Folk festivals are built on the rich tapestry of tradition and community – and at the heart of these traditions are often our elders. Whether they are veteran performers, community leaders, or simply longtime supporters of the arts, older generations carry the stories, songs, and wisdom that give folk festivals their soul. Honouring elders at festivals isn’t just a kind gesture; it’s a crucial way to preserve cultural heritage and bridge generations of festival-goers.
Seasoned festival producers around the world have learned that making elders feel welcome and valued leads to a more inclusive and enriching experience for all attendees. From small local gatherings to international folk celebrations, thoughtful accommodations and meaningful involvement of elders can transform an event. Below, we explore practical strategies – from providing comfortable seating and easy access, to inviting elders on stage and recording their stories – that ensure elders are at the centre of the celebration without ever feeling tokenized. These insights come from decades of festival production experience and examples of successful initiatives at folk festivals globally.
Comfortable Seating and Easy Access
A fundamental step in honouring elder attendees is to ensure their physical comfort and safety at the festival. For outdoor folk festivals often dominated by standing-room crowds or picnic-style seating, this means reserving comfortable seating areas with good sightlines and easy, flat access. Many events designate special viewing areas near stages with chairs or benches for seniors and people with limited mobility. For example, the Cambridge Folk Festival in the UK provides wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms at its main stages that include seating (www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk) – a feature that benefits older festival-goers who cannot stand for long periods.
It’s important to place these seating areas in locations that are both close to the action and easy to reach without steep climbs or long walks. Ensure pathways to elder seating are clearly marked, well-lit, and free of obstacles. If the festival is held on uneven ground (like a farm or field), consider laying down temporary flooring or mats to create stable walkways for those with walkers or canes. In indoor folk concert venues, reserve a block of front-row or aisle seats for elders and their companions, so they don’t have to scramble for a spot. Comfort amenities – like shade umbrellas or tents, cushions, and backrests – can make a huge difference in keeping older attendees comfortable during long performances.
Easy access goes beyond just seating. Festival organisers should think about proximity to essential facilities: are the toilets (and accessible toilets) near the elder seating area? Is there a quiet rest area or first-aid tent nearby in case an elder feels unwell or just needs a break from the noise? Some festivals set up an “Elders’ Lounge” or hospitality tent, offering complimentary tea, water, and a calm space for older guests to relax away from the crowds. This kind of thoughtful touch not only shows respect but also encourages elders to stay longer and participate more, knowing they have a refuge if needed.
Another key aspect is assigning staff or volunteers to assist elder attendees. Trained volunteers can welcome older festival-goers at the gate, guide them to the seating areas, and be on-hand for any questions. At large events, having a volunteer team dedicated to accessibility and elder assistance ensures that issues (like someone needing help to navigate a crowded area or carry a folding chair) are addressed quickly. In multi-stage festivals, these volunteers can also help elders move between stages or find the quickest accessible routes. The goal is to remove any physical barriers that might discourage elders from fully enjoying the festival. When elders find it easy to get around and have a comfortable place to sit, they feel valued and will contribute their positive energy and stories to the event atmosphere.
Inviting Elders On Stage
One of the most powerful ways to honour elders is to give them a voice on the festival stage. Rather than keeping elders on the sidelines, successful folk festivals often invite senior community members or veteran artists to introduce sets, share stories, or even perform brief interludes. This practice not only recognises their lifetime of experience but also enriches the audience’s understanding of the music and culture. For instance, it’s increasingly common in countries like Australia and New Zealand for major festivals to begin with a Welcome to Country or blessing by an Indigenous elder, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land. This opening moment, led by an elder, sets a respectful and inclusive tone for the entire event.
Beyond ceremonial openings, elders can be involved throughout the programme. A folk festival might have a beloved older folk singer or storyteller introduce a younger band, telling a quick anecdote about the history of a song or the cultural context of a performance. This gives the audience a deeper appreciation and creates a sense of continuity between generations. At Celtic music festivals, for example, an elder tradition-bearer (such as a Gaelic singer or master fiddler) might come on stage before a set to explain the background of an old tune the next act will play. Their presence provides authenticity, and the younger performers often feel encouraged, knowing a respected figure is supporting them.
Some festivals formalise this concept with dedicated segments or panels. The Folk Alliance International conference in the US has a “Wisdom of the Elders” panel where veteran folk artists and organisers share insights (folker.world). Similarly, the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas – produced for years by folk veteran Dalis Allen – has been known to celebrate folk elders by giving them honoured spots in the lineup alongside emerging artists. These curated moments allow elders to share personal stories about how the festival scene has evolved, or to pass on anecdotes about folk traditions. Audiences love these unscripted stories as much as the music itself, and younger festival organisers can learn from them in real time.
