📣 How to do Download Festival with a disability 2024 Version 📣
We're almost there ... Download Festival 2024 is almost upon us and I know you'll all be busy getting prepared.
• Download is a marathon, not a sprint. Everything can be shiny and exciting and overwhelming and scary. You don't have to do and see everything immediately.
Pace yourself, make time to just relax and chill out, either in camp or the arena.
• Don't feel bad about needing to nap, rest etc. You'd do it at home when not feeling 100% and there's no shame in doing it at the festival. If you push your body too hard or too far you will crash and burn and no one wants to see that happen
• Ask for Help!
If you're struggling with any aspect of the festival and need help, please PLEASE ask for it. Whether you ask on the group, or at the Info hub .. you will get the assistance you need – doesn't matter why you need help, don't wait and leave things if something is wrong.
• If you're feeling unwell and it's not something you can handle yourself PLEASE seek a member of staff or security or make your way to the Welfare areas. They are located in both the Village and Arena and can provide medical assistance and advice. In the event you're seriously unwell in any area, please grab ANY member of staff, explain the situation and ask them to call for medical aid. Download has fully equipped medical facilities, doctors, paramedics etc who will help when you need it . I speak from experience when I say the medical support on site is better than you get at home!!
• If you need a mid day nap, have one, if you need a sit down to recover, do it.
• Access Customers can take in small amounts of food (think snacks, sandwiches etc not a full picnic), 1 Sealed 500ml or 1.5lt Bottles of Soft drinks and empty plastic or Metal water bottles. Always use the Access Lane to enter the arena as staff there will have received extra training on access Specifics.
• Bags in the Arena
We can take larger bags in with us as they recognise we have to have a lot of stuff with us to ensure our health and safety. Normal size backpacks are fine. Use the Access Lanes.
• If you do experience issues with ANY staff member REMEMBER TO NOTE DOWN THEIR BIB NUMBER. This can be used to identify a member of staff and aid in the event of a complaint or issue being raised.
• Please don't worry about needing to use mobility aids and assistance. Here in Access we all need a little help, that's why we're in this group after all. No one is going to judge you I promise.
• Make sure you bring rescue items I.e. extra painkillers, diarrhoea/Anti sickness tablets, plasters, hey fever meds, Rennies or similar, bite cream. You never know when you're going to need it and it pays to be prepared. If you find yourself needing something like this and you don't have it, ask in group if someone can help or visit the Pharmacy onsite who stock basic health products
• I will have a stock of goodies available for free at the Info hub - things like antihistamines, Ponchos, cold packs, emergency silver blankets, condoms, Sanitary products – if you're caught short, come see me!
• For those of us with Spicy Anxiety /ND
Remember that you're safe. If you're having trouble coping, feeling concerned, having trouble dealing with panic attacks, anxiety- whatever, remember there are people and places around site that can help. Camp is close enough to retreat to if you need some space, if you're in the village or arena, head to the outside edge where its less busy. If you need someone to talk to there will be the Samaritans on site who are always very welcoming and provide a safe space and a cuppa when needed. You can also go to the Info hub in camp if you need help or advice. If you're alone and need help or company ask in the group if anyone wants to hang out. You'll be amazed at the love and support these lovely people give to one another.
If you're in a meltdown situation, seek help from a member of staff. They can quickly and safely escort you to a place of safety. Don't be afraid to reach out for help when and if you need it.
There is also a new sensory space in the Arena to get away from the main crowds and re centre
• Make sure your PA knows what to do if your illness, mental health or disability flares up. Discuss this with them prior to the festival so they are prepared to support you the best they can. This includes letting them know about any allergies and meds!
• Setting up camp with disabilities can be challenging. If you need some help, ask!
• Making friends is encouraged!
Wandering around camp with a few beers or snacks and saying hi to people can lead you to make life long friends.
Say hi to your neighbours! You're camping next to each other for 6 days, make it a fun 6 days
• If you experience an issue with your mobility equipment and need assistance, yell in the group or come and see the staff in the Info hub on the campsite. You will get sorted out
• Be realistic
This is a big one. We are camping under the stars, in Big open fields.
If it rains, you will get wet - best to be prepared than soggy for 5 days
If its hot, you need to seek shade, keep hydrated, rest and for the love of Cthulu WEAR SUNSCREEN AND A HAT
It ALWAYS gets cold at night - bring warm clothes, blankets, oodies to make sure you're cosy. Extra socks and gloves help with this as well.
Festivals are tough on the mind and body sometimes – There are many limitations to what the festival organisers can provide but they do their absolute best
There will be some waiting for some services /Facilities, as said before, we're out in a field not everything can be available and perfect instantly.
• Need the loo but in your PJs?
Don't even think twice, we all wander to the loos /showers wearing our best Power Rangers Pjs and slippers. No one will judge I Promise
• Download is a melting pot of many many different people, styles, abilities and personalities. It does not matter what you wear.
Want to dress up like its 1999? Go for it
Want to wear comfy joggers and a tshirt? Do it?
Want to put on a massive penis costume and bop away til the sun goes down? Do it but take pictures!
We do not judge here - Everyone here has some type of issue whether that be mental, emotional, physical or all of the above. Be kind, Be patient and be Supportive.
• Most important of all ...
HAVE FUN!!! If you miss a band because you needed rest, don't fret, it's OK
If you eat your body weight in Churros, fuck it you're on holiday
If things don't quite go to plan, that's OK tomorrow will be better
Don't push yourself just because you think you should. Be gentle with yourself and take care of you.
Have the BEST time ❤️
