp access or ground-level viewing for wheelchair users. Temporary aluminum or wooden ramps can make existing structures accessible without major construction. Always test these structures for stability and proper incline well before the event.

• Accessible Viewing Platforms: Crowd density and sightlines can quickly turn a festival frustrating for someone at wheelchair height if not addressed. That’s why most large festivals now provide accessible viewing platforms or reserved viewing areas at stages. These are typically elevated platforms or at-grade sections giving wheelchair users (and others who need them) an unobstructed view above the standing crowd. Position platforms in prime viewing spots – e.g. near front-of-house or at stage front – but also consider safety and ingress/egress (they should be reachable by an accessible path and not too close to crushing crowds or loudspeakers). For instance, Rock in Rio (Brazil) introduced a special viewing platform near the front of the main stage exclusively for disabled attendees and their companions, effectively creating a VIP area so wheelchair users and Deaf fans could enjoy performances up close (www.ticketfairy.com). Best practices for viewing platforms include providing some seating or space for mobility devices, a canopy or shade if possible (outdoor sun can be harsh when you’re stationary), and implementing a fair access system (many festivals issue wristbands or passes to eligible attendees to prevent misuse). Always allow at least one companion to join a disabled guest on the platform – most events offer a free personal assistant ticket or lanyard so attendees aren’t isolated from friends (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com).

• Accessible Camping & Rest Areas: For multi-day festivals with camping, plan an accessible campground on level ground, close to the festival entrance or shuttle stops. Glastonbury Festival in the UK, for example, has an Accessible Campsite right on the perimeter of the main site so disabled campers don’t have to trek long distances (www.ticketfairy.com). Provide accessible parking or drop-off adjacent to this campsite, along with facilities like charging stations for electric wheelchairs and refrigeration for medications. In the campground (and around the venue), designate some quiet or rest areas with seating where those with limited stamina can take breaks. A few benches or shade tents along lengthy pathways go a long way for someone who might need to stop and rest.

• Emergency Egress and Safety: Incorporate accessibility into your emergency and risk management plans. All exit routes should be navigable by wheelchair – that means no narrow gates or stairs-only exits. If you’re using barriers for crowd control, ensure there are gates or break points wide enough for mobility devices. Brief your security team on how to safely assist disabled attendees during an evacuation or other emergencies. Planning for worst-case scenarios (like sudden severe weather or the need to move everyone out quickly) with disabled attendees in mind will protect your audience and minimise liability.

Accessible Facilities & Amenities

Attendees with mobility challenges have the same basic needs as any other festival-goer – food, toilets, water, rest – but these needs must be met in ways that accommodate their mobility limitations. By providing accessible facilities and attendee services, you ensure everyone stays comfortable and can enjoy the event. Key areas to focus on include:

• Wheelchair-Accessible Restrooms: It’s essential to have plenty of ADA-compliant restrooms (or equivalent local standard) throughout the venue. These should be spacious enough for a wheelchair to enter and turn (typically a 5-foot turning radius in U.S. guidelines) and equipped with grab bars. If you’re renting portable toilets, always include a number of wheelchair-accessible units (usually marked with the disability symbol) at each restroom area – not just one far-off location. At larger festivals, consider installing a Changing Places facility or high-dependency unit – essentially a deluxe accessible restroom with an adult-size changing bench, hoist, and extra space for a caregiver. After feedback from attendees with severe disabilities, some festivals have added these advanced facilities; for example, the Just So Festival’s accessible campground features a Changing Places restroom with a hoist and adult changing bench to accommodate those with complex needs (www.ticketfairy.com). Providing these isn’t just about compliance but about demonstrating care for attendees’ dignity and comfort.

• Accessible Showers & Hygiene: For camping festivals, don’t forget accessible shower stalls and sinks. These should have roll-in design (no step up), a seat or bench, handheld showerheads, and reachable controls. Make sure flooring is slip-resistant. If terrain is uneven, build a small ramp or platform so a wheelchair user can access the shower trailer. Keep these facilities regularly cleaned and stocked; nothing ruins a festival experience faster than an unusable bathroom – especially for someone who has fewer alternatives.

