Making Late Summer Memories Accessible to Everyone
August brings the peak of outdoor festival season, with county fairs, music festivals, art shows, and community celebrations happening across the country. For mobility equipment users, these events offer wonderful opportunities for entertainment and community connection—with the right preparation and planning.
Whether you’re attending a local county fair, outdoor concert, or multi-day festival, accessibility planning ensures you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about barriers. This comprehensive guide covers everything from pre-event research to on-site navigation strategies.
Pre-Event Research: Your Foundation for Success
Essential Questions to Ask Organizers
Before committing to any outdoor event, contact organizers directly. Their responsiveness to accessibility questions often indicates how well-prepared they are:
Key Questions to Ask:
- Where are accessible parking areas located, and how close are they to entrances?
- What type of accessible seating or viewing areas are available?
- Are there accessible restrooms with adult changing facilities?
- What surfaces will I encounter (grass, gravel, pavement)?
- Are mobility equipment charging stations available?
- What assistance is available for equipment rental or repair?
Communication Tip: Many festivals now offer accessible parking, ramps and elevators, plus designated viewing areas for those in wheelchairs. Ask specifically about these features and request maps showing their locations.
Website and Digital Accessibility Information
Well-organized events will have accessibility information readily available on their websites. Look for:
- Detailed accessibility maps and site layouts
- Equipment rental and delivery services
- Companion and carer ticket policies
- Emergency procedures and medical facilities
- Contact information for accessibility coordinators
Pro Tip: Take the stress out of festival planning for your guests by listing essential information such as whether there are accessible toilets, how to get there, and what to expect when they arrive. Many events now use platforms like Euan’s Guide to share comprehensive accessibility information.
Terrain and Navigation Challenges
Understanding Ground Conditions
Outdoor events present unique terrain challenges that standard mobility equipment may struggle with:
Typical Festival Surfaces:
- Grass fields: Can become muddy and uneven, especially after rain
- Gravel paths: Difficult for standard wheelchairs and scooters
- Temporary boardwalks: May have gaps or uneven transitions
- Vendor areas: Often crowded with limited maneuvering space
Weather Considerations: Outdoor festivals usually require a little more planning, especially when conditions underfoot can deteriorate quickly with a change in weather or large crowds. Test your planned routes during different weather conditions if possible.
Equipment Adaptations for Outdoor Events
Standard Equipment Limitations:
- Regular wheelchairs and mobility scooters struggle with uneven terrain
- Battery life may be reduced by demanding outdoor conditions
- Standard tires lack traction on grass and gravel
All-Terrain Solutions:
- Festival mobility hire equipment includes all terrain mobility scooters and off road wheelchairs specifically designed for outdoor events
- All-terrain wheelchairs make it a much more practical choice for festivals, designed for accessing the outdoors and travelling over uneven ground
- Specialized equipment offers features like lever-driven operation for clean, dry hands and enhanced stability
Accessibility Features to Expect
Viewing and Seating Areas
Designated Accessible Areas:
- Whether you’re organising a music festival, an arts event, comedy shows or an event with guest speakers; if there’s a stage there needs to be an accessible viewing area
- The best viewing areas are raised platforms with seats for friends or carers
- Many venues now integrate accessible seating throughout the space rather than clustering it in one area
Enhanced Services:
- Some events provide stewards positioned at accessible areas to help with collecting food and drink during performances
- Reserved seating directly in front of ASL interpreters and assistive technology screens
- Accessible viewing areas often located near accessible restrooms for convenience
Restroom and Comfort Facilities
Minimum Requirements:
- At every festival restroom area, organizers must provide at least one accessible portable toilet on an accessible route
- Facilities should include proper signage directing people to accessible options
- Regular maintenance and supply refills are essential
Enhanced Facilities:
- Changing Places facilities include height-adjustable changing benches and hoists for users who need assistance
- Some events offer mobile alternatives like Mobiloo, Pamiloo and Migloo for comprehensive accessibility
- Accessible facilities are ideally located near main event areas and viewing spaces
Transportation and Mobility Services
On-Site Transportation:
- Many larger festivals offer shuttle services between major areas
- However, they don’t usually run to everywhere you want to go, so get a map ahead of time showing coverage areas
