Suns out, funs out! A sensory friendly-festival in the heart of Melbourne?
Ability Fest is back, for the fifth time! To a roaring success at that. If you were having any doubts about the Queensland leg, rest assured, you’re definitely going to be in good hands, no matter where you fall on the ability scale. Think inclusive spaces, sensory-friendly environments and hours and hours of non-stop, QUALITY music, all in one place: maybe some others should take a few notes…
It’s so rare that we get a festival as accessible as this, one that makes perfect use of Melbourne’s extensive public transport network. Floodlights were amazed, “A festival you can get to on the tram?” – unheard of, especially when we’ve become so used to bigger events out in the country, or a racecourse where you have to walk half an hour before you’ve even reached the stage.
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It was pretty amazing spending a bit of time people watching, seeing folks from all walks of life being able to come together for the sole purpose of enjoying themselves, in a place where judgement isn’t a word.
It was smiles all around and a refreshing departure from the humdrum of bombastic and over-the-top festivals competing to be the best, without putting much consideration in for those attending.
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This was different, with plenty of clearly marked water fountains, a dedicated non-alcoholic bar, a silent-disco area for those seeking a break from all the heavy bass, a quiet zone courtesy of ANZ, and plenty of free, clean electrolytes from Cocobella keeping us patrons nice and hydrated.
The lineup itself? Absolutely killer, and what stood out to me personally was that almost everyone had some kind of stake in this. Roy from King Stingray had this to say; “If I had to remove myself from music for whatever reason, I’d be working in healthcare… I have a background in allied health, and podiatry as well, so this all made sense really.”
There seemed to be many such cases among the artists. Everyone played so beautifully, showing a real appreciation for the crowd in the process. It became clear that love was the message, as each artist took to the stage with as much enthusiasm and excitement as the last, secure in their position as figures that bring us all together.
Australian EDM royalty Bag Raiders were a crowd favourite, with half of the duo making their way from London to LA, then Sydney, then Melbourne, all within 48 hours just to be here. Now that’s what I call dedication.
None of this could have been made possible without the Dylan Alcott Foundation, the brain-child of the former Paralympian and avid music fan. Dylan set out to start the foundation hoping to break down barriers and assist young disabled folk to achieve their dreams, whether it be in academics, sports or just about everything else in-between.
This festival was started out of a love for music and the understanding that it brings people together, no matter where they come from, and it’s this very connection that has kept this show on the road for four consecutive years, with absolutely no sign of stopping anytime soon.
Still not convinced? Well, they say the proof’s in the pudding, and in this case, you’ll get your chance to prove us wrong (or right) on October 26 in Brisbane for the first time!
Find out more here.