• Food & Beverage Areas: Check that food courts, bars, and merchandise stalls are wheelchair-accessible. This means having level access to the area and counters at a reasonable height. Ideally, counters should have a lowered section or staff should be trained to come around front to assist a patron in a wheelchair. Maintain some accessible picnic tables or dining surfaces as well – either those designed for wheelchair access (with one side open) or simply a mix of high-tops and low tables so everyone finds a suitable spot. If your festival is using a cashless payment system or tokens, ensure the purchase points are accessible, and have an alternative for anyone who might struggle with standard wristbands (some systems offer clip-on or lanyard options for those who can’t wear tight bands).

• Water Refill & Other Amenities: Hydration is important for all attendees, especially in hot weather. Make sure water refill stations or fountains are at wheelchair height or have an accessible spout. Similarly, ATMs or charging stations on site should be reachable (many ATMs have ADA-height compliance built-in). If you offer phone charging lockers, ensure at least a portion are lower down. Little details – like placing benches or seating in queues (for food, merch, etc.) – can help not just wheelchair users but anyone who struggles to stand for long periods (for example, older attendees or pregnant women).

• Medical & Wellness Services: Position first aid tents and medical services in accessible locations and clearly mark them on the site map. Train medical staff on considerations for mobility-device users (for example, if someone has a pressure sore or needs assistance transferring out of a wheelchair, how will you handle that?). It’s also wise to offer basic services like wheelchair charging stations at info points or medical tents. If an attendee’s powered wheelchair battery is low, having a place to recharge can be a lifesaver – some festivals put outlets on viewing platforms or at the accessible camping area specifically for this (www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk). Additionally, keep a couple of spare mobility aids (like a basic wheelchair) on hand. Should someone’s device break down or if an attendee is injured and suddenly needs mobility assistance, having a backup wheelchair available via the medical tent or accessibility team can save the day.

Transportation, Parking & Entry

Many festivals put great thought into on-site accessibility but overlook the journey to and into the venue. Getting there is part of the attendee experience. For wheelchair users, accessible transport and entry systems are critical:

• Accessible Parking & Drop-Off: If your venue has parking, reserve an adequate number of accessible parking spots as close as possible to the entrance or shuttle pick-up. These should be clearly marked and monitored so only those with disability placards use them. For big events, create a dedicated drop-off/pick-up zone for attendees with disabilities (and communicate its location ahead of time). Glastonbury, for example, offers an accessible parking area adjacent to its accessible campsite and provides vehicle permits for those who need to park close by (www.ticketfairy.com). If general parking is in a remote lot, ensure the shuttle buses from parking are wheelchair-accessible or allow disabled guests to be dropped off closer to the gate before the driver goes to park.

• Shuttles & On-Site Transport: Many festivals run shuttles from transit hubs or distant parking lots – make sure these are accessible. Contract transport companies that have ADA-compliant buses or vans with lifts. If using golf carts or tractor shuttles on festival grounds, have at least one cart with a wheelchair ramp or an attachment that can safely carry a chair. Communicate the availability of accessible shuttles in all your transportation info so attendees know how to catch them. Some events also station volunteer-driven golf carts at information points, allowing disabled attendees to request a ride to another area of the festival if they’re fatigued or the distance is too great. At sprawling festivals (with miles of grounds), this kind of on-call mobility service can be invaluable (www.ticketfairy.com).

• Entrance Lines & Screening: Long queues can be especially tough for those with mobility issues who cannot stand for long or manoeuvre easily in crowds. Implement a plan for accessible entry, such as a separate ADA entry gate or a policy to allow disabled attendees (and their companions) expedited entry. This could mean a dedicated line that bypasses stairs or rough terrain, or simply a wristband that lets them use a VIP/Fast Track lane. At Coachella and other major festivals, guests with disabilities can register for ADA credentials that grant access to alternate entrances and viewing areas. Make sure security staff at gates recognise these credentials and know how to handle mobility devices during bag checks (e.g., gently checking wheelchairs or scooters). If the entry has magnetometers or narrow checkpoints, have an alternative screening procedure (just as airports do) so wheelchair users can be wanded or visually inspected without leaving their device.

• Wayfinding & Signage: Clearly mark accessible routes from entry points into the heart of the festival. Large signage or flags indicating “Accessible Route” or using the wheelchair symbol can guide new arrivals towards ramps or smoother paths, avoiding unnecessary detours over curbs or stairs. If you provide a festival map (in print or a mobile app), highlight all accessible facilities and paths on that map. Some festivals use icons to show where ramps, accessible toilets, and viewing platforms are located. A well-marked site not only empowers wheelchair users to navigate independently, but also helps all staff and attendees be aware of these accommodations (for instance, other guests then know not to block those pathways).

