When Cerebral Palsy comes to the festival…

I attended YNot Festival in Derbyshire on the 27th- 29th July and the only phase that seems to come to mind is “what a night!” from Mamma Mia. It is safe to say the experience was a positive one. However, you cannot leave Cerebral Palsy at home when you choose to go on such adventures and despite the perks it may bring, it is not the easiest thing in the entire world. Sometimes it would be a whole lot easier to leave it at home for a weekend, let CP rest in bed while you go out and have fun…

Despite this, accessibility at the YNot Festival was really good! On arrival I received a PA wristband for my friend and we camped in the accessible campsite which was a lot closer than general camping. The weekend brought sun, wind and rain- but in true festival fashion (most of) it went ahead. On the first night I saw The Libertines and despite not getting to see the full show because we were putting up our tent, it was a great way to kick off the weekend.

When we went to the access tent in the morning we received a PA lanyard and wristbands which allowed us onto the viewing platform. I love listening to live music but standing for hours on end is extremely painful and being pushed in a crowd would just add to the discomfort. By being on the viewing platform it meant I could be sat down away from crowds and have a pretty good view- this was particularly helpful during the headlining acts: ‘Kaiser Chiefs’ and ‘Catfish and the Bottlemen’. Throughout the weekend you got to know the others who used the platform which was always nice. However, viewing platforms were only available on two of the five stages. It wasn’t on the other stages because they were pretty small, meaning it was fairly easy to just sit at the back. If there wasn’t too many people then you still got a good view. The other option was to brave the crowds. If I was at a concert then I would be able to manage this, it just becomes harder when you see 10 different acts a day!

The staff at YNot were incredibly helpful. They answered emails about accessibility, had a straightforward system to get a free carers ticket and very kindly allowed me to take a camping chair into the festival with me. I think accessibility at festivals can be very hit and miss (from what I have heard) and this is such a shame. We love music as much as the next person and I really don’t think I would have managed without that chair. You would assume that an event as big as a festival would have to consider those of us with a disability, yet this isn’t always the case. Here is my review of accessibility at YNot Festival:

• The festival was a lot smaller than others which helped with the accessibility and I saw various people in electric wheelchairs so the ground wasn’t too bad.
• You were able to charge up electric wheelchairs at the access tent or whilst at a viewing platform.
• The festival issues a free carers ticket to people who required it. The process was straightforward and easy to follow. I just had to send evidence across electronically.
• The PA lanyard was interchangeable meaning you could have a different person to go with you every time (great if you went with a group of people).
• Viewing platforms allowed a better view where you could sit down, and it was big enough to hold all the people it needed to, despite being first come first serve.
• Unfortunately they did not have BSL interpreters at any of the performances, but did mention this beforehand and urged people to let them know if this was something that may be wanted at future events.
• There were food stalls next to most of the stages which meant you never had to walk far for food.
• Most food stalls had tables next to them which made it easier to eat and allowed areas of rest.
• Smaller tents meant you could enjoy music which was a bit quieter if loud noises were too much.
• There were separate disabled access toilets at most places, including the viewing platform, but no changing places toilets were available.
• Unfortunately the staff campsite was closer than the accessible campsite which meant you had to walk up a hill (and through the staff campsite) to get to the access area. I asked YNot to comment on this but am yet to get a response.

Another aspect of the festival that I enjoyed was the food. There were so many vegetarian stalls and every kind of street food that you could imagine- even pancakes and golden syrup for breakfast. Every meal time was such a hard decision. In the end I went for curries, halloumi and chips, falafel, chilli and probably some others. They definitely catered for everyone and despite it being fairly expensive I was never disappointed by a meal.

Was the festival tiring? Yes. Would I go again? Absolutely! I am really glad that I got to attend and throughly enjoyed myself despite the hard work. Unfortunately splints don’t fit in wellies, sleeping in a tent probably isn’t the best thing for my back and the recovery for the weekend is a long process. If Cerebral Palsy could have stayed at home then it would have been a lot easier, but it doesn’t work like that! I hope others with a disability can also enjoy festivals and the accessibility continues to improve.

Until then, I will make the most of the perks and somehow make it work.

~ Chloe x