When inviting elders on stage, it’s important to set them up for success. Ensure the stage is physically accessible – use ramps or have crew ready to assist if an elder has mobility issues. Provide a comfortable chair on stage if an elder will be speaking for more than a few minutes, so they don’t have to stand the whole time. Test the sound setup in advance; many older speakers have softer voices or particular vocal ranges, so adjust the microphone and monitors to make sure they can be heard clearly without straining. If the elder is introducing an act, have the MC coordinate with them beforehand so they know how long to speak and to ensure they feel welcome. These small production details show respect and avoid putting elders on the spot. The result is often a magical festival moment – a hush in the crowd as an elder shares a bit of hard-earned wisdom or humour, followed by a feeling of deep connection when the music resumes.
Transport Support and Mobility
Attending a festival can be physically challenging for older individuals, so providing transportation support is a key part of elder-friendly planning. Start with the journey to the festival: ensure there are convenient drop-off points and parking options close to the entrance for seniors. Many large festivals offer shuttle services from remote parking lots – consider running a dedicated shuttle or golf cart service specifically for elders and people with disabilities. For example, some folk festivals station volunteer-driven golf carts at the main gate to ferry elder attendees from the entrance to the stages or camping areas. These small efforts save elders from long walks through fields or parking areas. Clearly communicate these options on the festival website and programme, so seniors know help is available. If the festival spans multiple venues (such as a city-wide folk celebration with concerts in different halls), coordinate accessible transport between locations or schedule performances with enough gap to allow elders to travel comfortably.
In some communities, festival organisers partner with local senior centres or community groups to help elders attend. This could mean arranging a bus to pick up a group of seniors from a retirement community for a daytime folk concert, or providing travel vouchers. Internationally, there are great examples: in Estonia, the Viljandi Folk Music Festival offers a special Senior Pass for attendees aged 65+ at a discounted rate (pilet.viljandifolk.ee) – making it easier and more affordable for elders to be part of the event. Encouraging group trips for elders not only boosts attendance but also strengthens community ties. An elder who might not venture out alone at night could feel more secure coming with a group during daylight, especially if the festival provides an escort or safe transport back home.
Once on site, mobility support within the festival grounds becomes crucial. As mentioned, shuttle carts can help navigate large sites. Additionally, ensure wheelchair accessibility across the venue: temporary ramps over steps, boardwalks over rough terrain, and viewing platforms (as discussed earlier) all play a role in mobility. Maintain a few wheelchairs or mobility scooters on standby for elders who might need assistance – some festivals run a free “wheelchair loan” programme at the info desk. Train volunteers in how to politely offer help to someone who appears to be struggling (for example, carrying chairs or coolers for an older patron or giving directions that avoid steep paths). Patience and empathy are key; festival staff should be ready to accommodate a slower pace.
Finally, consider the role of ticketing and communication in transport support. Offering special senior ticket categories or companion tickets for caregivers can encourage elders to attend, knowing they have support. Using a robust ticketing platform (like Ticket Fairy) allows festival organisers to create custom ticket types (e.g. a discounted Senior Pass or free entry for those over a certain age) and to collect information on any access needs during registration. This way, you can anticipate how many elders might need shuttle rides or other accommodations and plan accordingly. By thinking through the entire journey – from an elder’s home to their seat at the festival – you create a welcoming atmosphere that shows genuine care for elder participants.
Capturing Oral Histories Respectfully
Elders carry priceless oral histories – stories, songs, and memories that can enrich the festival’s legacy. Many forward-thinking folk festivals make it a point to record these stories for posterity, whether through on-site interviews, archival projects, or interactive storytelling sessions. The key is to approach this process with respect and sensitivity so that elders feel valued and not exploited. One successful approach is setting up a quiet oral history booth or “story circle” space at the festival, staffed by an interviewer or ethnomusicologist who can gently guide a conversation. Elders (whether they are performers or attendees) can drop in to share their recollections: perhaps how folk music was passed to them by their grandparents, or memories of festivals past. These sessions can be audio or video recorded – with permission – as a living archive of the culture. For example, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in the US devoted a section of its event to a “Memories Project” in 1996, where staff and volunteers interviewed visitors and veteran participants to capture their personal histories (www.si.edu). Likewise, at the American Folk Festival in Maine, organisers created a “Story Bank” stage where local elders and tradition-bearers were invited to tell stories about their crafts and lives, preserving regional folklore for future generations.
When implementing an oral history project, respect is paramount. Always seek informed consent before recording. Explain to the elder how the recording will be used – whether it’s for a community archive, a festival documentary, or social media highlights – and give them the option to decline or set boundaries. It’s wise to have a dedicated team member trained in interviewing older adults or in ethnographic methods. They should be patient listeners, letting the elder lead the narrative. If an elder shares a deeply personal or emotional story, handle it with care: sometimes a story may not be for public distribution, and that’s okay. The intention should be to honour the elder’s voice, not to probe for sensational content.
Technical considerations also matter. Find a quiet, comfortable space away from the noise of stages, so the recordings are clear and the elder isn’t straining to be heard. Provide seating, water, and perhaps a family member or friend to accompany the elder if it makes them more comfortable during the interview. If language is a barrier (for instance, a folk festival might have immigrant or Indigenous elders more fluent in another language), arrange for a translator or interviewer who speaks that language, so the elder can express themselves fully. In those cases, consider capturing the story in the original language and later translating it for a wider audience – this shows respect for their heritage.
