How UK festivals are becoming more accessible thanks to a push for industry change
The UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission is helping to push a new standard for festival accessibility across the UK.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) isn’t usually making headlines in the music industry. But right now, it’s helping to drive one of the most important changes in the UK festival scene.
Following a legally binding agreement with Live Nation, the EHRC has confirmed that a series of accessibility improvements have now been rolled out across some of the UK’s biggest festivals. While progress has been made, the EHRC wants the rest of the live music industry to take note.
What actually happened?
It all traces back to 2022 and 2023, when disabled festival goers reported a range of issues at Wireless and Download. Some couldn’t see the stage. Others struggled to access basic facilities like toilets. In some cases, attendees even had their disabilities questioned by staff.
That raised concerns under the Equality Act 2010. So, as Britain’s independent regulator for equality law, the EHRC used its enforcement powers against Live Nation and its Festival Republic division. The result was a legally-binding Section 23 agreement, forcing Live Nation to address the accessibility issues.
So what’s changed?
In response, Live Nation has implemented a range of measures over the past two years designed to ensure the festival experience is one that every fan can enjoy. Fans can now access clearer, more detailed accessibility information when buying tickets to help them plan ahead. Meanwhile, websites and apps have been updated to meet accessibility standards too.
On the ground, the changes are even more impactful. Live Nation festivals now include sensory calm spaces, improved facilities, with staff better trained after undertaking compulsory disability awareness and inclusion training.
There’s multiple ways of gaining feedback on it too. There will be a ‘mystery shopper’ scheme where disabled attendees will assess the real-life experiences at these events, with a survey shared to disabled fans after the festival to shape future planning.
In short, accessibility is becoming part of the core festival experience.
The bigger picture
At its core, these changes are about making sure festivals are spaces that everyone can enjoy, regardless of any disability. But, the EHRC has made it clear that this isn’t just a Live Nation issue. It now expects other festival promoters to review their own accessibility standards, and ensure they’re meeting equality obligations.
“These tangible improvements will create an environment every fan can enjoy and give disabled people an opportunity to have their voices heard, shaping the accessibility of future events. We expect other festival operators to take this opportunity to examine what they are doing to make reasonable adjustments for disabled fans and ensure they are creating inclusive events for everyone.”
Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission
There’s an opportunity here too. Better accessibility opens up festivals to wider audiences, improves fan experience, and builds long-term loyalty. In a challenging live music industry, that’s huge. In fact, it’s a rare instance where everyone comes out a winner.