When you think of your summer festival checklist in the UK, it likely includes top bands, warm days with friends, and the hope for a bit of sunshine (plus a sturdy tent, of course). However, for numerous disabled festivalgoers, a crucial concern takes precedence over headlining acts: knowing whether they’ll have access to suitable restroom facilities. As an NDIS provider on the Gold Coast we know from our clients how hard this issue can be to cope with.
Historically, festivals have incorporated accessible portaloos near disabled viewing areas as part of their “reasonable adjustment” provisions mandated by equality law. Nevertheless, individuals with disabilities have voiced their discontent, stating that the provided cubicles are often too small to accommodate a wheelchair, let alone a personal assistant if required.
Personal Story
Faith Martin, a freelance music writer who relies on a wheelchair and needs assistance to use the restroom. The need for more viable restroom options forces her to restrict her water and alcohol intake. This endurance can extend for up to 15 hours, depending on festival duration and travel time – all to savour the music and partake in the live experience.
Faith shares, “I examine the festival’s facilities before booking, but usually, the accessible toilets near the viewing platforms aren’t spacious enough. So, I have to wait until I return home or at the hotel to use the restroom. Camping isn’t a realistic option. I focus on hydrating the day before, as I know I probably won’t be able to risk it during a performance.”
In recent years, as festivals embrace inclusivity and advocate for improved accessibility, several genuinely accessible portaloos have emerged. Inspired by elements of specialized Changing Places accessible toilets, these units are designed to cater to a broader range of needs. They offer ample space for a wheelchair and an assistant, including grab rails and, at times, hoists and washing facilities.
These mobile units, whether standalone like GigLoo’s accessibility model or integrated into vehicles by companies like Mobiloo and Revolootion, provide a solution. While most major multi-day festivals now rent these more comprehensive facilities, they’re often limited to disabled campsites and unavailable around the stages. This poses a significant inconvenience for disabled music enthusiasts. Those without campsite tickets are left without access to the improved facilities, while even those with access must undertake long journeys to and from their tents whenever nature calls. This challenge impacts personal comfort and complicates the already intricate task of juggling stage schedules.
Change is Coming
Attitude is Everything, a live music access charity, collaborates with festivals and venues to enhance the experience for deaf and disabled fans. They have introduced a charter of best practices, classifying festivals with gold, silver, or bronze status based on their accessibility level. Another organization, Blue Badge Style, evaluates building and event accessibility, presenting annual awards, including accolades for the best and “most ludicrous” restrooms.
The gap between the accepted design standards of many accessible festival portaloos and their failure to sort the needs of a significant portion of disabled attendees seems to stem from vague regulations – particularly in comparison to guidelines for indoor restrooms. While UK regulations stipulate minimum dimensions for standard accessible toilets in buildings, no comparable clarity exists for accessible portaloos at festivals. This often results in units being considerably smaller than necessary but still deemed legally compliant under festivals’ obligation to undertake reasonable measures for accommodating disabled patrons.