Dylan Alcott’s Ability Fest changes the mobility game of the conventional music festival
Australia’s only fully inclusive music festival returns to Melbourne this April.We all love getting the crew together, packing the car and heading off to a music festival, but for many Australians this is not always as easy and stress-free as you’d think. Fresh from his fifth consecutive Australian Open victory, Dylan Alcott and his team have been busily working away to bring to life the all-inclusive music festival, Ability Fest.
Designed to normalise disability by encouraging everyone, regardless of gender, disability or race to come together in celebration of live music, because music really does bring all of us together.
On at Melbourne’s Coburg Velodrome, Sunday April 7th, the Ability Fest stages will play host to the likes of The Presets, Hot Dub Time Machine, Northeast Party House and a very special performance from ARC, a rock super group with members of Jet, Kram and Powderfinger.
Unlike traditional music festivals with their non-existent parking (let alone disabled parking spots) and crammed and rushed drop-off/pick-up zones, the Ability Fest organisers have made a conscious effort to address these issues. The event location in Melbourne’s north was chosen because of the availability of disabled parking spots as well as general parking in close proximity to the actual festival gates. There will also be a drop-off/pick-up area in front which will allow festival goers an easier and safer environment to get in and out of the event, especially if it takes a little bit longer to get out or into the car than more able bodied patrons.
“Traditionally, going to music festivals and events has been challenging for me and to some, that bad experience can put them off ever trying again. Working with the team at Untitled Group, we have come up with ways to make the things that used to be hard, easier & the whole space completely accessible.” said the former carsales Celebrity Drv guest driver.
Other measures being taken at the event to give an unforgettable experience include AUSLAN translators onstage for all acts, quiet zones, solid flooring laid throughout the event allowing everyone to easily move around what would traditionally be an uneven and difficult surface and multiple viewing platforms to accommodate wheel chaired attendees.
“Growing up with a physical disability, music festivals were one of the first places where I felt truly accepted. However, the accessibility of these events puts them out of reach for many within the disabled community, and that’s something I’d like to change”,
100% of proceeds from Ability Fest will go towards helping the 4.3 million Australians currently living with a physical or mental disability through the Dylan Alcott Foundation, with all musicians donating their time. In its first year the event raised over $200,000 and this year Dylan’s sights are set even higher for 2019.
“Our first event was without a doubt one of the most magical days of my life, and I saw the impact it had on many attendees that had never been able to experience an event like it. It’s an opportunity to break down the barriers between disabled and non-disabled guests because at the end of the day, we’re all there to enjoy the music and the vibe.”
Since launching in December 2017, the Dylan Alcott Foundation has raised over $300,000 for disabled Australians, with recipients ranging from 7 to 25 in fields such as sport, university scholarships & public speaking courses.
Image supplied: Alex DrewniakDylan hopes that the example and success of the initiatives Ability Fest has championed including transportation accessibility for all will be incorporated into Australia’s big music festival events in the future.
For more info on the event check out abilityfest.com.au
Date: Sunday 7th April
Price: Tickets from $59
Location: Coburg Velodrome - 30 Charles St, Coburg North, Vic 3058
Note this is an over 18’s event.
For more info on the Dylan Alcott Foundation, to apply for a grant or if you’d like to make a donation, visit dylanalcottfoundation.com.au
Related: Music festival road trip survival guide
Related: Could the drive-in be the future of concerts and festivals in Australia?
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