Staffing, Training & Attendee Support

Even with great infrastructure in place, people make a huge difference in ensuring an accessible experience. Front-line staff and volunteers should be prepared and eager to assist attendees with mobility challenges. Building an informed, helpful festival team and fostering an inclusive culture can turn a good accessibility plan into a great attendee experience:

• Accessibility Coordinator or Team: If possible, designate a staff member (or team) as the Accessibility Coordinator for the festival. This person’s role is to oversee all accessibility initiatives – from planning through to execution on show days. They can liaise with vendors supplying ramps or toilets, handle accommodation requests from attendees, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the event. For large festivals, having an Accessibility Desk or Info Tent on-site is immensely helpful. (In the UK, many festivals like Latitude and Reading have an Attitude is Everything information tent in the accessible campsite, staffed by volunteers who specialise in assisting disabled customers (accessaa.co.uk).) During the festival, the coordinator should be reachable via radio by other staff in case an urgent need (like a wheelchair user needing assistance) comes up.

• Staff & Volunteer Training: All festival staff and volunteers – not just those on the “access team” – should receive basic training on accessibility and disability awareness. Brief your crew on things like: where the accessible facilities are located, how to appropriately offer help to a person in a wheelchair, and what to do if an accessibility issue arises. Emphasise respect and patience: staff should speak to the attendee (not just their companion), and never assume help is needed unless asked. Training can also cover practical skills, such as how to push a manual wheelchair safely up a slope or how to guide someone with low vision. If your event provides wheelchairs or carts, train the team on operating these (and have a charging routine for powered carts). The goal is to ensure any staff interaction – from the gate to the stages – is welcoming rather than a source of friction. Remember the negative example at Shaky Knees, where staff confusion about ADA entries caused unnecessary frustration (wheelchairtravel.org) – proper training and clear protocols could have prevented that.

• Volunteers or Buddies: Consider implementing a “buddy” program or volunteer accessibility assistants. These are volunteers who can be on-call to escort attendees with mobility issues around the site or to specific services. For instance, if a disabled guest needs to get from one end of the grounds back to the exit, a volunteer buddy could meet them and help navigate the crowds or push their wheelchair if they’re tired. Some events allow attendees to request this help via text message or at an info booth. Even if you don’t have a formal program, encourage a culture where any volunteer or security personnel will cheerfully assist if they see someone struggling (e.g. helping carry food for a wheelchair user, or fetching a medic if someone has a fall).

• Communication & Attitude: The attitude of your festival team sets the tone. Emphasise inclusivity in pre-event briefings – every attendee should be treated with equal respect and enthusiasm. Sometimes well-meaning staff might “talk down” to someone in a wheelchair or ignore them and address their companion instead; these behaviours should be explicitly discouraged during training. Instead, teach staff to ask open-ended questions like “How can I help make your experience great today?” and to listen to disabled attendees’ instructions on what they need. Often small gestures – like a volunteer proactively informing a wheelchair user about the nearest accessible restroom, or offering a plastic cover for their chair in case of rain – greatly enhance someone’s day.

• Dedicated Accessibility Services: Some festivals take additional steps like providing sign language interpreters, captioning, or sensory-friendly areas for attendees with different needs (deaf, hard-of-hearing, autistic, etc.). While these may be beyond the scope of strictly mobility-related services, they contribute to an overall culture of inclusion. If budget allows, having an ASL (or local sign language) interpreter on stage for announcements, or offering a quiet lounge for those who need a break from sensory overload, further demonstrates that the festival cares about all its fans. And importantly, let your staff know about these services too – they should be able to inform attendees, “Yes, we have an interpreter at the main stage 8 PM show,” or “There’s a quiet tent on the east side if you need a respite.” Empowering staff with knowledge ensures attendees get the full benefit of the accessibility measures you’ve put in place.

Communication & Pre-Event Planning

Setting up fantastic accessible features won’t help if attendees don’t know about them or can’t easily use them. Clear communication before and during the festival is key. By providing detailed information up front and incorporating accessibility into ticketing and customer service, you can prevent confusion and ensure disabled attendees feel confident attending your event:

• Access Information on Your Website: Publish an Accessibility Guide or dedicated page on the festival website well in advance (ideally as soon as tickets go on sale). According to industry best practices like Attitude is Everything’s Access Starts Online initiative, providing quality access info early is crucial (attitudeiseverything.org.uk). This guide should outline all the accommodations available – from accessible parking and entrances, to restroom locations, viewing platforms, medical services, and how to contact the festival for special requests. Be specific and honest: if part of the site is hilly or has rough terrain, mention it but explain what help is available. Include details on how to obtain ADA/accessible credentials or reserve space in the accessible campground if applicable. The more transparency, the better; attendees with mobility challenges often meticulously plan their trip, and having accurate info will attract them and set the right expectations.

