Max SteventonMajor UK music festivals including Reading and Leeds, Download and Wireless have improved accessibility for disabled fans having reached a legally binding agreement, according to Britain’s equality regulator.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) took enforcement action against Live Nation and its subsidiary Festival Republic after reports of access issues at Wireless in 2022 and Download in 2023. Disabled attendees reported problems including limited stage visibility, a lack of accessible toilets and staff questioning disabilities.
Under a Section 23 agreement, Live Nation was required to make changes to accessibility across its festivals. The EHRC said it has monitored progress over two years and is satisfied the company has met the terms of the agreement.
EHRC chair Mary-Ann Stephenson said, “Festivals should be a place where everyone can have fun and make lasting memories. That’s why we took action against Live Nation, using our regulatory powers to ensure it complied with its legal duties to create inclusive and accessible events that everyone can be a part of.
“After monitoring its activity for the past two years, we’re content that Live Nation has met the terms of its legal agreement with us, making a series of necessary changes to ensure disabled fans can enjoy festivals just as easily as anyone else.”
The EHRC said changes include enhanced accessibility guides, audits of websites and apps, mandatory disability awareness training, sensory calm spaces and a mystery shopper system involving disabled attendees.
In a statement, Live Nation said accessibility is now embedded in how it delivers festivals. A spokesperson said: “We want everyone to feel welcome, confident and able to enjoy live music. Accessibility is built into how we plan and deliver our festivals, with a dedicated team focused on supporting people throughout their experience.
“We’re proud of what we have achieved, but it doesn’t stop here. We’ll keep listening, learning and improving so that all fans feel included at our events.”
The company said it has introduced expanded pre-event support, digital accessibility improvements and organisation-wide training. It also pointed to measures at Download Festival, including accessible campsites, viewing platforms, shuttle transport and an increased number of accessible toilets.
Nimbus Disability, who won the Diversity & Inclusion Award at the recent Event Production Awards, provide events and promoters, including Live Nation, with advice and guidance on accessibility. Nimbus Disability managing director Martin Austin MBE said, “I’ve been incredibly proud to see first-hand Live Nation’s enthusiasm, commitment and determination to create events that are genuinely inclusive and accessible.”
The EHRC said its enforcement powers allow it to act where organisations may have breached equality law and to ensure long-term improvements for disabled festival-goers.