The Fight for Inclusive Festivals

The EHRC initiated legal action against Live Nation and its festival operator, Festival Republic, after a surge in complaints regarding accessibility issues at Wireless 2022 and Download 2023. Disabled music fans detailed frustrating experiences, including obstructed views of the stage, insensitive questioning from staff about their disabilities, and a critical lack of accessible restroom facilities. One attendee at Wireless 2022 described the event as a “disheartening and a waste of time and money,” highlighting the significant impact of these shortcomings (via BBC News).

In response, the EHRC secured a legally-binding Section 23 agreement with Live Nation, mandating comprehensive accessibility improvements. These improvements encompass enhanced Accessibility Guides, updated staff training protocols emphasizing disability awareness and inclusion, a thorough audit of all festival websites, and the implementation of a “mystery shopper” program. This program involves disabled individuals attending festivals to assess accessibility firsthand, with post-event surveys gathering feedback from attendees to continuously refine standards.

Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, emphasized the importance of inclusive events. “Festivals should be a place where everyone can have fun and make lasting memories,” she stated. “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.”

The EHRC confirmed that Live Nation has demonstrably met the terms of the agreement over the past two years, resulting in “tangible improvements” designed to foster an enjoyable environment for all fans and empower disabled individuals to shape the future of festival accessibility. Furthermore, Stephenson indicated that other festival operators are now under pressure to evaluate and enhance their own accessibility provisions.

Live Nation has publicly acknowledged its commitment to accessibility, stating it has undertaken a “multi-year programme, shaped by feedback from accessibility customers, to deliver improvements across our festivals.” This commitment is particularly evident at Download Festival, which attracts a higher proportion of attendees with accessibility requirements than any other Live Nation event.

Download Festival Leads the Way

Download Festival is implementing significant upgrades, including the installation of “one of the largest viewing platforms in the country,” a dedicated accessible campsite with full facilities and specialized staff, and the addition of a second accessible campsite for 2026. The festival will also deploy a 70-strong on-site accessibility team to provide dedicated support.

“We want everyone to feel welcome, confident and able to enjoy live music,” a Live Nation spokesperson said. “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 scope of this legally binding agreement extends beyond Wireless and Download, encompassing the Crystal Palace Concert Series, Finsbury Park Concert Series, Latitude Festival, Wilderness, Gunnersbury Park Concert Series, and Reading and Leeds Festivals.

Baroness Falkner, chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, underscored the fundamental right to inclusive experiences. “Festivals deserve to be enjoyed by all, including disabled people. No one should be subjected to poor treatment when attending or being put off from attending altogether due to unacceptable access issues,” she stated (as per MusicWeek). “The reported experiences at both Wireless and Download festival were unacceptable and should never have happened. We welcome Live Nation’s commitment to improve their services and the signing of this agreement will ensure disabled people are not left behind at future events.”

Beyond accessibility, Live Nation faces increasing pressure to support the UK’s struggling grassroots music venues. Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray recently urged Live Nation to contribute to the arena and stadium ticket levy, a fund designed to bolster emerging talent and prevent further venue closures.

The situation is critical: 30 grassroots venues have closed permanently between July 2024 and July 2025, with over half of those remaining operating at a loss and over 6,000 jobs lost. The UK is experiencing a “complete collapse of touring,” leaving 175 towns and cities as “gig deserts” and 35 million people without local access to live music.

While London’s Royal Albert Hall has voluntarily committed to the levy, and artists like Sam Fender, Harry Styles, and Radiohead have shown support through voluntary ticket contributions, Minister Murray emphasizes that more action is needed. “Live Nation, given its hugely influential position in the market, could make a major positive impact if it changes its stance,” he added.

Live Nation maintains it supports artists’ charitable choices and has collaborated with numerous artists contributing to the voluntary levy, including Coldplay and Biffy Clyro. The company also highlights its broader support for grassroots music through promoting thousands of shows in smaller venues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Festival Accessibility

• What accessibility provisions are now in place at Live Nation festivals? Live Nation festivals are implementing enhanced Accessibility Guides, staff training, website audits, mystery shopper programs, sensory calm spaces, and dedicated accessibility teams.
• Which festivals are affected by the EHRC agreement with Live Nation? The agreement covers Wireless, Download, Latitude, Reading & Leeds, Crystal Palace Concert Series, Finsbury Park Concert Series, Gunnersbury Park Concert Series, and Wilderness.
• How is Live Nation ensuring ongoing improvements to accessibility? Live Nation is utilizing a “mystery shopper” system and post-event surveys to gather feedback from disabled attendees and continuously refine its accessibility standards.
• What is the role of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in this process? The EHRC initiated legal action against Live Nation and secured a legally binding agreement to ensure accessibility improvements are made and maintained.
• Is there a financial levy being introduced to support accessibility initiatives? While a general ticket levy is being discussed to support grassroots venues, the current EHRC agreement focuses on direct improvements to accessibility provisions within Live Nation festivals.