Introduction
Hosting a festival on a remote beach, rugged mountainside, or other extreme terrain is a thrilling way to create a unique experience. However, these settings present major accessibility challenges – from soft sand that can immobilize wheelchairs to steep grades that exhaust even the fittest attendees. The goal of any festival producer is to welcome all music and culture lovers, including those with mobility impairments or other disabilities. With careful planning, creative infrastructure, and clear communication, even the most remote festival can be as inclusive and accessible as possible. This guide shares veteran insights on overcoming sand, rock, and slope obstacles so that no one is left out of the fun.
Challenges of Remote Terrain and Why Accessibility Matters
Remote location festivals often mean uneven ground, longer distances, and minimal built infrastructure. Sand, gravel, rocky paths, and hills pose risks of getting stuck or injured for anyone with limited mobility. But accessibility is not just a legal requirement in many countries – it’s an ethical imperative and a way to expand your festival’s audience. An inclusive festival earns goodwill and often positive press, as seen when major events in the UK and US improved access for disabled fans. For example, Glastonbury Festival (UK) – long set on a large farm with plenty of mud and hills – has spent years improving and is now considered an accessibility leader. It provides extensive accessibility guides (running dozens of pages) and has a dedicated Access Team, truly transforming disabled fans’ perception of what’s possible at a massive festival. The lesson is clear: ensuring access isn’t just about compliance, it’s about sharing the festival magic with everyone regardless of physical ability.
By anticipating the terrain challenges during planning, a festival organizer can implement solutions like ADA-compliant routes, beach access mats, shuttle services, and accessible viewing areas. The following sections break down practical strategies for different terrain types and situations, drawn from real-world festival experience.
Planning Accessible Routes on Difficult Terrain
Start early by evaluating your venue’s topography and identifying potential barriers. Map out all key locations (stages, food courts, camping, parking, toilets) and then chart at least one accessible route connecting them. An accessible route should be as firm, smooth, and level as possible:
– Work with the land: In a hilly area, look for natural contours that allow a gentler slope or a longer, winding path rather than a direct steep climb. A zig-zag path (switchback) can reduce grade difficulty.
– Slope guidelines: Aim to keep paths under a 5% incline (1:20) wherever you can. Short steeper sections up to about 8% (1:12) can be managed with railings or assistance, but anything steeper could be unsafe for wheelchair users without mechanical help. If parts of the site have extremely steep grades (like a cliff or dune), plan alternate activities or viewing from below rather than risk unsafe access.
– Stable surfaces: Clear debris and fill any holes along pathways. For dirt or grass paths, consider laying ground protection mats or compacting the soil to create a firmer surface. On rocky ground, you may need to build up low sections with gravel or sand to smooth out bumps.
– Temporary ramps: If your route must cross a curb, step, or ledge, install temporary ramps. Many vendors rent modular ramp systems that can quickly create a safe slope over steps or rough ground. Ensure any ramp has edge barriers and a non-slip surface for safety on outdoor terrain.
Once you have a planned route, mark it clearly on your site map and with signs on the grounds. Use the standard wheelchair accessibility symbol on signs and include arrows for directions. It’s important that if the accessible route differs from the main pedestrian route, attendees know exactly where to go. For example, if most people take a shortcut up a rocky incline but wheelchair users should go around on a longer service road, put visible signage saying “Accessible Route ->”. As experienced festival organizers will attest, well-marked routes prevent confusion and help disabled attendees navigate confidently.
Case in point: At a large open-air festival in New Zealand, festival organizers identified a back road that wound up a hill at a gentle grade, as the main pedestrian path was far too steep. By upgrading this road with compacted gravel and signage, they provided a safe accessible path to the hilltop stages. This planning in advance meant wheelchair users and others with mobility limitations could reach all areas, whereas otherwise they would have been excluded from half the festival.
Tackling Sand and Soft Ground: Beach Mats and Beyond
Few terrains are more daunting to a wheelchair than loose sand. Yet beach festivals and desert gatherings are incredibly popular – think of a tropical music festival on white sand, or an art and EDM festival in a desert oasis. To make sand feasible:
– Beach access mats: One of the best tools for sandy or soft ground is the roll-out beach mat. These are sturdy polyester or plastic mats (often called access mats or Mobi-Mats) that unroll to form a stable, flat pathway across sand, grass, or mud. Festival organizers can deploy these mats from solid ground (such as a parking lot or boardwalk) across the sand to high-traffic areas like stage fronts or viewing platforms. The mats provide traction and prevent wheels from sinking. For example, the Boardmasters surf-and-music festival in the UK lays temporary matting over sand and grass in key spots to reduce difficulty for wheelchair users. Ensure the mats are fastened down (many come with stakes) so they don’t shift during the event.