• Ticketing & Registration: Use the ticketing process to gather accessibility needs and make accommodations smooth. Ideally, your ticketing platform allows buyers to indicate if they have a disability or need specific services. (For example, Ticket Fairy’s platform enables organisers to include accessibility questions or request forms during registration, so you can know in advance if someone requires a companion ticket or has particular needs.) Offer a straightforward way for attendees to request essential companion passes – most festivals grant a free or discounted ticket for a personal assistant accompanying a disabled person. Make it clear how to apply for that and what proof, if any, is required (many events accept a simple doctor’s note or national disability card, but avoid overly burdensome documentation). If there are capacity limits for certain services (like a viewing platform) that require pre-registration, handle that during ticket purchase or via email follow-up so that everything is arranged before show day.

• Customer Support for Accessibility: Ensure your customer service channels (email, phone, social media) are primed to handle accessibility inquiries. Train those managing your info email or hotline on common questions (e.g., “Is there disabled parking?”, “Can I bring my mobility scooter?”, “Are there seats available if I can’t stand for long?”). A prompt, knowledgeable response can reassure an attendee that your event will accommodate them. Where possible, have an accessibility specialist answer these queries. Also consider providing key info in multiple formats – a PDF guide, a web page, maybe even an audio format or video for those who benefit from hearing or seeing the info. Some festivals create a short site accessibility video tour to show the layout and features (as Just So Festival did with a 360° virtual site tour for families with disabled members to plan ahead (www.ticketfairy.com)).

• On-Site Signage & Info: At the festival itself, supplement your physical improvements with good signage and programme info. Clearly signpost the accessible amenities: use the wheelchair symbol on signs pointing to accessible toilets, mark viewing platform entrances with tall banners or flags, etc. In the festival programme or app, include a section on Accessibility Services (and ensure it is easy to find, not hidden in fine print). Announcements can also help – for instance, a general information broadcast like “Reminder: free wheelchair charging is available at the medical tent, and accessible shuttles are running every 15 minutes from Gate A to the camping area” can be made via app notifications or stage MC shout-outs. The goal is to make sure that once on site, attendees with mobility challenges never have to search hard or ask multiple people to locate the services they need – it should be as convenient as it is for any other attendee finding the bathroom or the food court.

• Community Engagement: If you’re unsure what accommodations to prioritise, engage with the disabled community during planning. Reach out to local disability advocacy groups or past attendees who use wheelchairs and invite their input. You might host a focus group or simply survey ticket buyers for feedback on last year’s accessibility. Not only will this identify pain points you might have missed, it also builds goodwill. Showing that you listen and act on feedback is huge – it’s how many festivals moved from basic compliance to truly innovative solutions. (In fact, many improvements – like the interchangeable companion lanyards used at Reading and Leeds Festivals, which let disabled guests enjoy shows with different friends – came directly from listening to attendee feedback (accessaa.co.uk).) Building these relationships with the community can also help with staffing – you might find passionate volunteers or hire consultants who have lived experience and can train your team.

• Compliance and Beyond: Be aware of your legal requirements. In the U.S., any public festival must meet ADA regulations; similar laws exist in other countries (such as the UK’s Equality Act 2010). These laws cover things like a minimum number of accessible toilets, seating, parking spaces, and non-discrimination in ticket sales. Non-compliance can result in lawsuits or fines, but equally important, it harms your reputation. Aim to meet and then exceed these standards. The baseline might be, for instance, one accessible toilet per restroom cluster – but providing two or three, kept clean, is better for your attendees. Legal standards often don’t explicitly cover temporary events in detail, so use common sense and expert guidance (the ADA publishes an ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities that can be applied to temporary structures, and groups like Attitude is Everything publish festival-specific accessibility guides). Remember that the spirit of these laws is equal access. If an able-bodied attendee can reasonably get to an area or use a service, a person using a wheelchair should be able to as well. Keep that principle front and centre in planning.

