On the whole, festivals are becoming more and more accessible. Festival Kidz have been happy to report that festivals are generally now providing carers’ tickets, accessible campsites, toilets, viewing platforms and more recently BSL interpreters and autism friendly sessions for certain activities. Great Wonderfest have clearly taken note, and for their first ever festival, have managed to take inclusion several steps further…
Great Wonderfest are the first festival in the world to partner up with Sensory Nooks. Sensory Nooks are relaxing mobile pods that reduce noise levels from outside and provide a range of interactive sensory equipment designed to calm and lower anxiety levels. Sensory Nooks will be part of the Great Wonderfest Sensory Village, which will also be home to Splat! Messy Play.
For guests who want to be prepared and have a really good idea of what to expect at the festival, there is a downloadable social story on the Great Wonderfest website.
Great Wonderfest have recognised and responded to a wide range of disabilities. Not only have they thought of sensory processing disorders and anxiety, but adaptations are also in place for those with visual, audio and mobility impairments. There will be sighted guides as well as BSL interpreters. Makaton Charity patrons Singing Hands will also be performing twice over the weekend.
One of the things I am most looking forward to is seeing what Wheels For All are bringing with them. They will be supplying a range of adapted bikes, including wheelchair bikes for everyone to have a go on. Whilst also being practical, it’s going to be great fun!
As well as all this, Pat A Happy Pony will be on site with their gorgeous therapy ponies.
There are also accessible viewing platforms, an accessible campsite including the Mobiloo facility, and plenty of quiet spaces around the site.
This is a festival that truly celebrates diversity. The accessible facilities are certainly in line with the festival’s ethos that every family deserves wonder.
For more information on Great Wonderfest, please visit their website and look at our fact sheet.