– Boardwalks or platforms: If budget and time allow, building a temporary wooden boardwalk or decking on top of sand can create a very solid accessible surface. Even a short platform can help – for instance, an 8’x8’ wooden deck near the waterline can serve as a spot where wheelchair users can transfer to a beach wheelchair or just enjoy the view without sinking into sand.
– Beach wheelchairs: Consider providing a couple of beach wheelchairs on site. These are specialist wheelchairs with oversized balloon tires designed for sand. Attendees who use a standard wheelchair might transfer into a beach wheelchair (with assistance from staff or friends) to navigate sandy stretches. As a festival organizer, you can often rent these from local vendors or community centers in beach areas. Clearly advertise their availability and have staff at the info or medical tent trained to assist with transfers.
– Other soft ground solutions: For muddy or soft grass fields (common after rain), laying down wood chips, straw, or gravel can improve footing for pedestrians – but be cautious. Loose mulch or gravel is still hard for wheelchairs to roll through. In critical areas, opt for sturdier ground mats or metal panels. Major festivals like Glastonbury have long used aluminum trackway in high-traffic field sections to ensure vehicles and wheelchairs can move even in deep mud. While trackway panels can be expensive to hire and install, they can be a game-changer in maintaining accessibility when nature throws a curveball (like a sudden downpour turning your field to muck).
Remember that sand and dust can also affect other accessibility needs: fine particles might clog mobility device wheels or create respiratory issues. Provide regular maintenance like sweeping sand off mats and even a wheelchair cleaning/charging station if possible (for example, have compressed air available to blow out dust from wheel bearings). These extra touches show attendees with disabilities that you truly understand the on-ground realities and care about their experience.
Navigating Rocky, Uneven Ground and Forest Trails
Rocky paths, uneven festival grounds with tree roots, or venues set amid old ruins create a magical atmosphere – but also obstacles for anyone on wheels or unsteady feet. Preparation and modification are key:
– Clear and prepare paths: Well before the event, walk the site with an eye for hazards. Remove loose rocks from primary walkways. Mark any low-hanging branches or single steps with bright tape or signage. If there are natural trails, widen them if possible and trim back vegetation to accommodate mobility devices (aim for at least 36 inches/1 meter width for wheelchairs).
– Create makeshift walkways: Identify particularly rough patches (for example, a section of jagged rocks or an old cobbled area) and cover them. You can use rubber matting, interlocking portable tiles, or even thick plywood sheets to flatten an area. Ensure they are secured and won’t slip. In a pinch, a layer of compacted dirt or sand can fill gaps between rocks. At one cultural festival in rural Mexico, the grounds included an uneven stone plaza. The organizers laid large fiberboard sheets over one side of the plaza to form an improvised smooth dance floor and wheelchair route, while still leaving the other side of the plaza exposed for the historic ambiance.
– Bridging small gaps: If your remote venue has features like small streams or ditches, build temporary bridges or culverts so that the accessible route avoids any off-road detours. A simple solution is using sturdy planks or rented bridge mats. Always add railings or at least a wheel guard on bridges for safety. For example, a festival in Indonesia set up a bamboo bridge with side rails to let wheelchair users cross a shallow creek that separated the parking area from the main stage field.
– Accessible facilities on rough ground: When placing key facilities like toilets or viewing platforms on uneven ground, you may need to do a bit of construction. Build a level platform for an accessible portable toilet if the ground is sloped or rocky, so that the entrance is flat. The same goes for camping areas: designate a relatively flat, firm area as the accessible campsite, and if needed, grade it slightly with a tractor or tools to remove major bumps. Providing a smooth, stable ground for tents and mobility device charging in the camping zone will dramatically improve comfort and safety for campers with disabilities.
In forest environments or nature parks, one creative approach is to follow universal trail design principles: use switchbacks for slopes, pack down native soil with fine gravel for a firm path, and use edges (logs or rope guides) to define the route. While you might not pave a wilderness trail, even partial improvements can make a difference. The principle is to leave no attendee stranded on one side of a rough patch if you can help it.
