Festivals are for everyone, whether you’re a food fanatic, music maniac or simply a social butterfly. They are celebrations of life, music, and culture, bringing together people from all walks of life to revel in the magic of collective energy. For individuals with disabilities, these events can offer unique challenges, but with proper preparation and the right mindset, they can also be incredible opportunities for unforgettable experiences.
There are plenty of things that need to be considered before booking the festival that is right for you. From what to bring, how to find the ideal tent for your needs and choosing which festivals are top of your list, Karma Mobility wants to provide you with all the tools you need when booking a festival this summer.
Wheelchair accessible festival checklist
Different festivals will have varying amenities available for wheelchair users depending on their size and capacity. Because of this, ‘wheelchair accessible’ can mean different things at different festivals.
To ensure your needs are accommodated, keep an eye out for the following features on the festival’s website to determine which events are the most wheelchair friendly:
- Free carer tickets
- Disabled parking
- Wheelchair accessible shuttle buses
- Accessible pathways
- Wheelchair accessible toilets and showers
- Campsite accessibility
- Viewing platforms
- Wheelchair hire
- Wheelchair charging facilities
- BSL interpreters and hearing loops
- Food concessions and accessible food stations
Wheelchair camping essentials
Camping can be messy and tricky even for people who don’t have a disability, so it’s even more important to make sure you have everything you need for a seamless experience as a wheelchair user.
There are plenty of things you’ll need to bring but packing light doesn’t need to be an arduous task. Just ensure the following essentials are on your checklist so you are as comfortable as possible throughout the duration of the festival:
- Portable ramps for tent access
- Wheelchair tote, pouch and pack
- Back up batteries for powered wheelchairs
- Sleeping cot, not inflatable mattress
- Warm clothing for the night
- Pre prepared food
- Headlamp/torch for your chair
- Hygiene/first aid kit
- Portable chair, especially if you don’t use a wheelchair permanently
- Entertainment for down time
- Lap tray
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Blanket instead of sleeping bag
- Shower chair
How to find a wheelchair accessible tent
Many companies now sell adaptive camping equipment including tents that are suited to accessible needs. Depending on your disability, you’ll need different things from your tent however, below are some of the things you should be able to find in a wheelchair accessible tent:
- Storage for wheelchairs
- Sleeping compartments with wide doors
- Rear entryways
- Front porch to avoid treading mud into your sleeping compartment
Wheelchair accessible festivals
Glastonbury
Glastonbury is one of the most popular festivals in the country based in Somerset. It is known for its contemporary summer vibe and wide range of musical acts. Glastonbury has offered accessibility for several years now to ensure wheelchair users and everybody with a disability feels comfortable on its grounds.
Access:
- Viewing platforms
- Accessible toilets
- Shuttle bus service
- Stone paths and metal trakway
- Accessible campsite and map
- Companion tickets
- BSL interpreters/Deafzone Team
- Sensory Calm space
- Blue badge parking
Latitude
Latitude festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all abilities including iconic music, comedy, theatre, food, swimming and family fun. To help with access, Latitude offers accessible camping and various wheelchair facilities across the site.
Access:
- Collaboration with Attitude is Everything
- Access guides
- Free companion/personal assistant access
- Accessible campsite
- Accessible toilet and showers
- Changing Places unit
- Charging points for wheelchairs
- Fridge for medication storage
- On-site access team
- Viewing platforms
- BSL interpreting services and hearing loops
Reading and Leeds
Reading and Leeds festivals are some of the biggest music festivals in the country and are known for supporting alternative acts alongside some of the most well-known rock, indie and pop artists. Dating back to 1989, the festival has become more popular in recent years but stuck to its roots musically.
Access:
- Dedicated access team
- Access guides
- Free companion/personal assistant tickets
- Blue badge parking
- Accessible toilets and showers
- Changing Places unit
- Wheelchair charging points
- Fridge for medication storage
- Viewing platforms
- BSL interpreting services and hearing loops
Download
Download Festival is a much more alternative scene, with rock and metal bands at the forefront of its acts. Hailed as one of the most well-loved rock festivals in the UK, Download is the place to be if you prefer heavier music and want to party with a community that shares a passion for both classic and modern band culture.
Access:
- Access database
- Free companion/personal assistant tickets
- Viewing platforms
- Accessible toilets and showers
- Access lanes
- Disabled access campsite
- Charging points for wheelchairs
- Access Team
- BSL interpreting services and hearing loops
- Fridge for medication storage
Edinburgh Fringe
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a celebration of the arts, from comedy and theatre to circus and opera, this is the place where many acts are discovered and given the space to express their creativity on stage. This inclusive festival puts its stamp on promoting diversity and that’s why accessibility is one of its biggest priorities.
Access:
- Complimentary personal assistant tickets
- Accessible show listings – BSL interpreted and audio described
- Collaboration with Deaf Action
- Changing Places toilets
- Sensory backpacks offered
- Venues have won varying levels of the Venue Access Award
Big Feastival
If you’re not one for large music festivals and the arts don’t really interest you then a food festival might be more your speed. Whilst music is still a feature at this grand event, it is matched by amazing street food, chef demonstrations and bars run by artisan distilleries and breweries.
Access:
- BSL interpreting
- Charging points for wheelchairs
- Wheelchair access to stage with viewing platforms
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible campsite with luxury facilities
- Disabled parking
- Dedicated Access Team
- First aid on site
- No storage for medication
- Assistance dogs permitted
- Mobility scooter and manual wheelchair rental
Pub in the Park
Pub in the Park is one of the fastest growing events for foodies, taking world class chefs and michelin-starred food on a tour across the country in the ultimate festival weekend. You’ll be able to enjoy great music whilst perusing the live demo stages, cooking sessions at the Firepit and meeting your favourite chefs at the Bookshop.
Access:
- Complimentary carer tickets
- Requires ID proof
- Blue badge parking
- Fast track disabled queue
- Accessible viewing areas
- Disabled toilets
How to make sure a festival is suitable for your accessibility needs
Some festivals claim to be wheelchair friendly but can just miss the mark.
Whilst they may truly believe they’re doing everything they can to be accessible, it’s also possible that the creators don’t fully understand what it’s like to be at a big event with a disability, so it’s always worth double checking what they offer, and finding other wheelchair users who have attended the festival previously.
Check out reviews from disability influencers, vloggers and accessible travel forums.
Attitude is Everything
Attitude is Everything has been supporting industry professionals to better understand accessibility needs and improve access across a wide range of events. They aim to break down the barriers disabled audience members face when attending events, concerts and festivals with disabled people leading the change.
At Karma Mobility, we firmly believe that everyone should be given the same opportunities, regardless of accessibility needs or individual disability, including the ability to enjoy seeing their favourite musicians live. A comfortable wheelchair that brings you confidence and independence leads the way in giving you a life where you can do things your way.
For more information, advice and guidance from the Karma community, follow Karma Mobility on social media.