Going to a festival as a neurodivergent person can be tough - but there are ways to recharge
Summary
Many people with hidden disabilities like autism and ADHD find music festivals challenging because their needs are not always recognized. Some festivals are starting to create special quiet spaces and provide helpful items to make events more comfortable for these attendees.Key Facts
- Over 15% of people in the UK are neurodivergent, meaning their brains work differently from typical patterns.
- Neurodivergent attendees often face difficulties at festivals because their disabilities are not visible.
- Festival-goers with ADHD, autism, and similar conditions have shared experiences of feeling overwhelmed by crowds, noise, and lack of quiet areas.
- Some have needed to leave events early or find alternative accommodation due to sensory overload.
- The UK’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee issued guidelines recommending improvements in festival accessibility.
- Recommendations include better infrastructure, security, training for staff, and ticketing options designed with input from disability-led groups.
- Download Festival introduced a sensory space with noise-cancelling headphones and calming activities for neurodivergent attendees.
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission ruled that Live Nation, a major festival organizer, must improve accessibility at its events.
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