Download wins award for festival accessibility

18 performances were interpreted in British Sign Language and an on request service was available.

Download festival 2018 was the most socially and environmentally conscious in the event’s history. As has come to be expected, event organiser Festival Republic put together a star-studded line up, but it was the festival’s commitment to accessibility and sustainability that stood out as particularly noteworthy this year.

Organisers this year added viewing platforms to each stage and increased shuttle bus services to and from the campsite for disabled fans. 18 performances were also interpreted in British Sign Language and an on request service was available. These commitments did not go unnoticed, and Download was awarded the gold standard of Attitude is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice.

Download’s achievement over the weekend makes it only the second festival over 80,000 capacity to do so. Reading Festival, also organised by Festival Republic, was the first to achieve the gold standard in 2017. Gideon Feldman, head of programmes and business development at the organisation says: “The commitment Download have shown to accessibility and inclusion clearly sits at the heart of the festival.

“Download deserves to be recognised for the outstanding work they have shown this year and over the past years”

Article extracted from www.iq-mag.net 11th June 2018

 

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