A Disability Guide to the UK's Most Accessible Festivals

As the festival season commences, we wanted to share our UK Guide to Accessible Festivals 2025. The latest figures reveal that live music festivals and events in the UK attract over 19 million music fans, with a 33% increase from 2022 to 2023.

However, despite this, it is estimated that only 0.5% of festival attendees in the UK are disabled.  For disabled Brits debating whether festivals may be for them, we have analysed 15 crucial accessibility features for the top 10 UK festivals to reveal the most accessible choices. 

Check them out below:

Glastonbury Festival is the most accessible major music event in the UK, achieving 12 out of 15 in accessibility factors. 

The festival offers a wide range of support for disabled attendees, with accessible campsites, viewing platforms, companion tickets, dedicated accessible toilets, as well as mobility hire and an on-site access team. However, there are still some gaps, such as a lack of BSL interpretation and limited hard ground or nearby facilities, which may impact certain visitors.

Also scoring 12 out of 15 were Reading and Leeds. These festivals also provide detailed accessibility guides, on-site support teams, and good transport links. While most core needs are met, the festivals currently lack mobility hire and dedicated parking/drop-off points, which could still pose challenges for some attendees.

Unfortunately, Green Man came last in the top 10. While it does provide some basic support, like viewing platforms and an access guide, the limited overall provision shows that accessibility planning could be a stronger focus.

Whilst it’s fantastic to see Glastonbury Festival paving the way for disabled festival goers, there is a huge need for other festivals to prioritise accessibility. With over 15% of the population living with a disability, excluding these people is not only discriminatory, but it’s bad for business!  Proactively including disabled people will not only increase popularity and enjoyment for festival goers, but it will boost commercial value and growth too.  

Whether you have a disability or not, festivals are renowned for ticking all the boxes when it comes to enjoying music, Summer and socialising. The disabled community is no different from non disabled communities; we love music, we love being outdoors, and we want to have the option of enjoying both. 

Often, the perception is that accessibility costs, but in reality, it simplifies access and can have a profoundly positive impact on everyone’s experience. We want to encourage all festivals to look at their access as a priority, but also seating, spacing, and quiet spaces. Effort is the key, including accessibility from inception and planning, will ensure it’s part of the festival, not an afterthought, and that has to be the biggest key to ensuring inclusivity.

With Glastonbury Festival 2025 kicking off next week, we asked our founder Amelia what her top festival tips would be, check them out:

🗝️ Preparation is key

Check the festival website for accessibility information, using the above criteria as a guide but seating areas, parking, accessible shuttle buses or buggies as well as bathrooms are a priority.  Similarly asking about special wristbands, dedicated viewing platforms or charging stations can be really helpful.

📅 Plan

Honestly half the battle is getting your head around timings and where you need to be to see what you want to see!  Access the programme in advance, check the map and make sure you know what stage you want to be at and when.  Once you have this information you can then consider mobility aids to ensure you have the best ones to support you getting to where you want to be, comfortably!

🧳All the gear

Make sure you pack the essentials, things like noise cancelling headphones if you're sensitive to noise, earplugs, sunglasses, a hat, bumbag or backpack with medication, water and anything that helps support your disability.  My number on accessory would be a Sunflower Lanyard for a festival because staff are trained to notice and support when they see them!

🤝 Bring a friend

Going with someone you know and who knows you can massively support a fun festival experience!  Often festivals offer free companion tickets so you can take them along for no additional cost.  Choose someone you trust, who understands what you need and also what a medical concern or emergency looks like and how they need to respond. Picking the right person can and does make all the difference.

⛑️First aid always

Before you go check the festival's website for emergency and first aid zones.  If you know where the first aid tents are before you go you know no matter. what happens you can easily access medical assistance. Worth knowing some festivals have dedicated areas specifically for people with disabilities too.  If in doubt contact the organisers beforehand to ask as they're usually really helpful.

💫 Pace yourself 

Go slowly, take lots of breaks and try to listen to your body.. Chances are you will do more standing / socialising than normal and this can and does take a physical toll. Rehydration sachets are brilliant, but so is sitting down and trying not to feel pressure to do too much.

🥳 Have fun

Music festivals are about enjoying yourself and having fun! It's absolutely ok to advocate for yourself, ask for help and rest - remember to prioritise your enjoyment as much as the people you're with and always ask for help.

Amelia also recommends not shying away from your walking aids and accessories if you need them.

“Be prepared for anything by bringing the mobility aids that work best for you.  Whether it's a wheelchair, scooter, stick, or crutches - having the right support can make all the difference to your comfort and enjoyment.”

If you'd like to know more about going to festivals with a disability, then we recommend you read these:

Accessible Music Festivals Guide

Festival Tips for People With a Disability