00:00UK music festivals are an incredible experience, but for many accessibility is the key to enjoying
00:07the music. I mean music should be for everybody, am I right? No, I'm not wrong. But if you're
00:13wondering what to expect at UK festivals regarding accessibility, then this video is probably for you.
00:20We're going to give you a quick overview of the most common features that you'll find across
00:25many festivals in the United Kingdom, but of course it comes with a caveat.
00:30You're going to have to apply for it yourself, and by doing so you might want to investigate
00:35the terms and conditions for each individual festival. And now I've covered my backside,
00:40let's take a look at some of the most common accessibility features
00:44that these UK festivals are offering throughout 2025.
00:48Now many festivals offer dedicated accessible campsites, and these often include level grounds,
00:55accessible toilets and showers, water points, and even charging facilities for medical equipment.
01:01Some festivals will also provide medication storage, and to ensure that everyone can see
01:07the performances that they've paid good money for, most festivals will provide viewing platforms at
01:12the main stages. Now these are designed for wheelchair users and people with mobility needs,
01:18however if you have a companion that you absolutely must have with you at the festival at all times,
01:25they too are entitled to enter the viewing platform, providing that it's not overcrowded.
01:32Accessible toilets are a standard feature as well, and some festivals even provide
01:36changing places facilities, which will offer more space and equipment, though some will not
01:42provide sling harnesses and bits like that. But again, that goes back to contacting the
01:49individual festival that you're going to attend, and what they can provide in terms of that
01:54accessibility. Now the big one, getting around. Now festivals, let's be honest, are large spaces,
02:01I mean look at the size of Worthy Farm. So getting around is important, and many festivals offer
02:06accessible routes, shuttle services, or buggy transport to help people move across the site.
02:13And again, they do want to make you aware that if the conditions are muddy and slippery,
02:20that might be a hazard, though there are going to be stewards around who are there to help out,
02:25should the unfortunate thing take place, and we have another mud pit at Glastonbury,
02:30or Download Festival, or any festival for that matter.
02:35So to use these facilities, many festivals require you to register in advance, and some
02:39festivals use schemes like the Nimbus Access Card to verify accessibility needs. So it's important
02:46to check the specific requirements of each festival you plan to attend, and beyond the basics,
02:52And beyond the basics, many festivals are also offering additional support,
02:58British Sign Language interpretation, sensory calm spaces for those who need a break from the
03:03crowds and the noise, and assistant dog provisions are becoming more and more common. So while this
03:09is a general overview, remember that each festival has its own specific accessibility policies,
03:16and operating accessibility. Always check their website or contact their access team for the most
03:22up-to-date information, and with the right planning, everyone can enjoy the UK festival experience
03:29as they should.
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