Accessibility of music festivals: a British perspective

Abstract

Purpose

This investigation aims to critically assess accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) at music festivals in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the literature was conducted, followed by a case study focused on analysing accessible facilities and services offered at Glastonbury, Creamfields, Latitudes and Bestival Festivals. These two research strategies made use of secondary data only.

Findings

Based on the analysis of the needs of PWDs when attending a music festival and the facilities and services currently offered at the four UK music festivals studied in this research, three themes emerged: (1) insufficient attention is given to venue and site design characteristics, (2) current access booking tools appear to be confusing and bureaucratic and (3) staff awareness is of great concern among PWDs because employees do not have sufficient knowledge about the different types of disabilities and their individual needs.

Practical implications

By identifying current barriers affecting the experience of PWDs while attending music festivals in the UK, this research guides festival managers to deliver a more accessible music festival experience by suggesting the implementation of new approaches in terms of services and physical spaces provided.

Originality/value

This paper provides festival managers and future researchers with an essential foundation for creating more inclusive music festivals since it mentions critical factors that are currently missing and that can ensure success when responding to PWDs' needs and desires. The information in this investigation can be taken as an initial point to develop a theoretical framework through primary research focused on accessible festival design.

Citation

Alvarado, K.G. (2022), "Accessibility of music festivals: a British perspective", International Journal of Event and Festival Management, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 203-218. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEFM-12-2020-0082