Scaling for Festival Size and Type

Accessibility strategies can scale up or down depending on the size and type of festival, but the commitment to inclusion remains constant. Whether you’re organising a local food festival for 2,000 people or a massive music extravaganza of 200,000, consider these adjustments:

• Small Boutique Festivals: Smaller events often have the advantage of more tight-knit planning and fewer sprawling areas, making accessibility easier to manage. However, limited budget and staff can be a challenge. Prioritise the most impactful improvements: ensure the entrance, main pathways, and essential amenities are accessible above all. You might not afford multiple viewing platforms or a dedicated access team, but you can train your existing staff to handle accessibility needs as part of their role. At an intimate scale, personal touches go a long way – for example, a volunteer at a small folk festival might personally escort a wheelchair user to a good viewing spot near the stage if a platform isn’t feasible. Even with modest means, communicate with attendees and be prepared to improvise solutions on the fly (like temporarily diverting a fence to create a shorter route for someone, or using some plywood to bridge a small step). Case study: The Just So Festival (5,000 attendees) proved that even boutique events can achieve excellence in accessibility, earning awards by incrementally improving features year by year (www.ticketfairy.com). Their approach shows that commitment and creativity matter more than scale.

• Large Festivals: Big festivals have more resources but also more ground to cover (literally). At scale, formalise everything: multiple viewing platforms (with staff assigned to each), an entire team for accessibility services, and robust infrastructure (dozens of accessible toilets, extensive trackway systems, shuttles, etc.). Logistics are critical – for example, a festival with 10 stages should have an accessibility plan for each area and enough staff to rotate and stay fresh during a long weekend. Large events should also prepare for higher numbers of disabled attendees; think through capacity (Is your accessible campground large enough? Do you have enough wheelchairs on hand if multiple people need a loaner?). Glastonbury and Coachella, for instance, may host hundreds of wheelchair-using guests each day, so they maintain features like multiple ADA viewing areas per stage and a centralized Access Info booth where any question or need can be directed. Big festivals can also partner with organizations – in the UK, major promoters work with Attitude is Everything to audit and train staff, while in the US festivals might consult groups like the ADA National Network or disability advocacy nonprofits to improve services. The key for large events is consistency: with a bigger crew, ensure every security checkpoint, every stage manager, and every volunteer is on the same page regarding accessibility procedures (a single misinformed staffer at a far-flung gate could undo a lot of otherwise good work).

• Urban vs. Rural Venues: City-based festivals (e.g. street fairs or urban music festivals in parks) often benefit from existing infrastructure like paved roads, curb cuts, and permanent facilities. However, be mindful of city-specific challenges – older buildings or parks may have hidden accessibility issues (like narrow historic doorways or sections of cobblestone). Always perform a walkthrough to spot these. For instance, a film festival in historic theatres might need portable ramps for old steps, or a food festival along a street might need temporary curb ramps for wheelchairs to navigate sidewalk transitions. Rural or greenfield festivals (on farms, beaches, or remote fields) need even more proactive measures: bring in the pathway mats, robust temporary lighting (so wheelchair users can see terrain at night), and perhaps off-road-capable shuttles. Weather can wreak havoc – many a festival in a field has turned to mud in rain. Plan ahead with supplies of straw, gravel, or portable road mats to quickly fix mud patches and keep routes passable. It can be the difference between an accessible site and one where wheels literally sink.

• Different Types of Festivals: Consider the specific needs of your genre or audience. A music festival with multiple stages needs more viewing areas; a food festival might need more seating spread out so people aren’t forced to stand while eating. A camping-heavy festival must focus on accessible showers and camping comforts, whereas a one-day comic-con or film festival in a convention centre might focus on lifts/elevators and accessible seating in panel rooms. If your festival attracts an older crowd (say a jazz or folk festival), you may have more attendees with mobility issues – plan accordingly with ample seating, golf cart shuttles, and maybe even wheelchair rental services. Conversely, an EDM festival with a younger crowd shouldn’t assume no needs – younger attendees can have disabilities too, and loud dazzling productions might require you to also think about sensory accessibility. Tailor your accessibility services to the likely demographics, but always cover the basics because diversity exists in every audience.

