A guide to making music festivals more accessible

When the Bacardi NH7 Weekender—rated as one of the biggest platforms for independent music—opens this weekend in Pune’s Mahalaxmi Lawns, it will boast not just of an eclectic lineup of over 40 artists but also of its inclusivity and accessibility. For in its 13th edition, the conversation on accessibility reached a whole new level when “ardent fans sent emails requesting to bring their differently abled friends on wheelchairs to the festival”, states Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director, NODWIN Gaming, which owns the IP, or intellectual property, for the music festival. “It’s not just about people affected by physical disability but also those who have intellectual disability, along with those affected by age-related issues that need to be given attention, especially during music festivals.” In Delhi, Tanvi Singh Bhatia and Anubhav Jain, co- founders and curators of IBTIDA-Ek Mehfil, which started in 2019 with the vision of bringing back the tradition of mehfils and baithaks, are working overtime. Having been associated with over 40 music and art festivals in Rajasthan, including the Jaipur Virasat Foundation, Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival and Jajam Foundation, Joshi can’t stress enough on the representation of disabled artists. The organisers have to offer everything, the audience member attending the music festival has the right to have access to all and choose.” What music festivals should keep in mind: # Have sign language music videos # Infrastructural accessibility with wheelchair access, ramps, separate parking facilities, separate viewing decks where stage lights aren’t too harsh # Distribute lyrics and music sheets in Braille # Encourage interactive sessions of disabled participants and audience members with artists, ideally before the performance # Quiet rooms for those who might be triggered by sounds # Tactile signage for the disabled at every important area in the venue # Cover the accessibility conversation on social media widely # Have proud representation by musicians and artists who are disabled