If you were anywhere near Donington Park last weekend you couldn’t help but notice that the Download Festival was in town!  We are really pleased to have been involved with the Festival this year in helping to ensure great access for disabled people.  A few months ago we awarded Download the CredAbility Provider mark and during the festival itself they were awarded the Verified Accessible award!  Fortunately we could send our MD, Martin Austin (a huge Download fan himself!) along to the event to cast his keen access audit eye over the whole site and give recommendations to make things even better.

Let’s face it the festival is in a field and especially in bad weather it will never be perfect for everyone.  But the Disabled Access Team, led by Sally Blake have done a tremendous job of making sure that every possible eventuality is considered.  From a Changing Places toilet to an Accessible Camping area the team have made sure that disabled rock fans have the very best possible Festival experience.

This is what Mik Scarlet (broadcaster, journalist, actor and musician) had to say about his visit:

“It’s been many years since I last went to a festival and I was blown away at the access provision at Download. Every possible requirement was thought of and every one involved should be really proud. Not only was there an obvious commitment to open up this event to all disabled people, regardless of impairment, but this commitment had been acted on thoroughly. From the number of accessible toilets, including a changing places toilet, and the accessible super-track on the more high traffic areas to the power chair charging points and provision for 24 hour power for those who need it, the access provision was second to none. Not only for a festival but for places less transient. If only the world was like Download, because if it was the word disability would have less meaning.”

I think my festival going days are probably past but if you are looking for a real rock experience and want to be assured that everything possible will be done to look after your needs then book your tickets early for next year as they tend to disappear fast!