The many summer festivals that are held each year across the country attract many tens of thousands of visitors. However, for people living with a disability attending a festival can be a logistical nightmare. The organisers of the two largest summer festivals held in Flanders, Tomorrowland and the Ghent Festival are attempting to address this by making efforts to make their festivals more accessible and inclusive for music lovers that have mobility and/or other disability-related issues
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is one of the world’s largest electronic music festivals and it attracts music lovers from across the globe. The organisers of the festival, the second weekend of which got under way on Friday, are making efforts to ensure that those living with disabilities can enjoy Tomorrowland too.
Accessibility for those with mobility issues was a key concern to those planning the layout of the festival. For example, holders of a blue disabled parking permit can park close to the festival’s main entrance, where a lift is available to ease entry to festival for those that need it. Festivalgoers living with disabilities are able to be accompanied by two other people through the specially adapted entrance provided that those that accompany have a valid Tomorrowland access bracelet.
Guide dogs are also welcome at the festival on condition that they are clearly recognisable. Adapted toilet facilities are available throughout the festival site and at the festival’s DreamVille campsite.
Ghent Festival
In medieval cities like Ghent, cobblestones, cars parked on pavements and narrow streets can severely limit mobility for wheelchair users. Recognising these obstacles, the city has made notable efforts this year to make the Gentse Feesten more inclusive.
Wheelchair platforms have been set up at four major sites: Korenmarkt, Boomtown, St Bavo's Square and St Jacob's Square. These provide elevated views for wheelchair users and others with limited mobility.
Ghent is also offering practical support. Dedicated parking spots have been added closer to the performances and wheelchair-friendly transportation is available between 7:00 AM and 1:00 AM daily. A bicycle taxi service can take individuals with limited mobility to and from the festival zone until midnight and a free companion service can be requested to assist attendees as they navigate the event.
Accessibility and inclusion are a priority for the city authorities. Each day the festival has at least one performance that is accessible for those living with a disability. This can be by staging the performance at a wheelchair-friendly location or by providing subtitles or audio description.