Managing Steep Grades with Shuttles and Lifts
Steep hills or long climbs are perhaps the hardest challenge at remote festivals. When your site has dramatic elevation changes – such as a stage perched on a cliffside or a campground up a mountainside – simply labeling a route “steep incline ahead” is not enough. Proactive solutions include:
– On-site shuttle service: Many large festivals deploy shuttle vehicles (vans, minibuses, or golf carts) to help attendees move between distant areas. It’s crucial to ensure shuttle accessibility. Use vehicles with wheelchair lifts or ramps, or at least have a couple of wheelchair-accessible vans in the fleet. Train drivers on how to operate the lift and secure wheelchairs safely inside. Shuttles can run on a schedule (e.g., every 15 minutes between campground and main stage) or on-demand via a dispatcher at the accessibility services tent. Communicate clearly where and when disabled guests can catch a shuttle, and consider a phone number or radio channel they can use to request a ride when needed.
– Dedicated accessible transport: If the general attendee shuttles are overcrowded or not convenient for those with disabilities, provide a dedicated small vehicle for accessibility support. For example, an all-terrain 4×4 with a rear lift or a modified golf cart could be on standby specifically to transport guests with mobility impairments around tricky sections of the site. During Australia’s remote outback festivals, some organizers have employed 4×4 utility vehicles with bench seats to carry wheelchair users up steep, dusty hills that regular carts couldn’t handle. Always prioritize safety – ensure these vehicles have seatbelts and that wheelchairs are securely positioned (or held steady by a companion) during transit.
– Stage lifts and alternate entrances: If a stage or viewing area is elevated (say, a VIP platform or a viewing deck atop a boulder), you must provide a way up besides stairs. The ideal solution is a ramp, but for very high structures a portable wheelchair lift may be necessary. These devices operate like mini elevators and can be rented for the event. Use them for temporary structures where a 50-foot ramp isn’t practical. Additionally, coordinate backstage or artist-area routes: sometimes the only gentle slope up a hill might be via a back service road. It may be unconventional, but you can escort guests with disabilities through a back-of-house gate or road to reach a high location safely, rather than forcing them to attempt a steep public path.
– Staff assistance and rest areas: Train some festival staff or volunteers in proper assistance techniques (like how to help push a wheelchair up a slope safely, or how to guide a blind attendee on uneven steps). Station crew at the bottom and top of particularly steep paths so that someone is available to give a push or offer an arm for support. Also consider placing a bench or two halfway up a long hill climb – sometimes a simple resting spot can make a tough route more manageable for those with limited stamina or pain issues.
– Emergency contingency: Include steep terrain in your risk management plan. For instance, if a wheelchair user or anyone with limited mobility gets stuck on a hill due to equipment failure or a sudden weather change, have a protocol to assist them (such as dispatching the shuttle or a medical ATV quickly to their location). Similarly, plan for evacuation of disabled patrons in case of an emergency on a hillside – know which vehicle or route will get them out safely. No one should be left behind in a crisis due to terrain.
The overall approach is to never assume an attendee can just “power through” a steep grade. Always provide a mechanical or human-assisted alternative. As one seasoned festival organizer put it, “If we’ve built our festival on a mountainside, we owe it to our fans to give them a lift – literally.”
Accessible Viewing Areas and Inclusive Amenities
Being able to move around the site is one thing; enjoying the shows and amenities is another. Inclusive festival planning means thinking about how someone with a disability can fully participate:
– Viewing platforms: For music stages, create accessible viewing areas where wheelchair users and others who can’t stand for long periods can see the performance without obstruction. A common solution is a raised viewing platform near the sound mixing desk or at the side of the stage. This platform should be ramp-accessible (with an ADA-compliant gentle slope and sturdy railings) and should have a clear line of sight to the stage. Limit its use to disabled guests plus one companion each, so it doesn’t get overcrowded. Some festivals provide chairs on these platforms as well for those who need to sit. If building a platform isn’t feasible for a smaller event, reserve a section at the front or an elevated spot on firm ground for disabled attendees, and have security or volunteers ensure that no one stands in front of them. Clearly label these viewing areas with signage.
