Making Music Festival Accessibility Sustainable.

Almost every music festival now incorporates accessibility as a fundamental part of their event infrastructure. There is often a cost associated with doing this and many organisers are tempted to short cut accessibility solutions. With the growing importance of becoming sustainable festival organisers should ensure they include this in their accessibility planning processes.

To make accessibility implementation fit into an organisers overall sustainability objectives requires more forward thinking in the event planning phase. Festival site accessibility solutions need to be included within the sustainability considerations and form a standard part of planning. The result should be an inclusive experience that embraces social and environment considerations, and many organisers go beyond simple compliance with disability regulations. What are the key aspects for festival organisers when incorporating both accessibility and sustainability needs in their planning to enhance their brand reputation. 

Accessibility for Music Festivals. 
The principle of accessibility for music festivals is the removal of physical and informational barriers so that festival-goers with disabilities can enjoy the event experience. Physical elements of a festival site that provide accessibility can include the incorporation of viewing platforms near stages and accessible pathways close to designated car parking. The provision of dedicated accessible toilet and bathroom facilities can be implemented across a festival site. Organisers also make provisions for carers and personal assistants who can benefit from discounted ticket prices, and these benefits are usually easy to find on the event’s website for example. In addition, organisers often have dedicated teams of volunteers who are suitably trained in disability equality and are there to provide respectful assistance whilst on site. 

Planning and Integration. 
If the festival venue is on a greenfield site in a remote location the site layout plan should incorporate accessibility considerations from the outset. This may include reserving space on flat terrain for the construction of accessible pathways close to dedicated parking and bathroom facilities. The addition of viewing platforms and ramps could also be a core part of temporary constructions from the start and not added later as an afterthought. The planning phase is also a good time to consult with external disability experts who can provide key information on site layout along with preferred communication protocols. 

Sustainable Infrastructure. 
There is likely to be additional costs for incorporating accessibility on a festival site and many organisers may be tempted to cut corners by using cheap and non-sustainable materials for example. The festival’s sustainability objectives should prevent the use of materials that are not environmentally friendly. Construction of accessible compliant pathways will require investment in durable interlocking tiles or hard packed surfaces that can be re-used or recycled for future use. There are purpose built modular viewing platforms and ramps available from suppliers who use steel framed structures that can be re-used multiple times reducing waste. Construction of ramps and pathways can use sustainable materials like recycled plastic trackways or bamboo composite for example. 

Measurement. 
Organisers should set both accessibility and sustainability objectives every year and where possible monitor achievements against theses with measurable KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) which can be assessed after each event. Surveys amongst festival-goers using the event's accessibility facilities can provide valuable feedback on how well organisers have implemented their plans. In addition, the monitoring of waste and the environmental impact of incorporating temporary structures for accessibility can indicate what has been achieved. Reporting of achievements and documenting lessons learnt can help provide opportunities for continuous improvement of events that are accessible and sustainable.

For festival organisers planning their next event using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, site planning, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

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