Finally, celebrate and share these oral histories in a respectful way. You might weave short audio clips or anecdotes from elders into the festival’s marketing (with permission), such as a social media post: “Hear Grandma X tell the story behind this traditional dance…” – which both promotes the festival and honours the elder. Some festivals play edited snippets of elder interviews over the PA between sets or display quotations on screens, reminding everyone present of the living history among them. Always credit the elder and, if appropriate, provide them with copies of the recordings as a token of thanks. By treating oral histories as a treasured feature rather than just a checkbox, festivals ensure that elders’ knowledge lights the way for future generations.
Centering Elders Without Tokenizing
The ultimate goal is to place elders at the heart of the festival experience in a way that feels genuine and respectful. “Centering” means giving elders a meaningful role and visibility, rather than treating them as an afterthought. However, it’s equally important that this inclusion isn’t just for show – tokenism (where an elder is invited as a symbolic gesture but not truly listened to or integrated) can be easily sensed and can even feel disrespectful. Festival producers must strike a balance by authentically weaving elder contributions into the fabric of the event.
One effective strategy is to involve elders right from the planning stages. If your festival has an advisory board or planning committee, consider including one or two respected elders from the community or artistic genre. Their input on everything from theme selection to scheduling can be invaluable – they often foresee issues or cultural nuances that younger organisers might miss. For instance, a veteran folk dancer might advise that certain traditional ceremonies should happen at dusk rather than midday, or an Indigenous elder might guide the festival on proper protocols for welcoming performers from different tribes. By giving elders a voice in decision-making, you demonstrate that their wisdom is guiding the festival, not just adorning it.
During the festival, treat elder guests as VIPs in practice, not just name. This could mean assigning a host or liaison to any elder artist or speaker, ensuring they have everything they need (water, meals, comfortable rest space) and that they know what’s happening when. Pay or honorarium is another consideration – if an elder is contributing their time and knowledge (be it through a speech, workshop, or blessing), compensate them as you would any professional. Many cultures have traditions of gifting elders (such as a shawl, a plaque, or a symbolic gift) during closing ceremonies as a sign of thanks; incorporating such gestures can give the gratitude more depth. At the same time, be mindful of how you represent elders in marketing. Don’t use images of a few elders for promotional material unless their involvement is substantial. It’s better to highlight their real role – for example, “Grandmaster So-and-so will be sharing stories at the fireside session,” which acknowledges their contribution, rather than just having their photo as a background token.
Avoiding tokenism also means being open to feedback and adapting. If an elder feels uncomfortable with how something is being done, take their concerns seriously. Centre their comfort and dignity – for example, if you planned a tribute performance to an elder musician but they feel it’s too much fuss, find a way to honour them that aligns with their wishes. Sometimes, centering an elder might simply involve providing space for them to be themselves at the festival, without forcing them into a spotlight if they don’t want it. For example, an elder craftsperson might prefer quietly demonstrating their art in a booth rather than coming on stage – respect that choice and celebrate it in an appropriate way.
Finally, fostering a festival culture where all participants are encouraged to listen to and appreciate elders completes the circle. Emcees and hosts can remind the crowd of the presence of esteemed elders (“We’re lucky to have __ with us today, who has kept this tradition alive for 50 years…”). Workshops can pair young artists with elder mentors in public sessions. Some festivals even set up intergenerational jam circles or dance sessions specifically to get young and old interacting naturally. When done sincerely, these efforts create an atmosphere where elders feel truly central to the event – not as monuments to look at, but as living, breathing carriers of culture who everyone, from the festival team to the audience, is eager to engage with. That genuine integration is the opposite of tokenism: it’s a sign of a healthy, respectful festival community.
Key Takeaways
- Ensure Comfort and Access: Guarantee comfortable seating, easy site access (ramps, smooth paths), and nearby facilities for elder attendees at all festival venues.
- Engage Elders On Stage: Invite elders to participate in the programme – opening ceremonies, introducing acts, or sharing stories – giving them a visible and respected role that enriches the audience experience.
- Provide Transport & Mobility Support: Offer transportation help like shuttle carts, close-in parking, and special senior ticket options (e.g. discounted Senior Passes) so older festival-goers can attend and move around with ease.
- Preserve Their Stories: Capture elders’ oral histories through interviews or storytelling sessions (with permission). Archive these recordings to preserve cultural wisdom and consider sharing highlights to celebrate elder contributions.
- Meaningful Inclusion in Planning: Involve elders in festival planning or advisory roles. Listen to their input on cultural protocols, scheduling, and accessibility – integrating their wisdom into festival decisions from the start.
- Respect, Don’t Tokenize: Treat elder participants as valued contributors rather than symbolic guests. Support their needs (from honorariums to hospitality), follow their comfort levels in how they engage, and authentically celebrate their presence.
- Foster Intergenerational Connection: Create opportunities for young and old to connect – for example, mentorship workshops, collaborative performances, or jam sessions – building mutual respect and keeping traditions alive across generations.
25th August 2025