Going to a festival as a neurodivergent person can be tough – but there are ways to recharge
Going to a Festival as a Neurodivergent Person Can Be Tough – But There Are Ways to Recharge
Going to a festival as a neurodivergent - For many individuals with neurodivergent conditions, attending music festivals can be a mix of excitement and challenge. While visible disabilities often come with clear accommodations, neurodivergence – a term describing brain function that differs from societal norms – requires more nuanced support. Beth Maybury, a neurodivergent festival-goer, shares her frustration with how some staff fail to recognize the invisible nature of her disability.
Accommodations Beyond the Obvious
Accessibility at festivals isn’t limited to physical features like disabled toilets. It involves creating spaces where people with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia can thrive. Jas, a user on social media, highlighted this issue when she described being denied entry to a designated neurodivergent area at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland last month. Her experience sparked discussions about the need for better inclusive practices in large events.
“Not all disabilities are visible,” Jas wrote, emphasizing the challenges of navigating environments where neurodivergent traits aren’t immediately apparent. “It shows how difficult it can be to manage these conditions, which aren’t always easy to spot from the outside.”
Beth Maybury, who has ADHD, explains that festivals offer a unique sense of freedom. “You can sing at the top of your lungs, get emotional about who’s on stage – nobody’s going to judge you,” she says. Yet, this freedom can quickly turn overwhelming. “I often have to find ways to recharge during the weekend,” she adds, citing her habit of retreating to her tent for short breaks.
Shared Experiences and Calls for Improvement
Other attendees echo similar sentiments. Kate Graham, who describes herself as a “triple threat” with ADHD, autism, and dyspraxia, notes that festivals can be both stimulating and exhausting. “They’re loud, with nowhere quiet to hide – except a portaloo!” she says. “Crowds can be overwhelming, especially when there’s too much activity in one place.” After a particularly stressful festival, she took refuge in a Travelodge, highlighting the need for more thoughtful planning.
Following growing concerns, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee recently released guidelines to improve inclusivity at live music events. The recommendations call for collaboration between event organizers and disability-led groups, such as Stay Up Late, to implement relaxed performances and sensory-friendly environments. These efforts align with the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s ruling that Live Nation, the operator of major festivals like Reading and Leeds, Download, and Wireless, must enhance accessibility measures.
Festival Innovations and Ongoing Challenges
At this year’s Download Festival in June, organizers introduced a dedicated space for neurodivergent attendees. This area included noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, and quiet activities like colouring and puzzles. However, fans had previously raised concerns about accessibility issues at the same event in 2023, as well as at Wireless in 2022. A Live Nation spokesperson acknowledged the intensity of large festivals, stating they now provide “sensory calm spaces, a quiet campsite, welfare facilities, and specialist wellbeing support”.
“We recognize large-scale festivals can be intense environments, and some fans may need additional support at different points during the weekend,” the spokesperson said.
Despite these steps, neurodivergent festival-goers like Alex Richardson continue to advocate for more. Having attended Reading and Leeds festivals for a decade, Richardson says the events bring routine and joy. “I really like the atmosphere, the whole event,” he says at 27. But he admits, “Sometimes it gets a bit too much,” and notes the importance of finding calmer spaces to sustain the experience. For many, festivals are not just about music – they’re about connection, freedom, and the need for spaces that truly accommodate all kinds of minds.