- Shuttle services may not accommodate all mobility equipment types
Equipment Rental Services:
- Some festival organisers provide mobility equipment, such as Glastonbury and Goodwood
- Professional rental companies offer specialized festival packages including delivery, collection, and insurance
- All rental equipment should be fully insured and suitable for outdoor terrain
Practical Preparation Strategies
Equipment Readiness
Battery and Power Management:
- Ensure equipment is fully charged before departure
- Identify charging stations at the venue or bring portable charging solutions
- Plan for increased power consumption due to challenging terrain
Weather Protection:
- Outdoor festivals have all the fun, but unpredictable weather requires preparation
- Waterproof covers for electronic components
- Non-slip surfaces become critical in wet conditions
- Emergency backup plans for severe weather
Personal Preparation
Essential Items to Bring:
- Detailed venue maps with accessibility features marked
- Emergency contact information for event accessibility coordinators
- Weather-appropriate clothing and rain protection
- Portable seating for rest breaks
- Hand wipes and sanitizer for equipment maintenance
Hidden Disability Support:
- The Sunflower Lanyard is a discreet way to signal that you have a hidden disability and may need extra help
- Staff are trained to recognize this lanyard and provide assistance with seating, accessible toilets, transportation, and other needs
- This small accessory can make a significant difference in receiving appropriate support
Companion and Support Considerations
Carer and Companion Tickets
- Many events offer free or discounted tickets for disabled attendees and their carers
- If you need someone to accompany you for navigation and enjoyment, always ask about companion policies
- Some venues provide dedicated companion seating areas integrated with accessible viewing
Staff Training and Support
What to Expect from Well-Trained Staff:
- Knowledge of accessible toilet locations and equipment operation
- Familiarity with foldable ramp operation and accessibility features
- Understanding of good customer service practices for disabled festival-goers
- Ability to provide assistance with equipment and navigation
Multi-Day Events and Camping
Accessible Camping Considerations
For festivals offering overnight stays:
- Ensure accessible campsites are on level ground unlikely to be compromised by weather
- Request adequate space between tent pitches for equipment maneuvering
- Proximity to main event areas reduces navigation challenges
- Vehicle parking beside accessible camping areas provides equipment storage and charging options
Enhanced Camping Features:
- Well-lit and stewarded pathways for nighttime navigation
- Accessible glamping pods as alternatives to traditional camping
- Proximity to accessible restroom and shower facilities
- Electric charging points for mobility equipment
Emergency and Safety Planning
Medical and Emergency Procedures
Know Before You Go:
- Location of medical facilities and first aid stations
- Emergency evacuation procedures for your specific location
- Contact information for on-site accessibility coordinators
- Backup transportation options if equipment fails
Equipment Backup Plans
Prepare for Equipment Issues:
- Contact information for local equipment rental and repair services
- Backup mobility options if primary equipment fails
- Emergency transportation arrangements
- Travel insurance that covers mobility equipment
Making the Most of Your Festival Experience
Maximizing Enjoyment
Strategic Planning:
- Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the layout and accessibility features
- Plan rest breaks and avoid overexertion in outdoor conditions
- Take advantage of dedicated accessibility services and viewing areas
- Connect with other festival-goers in accessible areas for shared experiences
Documentation and Feedback
Help Improve Future Events:
- Document what works well and what could be improved
- Provide feedback to organizers about accessibility successes and challenges
- Share experiences with other mobility equipment users
- Support events that demonstrate excellent accessibility practices
Your August Festival Adventure Awaits
With proper planning and preparation, August’s outdoor festivals and fairs can provide incredible experiences for mobility equipment users. The key is thorough research, appropriate equipment selection, and realistic expectations about what each event offers.
Don’t let accessibility concerns prevent you from enjoying the vibrant festival culture that peaks in late summer. Many events are increasingly committed to inclusion and offer excellent accessibility features for those who plan ahead.
Planning your festival season? Contact Mobility Plus Northfield for specialized outdoor event equipment, rental options, and expert advice on navigating festival accessibility. We can help you choose the right equipment for outdoor adventures and ensure you’re prepared for whatever terrain awaits. Your memorable festival experience starts with the right mobility solution. Mobility Plus in Northfield