– Accessible toilets and facilities: Order ADA-compliant portable toilets and place them at all the key clusters of facilities (near stages, in campgrounds, etc.). These units are larger, with grab bars and a ground-level entrance ramp. On sand or soft ground, you may need to provide a stable base (lay plywood or mats under the toilet) to keep it level and prevent tipping. Likewise, if your event offers showers, provide at least one accessible shower stall with a seat and handheld showerhead. Make sure water refill stations, ATMs, merchandise booths, and food vendor counters have reachable heights or an available attendant to assist someone in a wheelchair. Small adjustments like lower counter sections or portable ramps at vendor booths can make a big difference.
– Camping and accommodation: If the festival is multi-day with camping, designate an accessible campsite close to the festival entrance or shuttle stops. Limit this area to those with disabilities (and their companions) so it remains less crowded and easier to navigate. Offer amenities like a power station for charging wheelchairs or medical devices, and ensure that accessible toilets and wash facilities are very nearby. If your festival provides pre-set tents, cabins, or glamping, have at least one or two that are wheelchair-accessible (with ramps, floor-level beds, and so on). Keeping the accessible camping area on level, firm ground (even if most of the campground is sloping) is crucial for comfort and safety.
– Medical and wellness services: Ensure the first aid tent is accessible (no steps at the entrance, wide door flap) and that medical staff are prepared to accommodate guests with various disabilities. For example, attendees with certain medical conditions might need a refrigerated storage for medications (like insulin) or a cool space to rest if they’re overheating due to mobility impairments. If possible, set up a quiet or sensory-relief space where those with sensory sensitivities or anyone feeling overwhelmed can take a break. This shows inclusivity for cognitive and sensory disabilities as well, beyond just physical access.
– Communication aids: For deaf or hard-of-hearing guests, consider providing an ASL interpreter for major performances or offering a live captioning screen near the stage. At minimum, ensure that any important announcements (like emergency info) are delivered in a visual format as well (screen or text message via the festival app). For blind or low-vision attendees, have large-print or Braille versions of the festival schedule available at info points, and train staff to offer verbal descriptions or guided assistance when requested (for instance, helping someone get from the entrance to the accessible campsite). These accommodations go hand-in-hand with physical accessibility to create a fully inclusive environment.
All these amenities demonstrate that your festival has considered the full experience of attendees with disabilities – not just getting them in the gate, but ensuring they can enjoy the music, activities, and community on an equal basis.
Communication: Setting Expectations and Offering Support
Even the best physical preparations can fall short if you don’t communicate effectively with your attendees. Accessibility at remote festivals must be a two-way street: organizers provide the accommodations, and attendees need to know about them and plan accordingly. Here’s how to communicate inclusively:
– Accessibility information page: Create a dedicated section on your festival website (or in your event app) that outlines all the accessibility features, services, and known challenges of the site. Be transparent about the terrain: for example, “This festival is held on a beach and grassy meadow. There will be long distances over sand and uneven ground. We have laid temporary pathways and offer wheelchair-accessible shuttles, but assistance may be needed in certain areas.” This honesty helps disabled ticket-holders prepare – whether that means bringing an all-terrain wheelchair attachment, coming with a friend for help, or simply knowing which parts of the venue might be most challenging. Avoid sugarcoating; realistic expectations build trust.
– Advance access requests: Implement a system for attendees to request accommodations or register their needs ahead of time. Many festivals use an Access Requirements Form (often a simple online questionnaire) where guests can indicate if they’ll be bringing a wheelchair, if they need a reserved camping spot close to amenities, if they’re bringing a service animal, etc. This lets you plan resources – like how many accessible shuttles or toilets you’ll need. It’s also a chance to open a dialogue. For instance, Ticket Fairy’s ticketing platform allows event organizers to include custom questions during ticket checkout, which could ask if the attendee has any accessibility requirements. Gathering this info early means no surprises when the festival begins.
– Email and guidebook: Send out an Accessibility Guide to those who have identified themselves as needing accommodations (and make it available to anyone interested). This might be a PDF or a detailed email covering things like accessible parking directions, entry procedures, a map marking ADA routes and facilities, shuttle schedules, and contact info for the Accessibility Team on site. Some world-leading festivals provide guides that are dozens of pages long. This may seem extensive, but attendees with disabilities greatly appreciate having all the details in advance, as it can significantly reduce anxiety. Consider including helpful tips in this guide, like reminding people to bring their disability parking placard or suggesting they pack spare parts/chargers for mobility devices. The guide is your opportunity to answer questions proactively – the more clarity you provide, the more confident and welcome your guests will feel.
