Organisers of next month’s inaugural Great Wonderfest festival have announced a comprehensive accessibility programme to help support those families who may find it difficult to access a mainstream festival environment through physical or learning disability or neuro-developmental disorders such as ADHD and autism.
In a global music festival first, ‘Sensory Nook’ will be joining the 2019 event to provide a sensory respite for customers who may find the festival environment overwhelming. These pioneering modular sensory solutions were first shown at Clerkenwell Design Week last year.
Kevin Wheatley, the co-creator of Sensory Nook said:
“We love the way The Great Wonderfest team have embraced inclusivity as a core value from the outset and pushed beyond providing just the basics for disability access. Sensory Nooks are relaxing mobile pods that reduce noise levels from outside and provide a range of interactive sensory equipment designed to calm and lower anxiety levels.
“By providing Sensory Nooks the Great Wonderfest organisers are empowering people with disabilities and their family and friends who support them, to attend and fully enjoy the festival on equal terms with everyone else. People with disabilities love music too and by taking time out in a Sensory Nook they gain a quick recharge, reduce the impact of sensory overload and stay to enjoy the festival for a much longer time.”
The Sensory Nooks will be located onsite in the Sensory Village, alongside Splat! Messy Play. For families with autism or communication disorders there will also be available a downloadable social story to help prepare for a visit to The Great Wonderfest.
For those whose hearing is impaired, there will be a daily BSL interpreted family performance and 2 sets from Makaton Charity Patrons and singing signing legends Singing Hands.
Onsite there will be a range of adapted bikes, including wheelchair bikes, courtesy of inclusive cycling project Wheels for All and Isle Access.
Additionally, there will be sighted guides on hand for the visually impaired, quiet spaces available around the site, accessible camping and parking and wheelchair accessible viewing platforms.
For tickets visit https://www.greatwonderfest.com.
