Glastonbury becomes first UK camping festival to be awarded Gold

Posted on 22.01.2014

Attitude is Everything is immensely pleased to announce that Glastonbury Festival has become the first camping festival in the UK to be awarded the Gold standard of our Charter of Best Practice, after having working closely together since 2005. Attitude is Everything have had the pleasure of working alongside Access Officer Claire Elsam in recent years, and it is her clear commitment to high standards in access and customer service that has continued to drive through significant positive change. This award is in recognition of the festival’s long-term and ongoing efforts to make the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival site in the world as accessible as possible.

They achieve this in a variety of ways, including having a very well-established accessible campsite, with accessible shower and toilet facilities, a dedicated team of volunteer stewards who also manage all viewing platforms, wheelchair charging and hire services, a communal bonfire in the evenings and a range of massage and holistic therapies delivered within the campsite, bringing important festival experiences direct to customers. For the first time, in 2014 the campsite will also feature a Changing Places toilet unit with the aim being to make it a permanent fixture, paving the way for customers who would otherwise be unable to attend to consider Glastonbury as a valid festival option.

Elsewhere, the festival benefits from an accessible shuttle bus service that runs from the car-park to the campsite, and then around the festival site during the weekend. A custom vehicle has also been sourced to assist customers in the event of poor weather. A variety of dedicated access routes have been established, enabling customers to circumvent crowds and greatly reducing travel distances. All main stages and tents now have viewing areas or platforms by default. Hearing loop systems are in all spoken word tents, and a service for Deaf customers who use BSL is delivered by the voluntary group Deafzone, who interpret a range of music, talks and performances across the site.

The festival also involves many hundreds of Deaf and disabled artists, staff and crew each year, alongside welcoming Attitude is Everything volunteers who assist with the operation of the accessible campsite and viewing platforms.

Michael Eavis, founder of Glastonbury, said on receiving the award:

“Myself and Emily are so thrilled that Glastonbury has been given this award. It is so important that our festival can give access to people that would otherwise find it difficult. Having worked with Attitude is Everything since 2005 the festival has made some significant changes to get us to where we are now. We thank Attitude for the advice and assistance they have given the festival over the years and we look forward to continuing our work with them.”

Suzanne Bull MBS, CEO of Attitude is Everything said:

“I’m so proud that the largest performing arts festival in the world has been awarded the Gold Level of the Charter. This sends out a very positive message to all festivals that with some thought and forward planning, they can become accessible too. However, over the years Glastonbury has consistently programmed Deaf and disabled artists as well as hired Deaf and disabled staff and volunteers, so it sends out an equally important message that Deaf and disabled people are welcome to perform, work and volunteer at Glastonbury. The Gold Award is a tribute to the Glastonbury team who have embraced our working partnership and the Attitude is Everything team looks forward with excitement to Glastonbury 2014 and beyond”