Neurodivergent festival-goers face accessibility challenges

Neurodivergent individuals report significant accessibility barriers at UK music festivals, despite recent pressure from MPs and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Beth Maybury, who has ADHD, says staff often dismiss her hidden disability, forcing her to retreat to her tent to recharge. Kate Graham, with ADHD, autism, and dyspraxia, once left a festival early to find a Travelodge due to overwhelming crowds and noise. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee released guidelines in 2026 recommending improved infrastructure, security, training, and ticketing, developed with disability-led organizations like Stay Up Late. Download Festival introduced a sensory space with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, and quiet activities, following an EHRC ruling against Live Nation (owner of Festival Republic) to improve accessibility. Alex Richardson, a regular at Reading and Leeds and Truck festivals, notes that while sensory spaces now exist, staff need better training to recognize meltdowns. Paul Hawkins of Attitude is Everything emphasizes that quiet spaces have helped but crowd management and quieter routes remain inadequate. Live Nation stated they provide dedicated sensory calm spaces, quiet campsites, and welfare support.