Continuous Improvement and Feedback

No festival gets everything 100% right immediately when it comes to accessibility. The difference between those that excel and those that stagnate is often listening and adapting. Treat accessibility as an ongoing commitment:

• Post-Event Feedback: After your festival, actively seek feedback from attendees with disabilities. Send a follow-up survey that includes questions about accessibility (or a separate survey just for those who used accessibility services). Encourage honest input: What worked well? What was difficult? Some festivals also invite a few attendees for a post-event debrief or forum. For example, after one event, organisers learned that signage for the ADA entrance was insufficient – disabled guests had trouble finding it in the crowd. In response, the next year they added tall feather flags with the wheelchair icon at all entrances, solving the visibility issue. This kind of iterative improvement builds trust in your audience that you genuinely care.

• On-Site Auditing: Conduct accessibility audits during the event. The accessibility coordinator (or even a hired consultant) can do a walkthrough in a wheelchair or with eyes closed (to simulate low vision) to spot issues in real time. You might discover, say, that a mat on a grass path has shifted and created a gap, or that one of the accessible toilets has become difficult to reach due to a parked vehicle. Quick fixes – repositioning mats, moving a barrier, adding better lighting on a ramp at night – can be done if your team is looking for them. Some festivals enlist mystery shoppers or advisors from disability organizations to roam the site and report back. The perspective of someone with lived experience can catch problems others overlook.

• Stay Updated on Best Practices: Accessibility technology and standards evolve. Stay informed on new solutions that could enhance the festival experience for those with mobility challenges. This might be new all-terrain wheelchair mats that work better in mud, or solar-powered charging stations for wheelchairs if your festival is off-grid, or even emerging mobility devices that attendees might use. Industry conferences and organizations (like the Association of Independent Festivals or publications such as Access All Areas) often share case studies of accessibility innovations. For instance, festivals have introduced creative perks like interchangeable personal assistant passes (so a disabled guest can have different friends accompany them at different times) and improved wheelchair viewing platform designs based on fan feedback (accessaa.co.uk). By keeping an eye on what others are doing, you can adopt new ideas and keep your event at the forefront of inclusion.

• Celebrate and Promote Your Efforts: When you do make significant accessibility improvements, let the world know – not to boast, but to reach the community who benefits. Update your marketing to mention accessibility features (e.g., “New wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms at all stages this year!”). Reach out to disability-centred publications or local media to highlight how you’re making the festival inclusive. This not only helps attract attendees who need those features, but also shows sponsors and the public that your festival values attendee experience for everyone. Some festivals even pursue certifications or awards – in the UK, Attitude is Everything offers a Charter of Best Practice where events can earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold status for their accessibility initiatives. Achieving such recognition (like Glastonbury and Just So Festival did) is a proud moment and can be featured in press releases. But remember, the real reward is seeing happy faces in your accessible viewing area or campground, and knowing that your festival is welcoming to all music lovers, foodies, or fans – whoever they may be.

Key Takeaways

• Plan Accessibility from the Start: Incorporate accessibility considerations into venue selection, site design, and budgeting from day one. It’s far easier and more cost-effective to build inclusivity into the festival plan than to scramble for fixes later.
• Smooth Navigation is Crucial: Provide step-free, solid pathways and ramps throughout your site so wheelchair users and those with limited mobility can reach every major area. Think from their perspective – eliminate bottlenecks, steep grades, and obstacles.
• Dedicated Accessible Amenities: Ensure plentiful accessible restrooms (and consider a hoist-equipped Changing Places unit if possible), accessible viewing platforms at stages, and options like accessible camping or seating areas. These facilities remove physical barriers and show that all attendees’ needs are valued.
• Train Your Team & Foster a Helpful Culture: Educate staff and volunteers on accessibility etiquette, the locations of key services, and how to assist attendees with mobility challenges. A friendly, informed team makes disabled attendees feel welcome and safe. Consider having an Accessibility Coordinator or partnering with disability organisations for support and training.
• Accessible Transport & Entry: Make arrivals and departures easier with reserved accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible shuttles, and smooth entry processes. Clearly mark ADA entrances and provide alternatives to long queues or stairs. The journey into the festival should be just as accessible as the festival grounds.
• Communication is Key: Provide detailed accessibility information online well ahead of the event, and make it easy for attendees to request accommodations like companion tickets or special assistance. Once on-site, use signage, info booths, and announcements to keep everyone informed about accessible services.
• Continuous Improvement: Don’t treat accessibility as a one-time checklist. Gather feedback from attendees, perform on-site audits, and be ready to make changes year over year. Stay updated on best practices and strive to exceed basic legal requirements – the goal is a truly inclusive festival where everyone can enjoy the magic of the experience.