– On-site signage and info points: Once the event is live, make sure your accessibility services are easy to find. Set up an Access Info Booth or clearly marked tent where attendees with disabilities can check in, ask questions, or get on-site support (for example, picking up a wristband that allows access to viewing platforms or using the shuttle service). Train your front-of-house staff and volunteers to be knowledgeable and courteous regarding disability accommodations. They should know where the nearest accessible route or facility is at all times, so they can guide attendees or call for assistance. High visibility of the Access Team (like staff with an “Accessibility Crew” shirt) also signals to attendees that help is available.
– Staff and volunteer training: Speaking of staff – comprehensive training is vital. Everyone from parking attendants to security personnel should be aware of the accessibility plan. For instance, parking staff must direct vehicles with disability permits to the ADA parking area; gate staff should know how to quickly admit someone who cannot stand in long lines; security teams should understand the policy on service animals and the locations of viewing platforms and accessible toilets. Encourage a culture of assistance – often a patron might hesitate to ask for help, so having friendly staff proactively offer help (without being patronizing) makes a big difference. Make sure staff know the right etiquette, too (e.g. ask before pushing someone’s wheelchair, and never separate a disabled person from their assistive device or companion).
– Feedback loop: Finally, invite feedback after the festival. What worked well? What needs improvement? Perhaps despite the beach mats, an attendee found one area of the sand still too hard to traverse, or a particular hill needed a better warning sign. Gathering this information will help you refine your plans for the next year. It also shows the community that you value their input and are committed to continuous improvement in accessibility. Some festivals partner with disability advocacy groups or bring in consultants to audit their event – a fresh perspective can reveal blind spots and inspire new ideas to implement next time.
Conclusion
Creating an accessible festival on sand, rock, or steep terrain is undoubtedly challenging – but it is achievable with determination and thoughtful design. Every site has its unique hurdles, but the core approach remains the same: anticipate needs, provide adaptive solutions, and communicate openly. From laying down a simple mat on a beach that opens up a whole coastline to a wheelchair user, to arranging a special 4×4 ride up a mountain so a long-time fan can watch the headline act – these efforts are immensely rewarding. They not only fulfill legal obligations in many countries, but also build an event’s reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking experience.
Veteran festival producers will tell you that inclusivity enhances the festival atmosphere for everyone. When attendees see diversity at an event – people of all abilities dancing, exploring, and having fun together – it creates a positive, inspiring vibe. Plus, accessible design often ends up helping many others: parents with strollers, injured individuals, or even crew members moving equipment all appreciate things like ramps and smooth paths.
In the end, an inclusive remote festival is a testament to creative problem-solving. By planning ADA routes, utilizing tools like beach mats and shuttle services, offering accessible viewing and facilities, and being honest and proactive in communications, you ensure that remote doesn’t mean restrictive. A rocky field or secluded beach can transform into a place where everyone finds their own space to enjoy the music and magic.
Key Takeaways
- Assess and Adapt the Terrain: Start with a thorough site assessment. Identify challenges (sand, rocks, hills) and plan at least one accessible route linking all major areas. Use solutions like mats, trackway, ramps, and graded paths to make the ground as navigable as possible.
- Use Specialized Infrastructure: Deploy tools such as beach access mats for sand, temporary bridges for obstacles, and wheelchair-accessible shuttles or lifts for steep sections. Build raised viewing platforms and accessible campsites so attendees with disabilities can enjoy stages and camping comfortably.
- Provide Inclusive Amenities: Ensure the basics are covered – accessible toilets, showers, parking, and medical services. Little details (like charging stations for mobility devices or availability of beach wheelchairs) go a long way in making a remote festival workable for everyone.
- Communicate Honestly: Be transparent about the site’s terrain and the accommodations in place. Publish an Accessibility Guide or info page well ahead of the event, and offer an access request process so guests can ask for what they need. Manage expectations while showcasing your festival’s commitment to inclusion.
- Train Staff and Build a Supportive Culture: Educate your crew and volunteers on accessibility etiquette and emergency procedures. Create a welcoming environment where attendees with disabilities feel comfortable asking for help. A responsive Access Team on site can address issues in real time.
- Continuously Improve: After each festival, gather feedback from disabled attendees and accessibility experts. Invest in improvements year over year – better pathways, more assistive devices, clearer communication – to keep raising the bar for inclusivity, no matter how remote or unconventional the location.
27th September 2025