In the pandemic era, the world has become more digitised. Music events have been more accessible than ever before for people within the disabled community, and with the country slowly beginning to open up, it seems like more and more social events are now keeping an eye on their accessibility. 

From wheelchair zones to sensory-friendly areas and adapted bathroom facilities, accessibility is slowly but surely becoming a priority in the music event space. With a summer of festivals well underway, we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at some festivals that cater to those with varying access needs. 

Ability Fest—Victoria 

This wonderful event, organised by The Dylan Alcott Foundation, is touted as Australia’s most inclusive festival. Catering largely to people living with disability, the one-day event features accessibility options like pathways, quiet zones, elevated platforms, companion ticketing, accessible ramps, accessible toilets and of course, disability-conscious staff. 

This disability-friendly festival aims to give those living with disability the opportunity to experience a typical music festival without the barriers that a mainstream event would create for them. The event also aims to raise money to fund the Alcott Foundations’ grant program which provides support to young Australians with disabilities. 

Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth—New South Wales 

One of Australia’s favourite music festivals, the Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth has upped accessible options for their disabled punters. With an easy-to-read accessibility map, accessible parking locations and public transport drop-offs, and adapted toilets and viewing areas, Tamworth’s iconic Country Music Festival can be enjoyed by all, no matter their accessibility needs.

To amplify the experiences of disability, it’s important that we start talking about it openly and allowing space for disabled folk to tell their stories. Encouraging your friends and family around you to consume books, movies and information created by disabled authors is one of the best ways to uplift the disabled community. Representation matters because we do.

Falls Festival—South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales

Falls Festival is one of Australia’s best-known youth music festivals, and with a switched focus toward accessibility, now it can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Recognising Companion Cards, providing internal accessible bathroom facilities and making space for close-by disability parking are just some of the steps

that Falls Festival takes to make their event more accessible. Wheelchair access is also available in some areas, but the terrain is varying. The best part about Falls Festival’s commitment to accessibility is that special arrangements can be made with the organisers if they’re contacted beforehand. 

Splendour in the Grass—New South Wales 

As one of the original musical festivals, Splendour in the Grass has made improvements with its commitment to accessibility over the years. Featuring viewing areas for attendees with disabilities, accessible bathroom facilities and complete accessibility to indoor events, the festival also allows accessible parking through a pre-purchase of an accessible vehicle pass. The festival also recognises Companion Cards, and although most outdoor events entail accessible features, the varying terrain is inaccessible in some areas. 

While Australian festivals are becoming more accessible by the year, we still have a very long way to go before every Australian, regardless of ability, can fully enjoy every event. That’s why Access Link Consulting is working hard to provide solutions for accessibility facilities for residential, commercial, mixed-use developments and industrial properties. We aim to be the number one provider of strategic, long-term and accessible consulting solutions for an inclusive society, and we have all of the experience to get us there.