There are moments in life that stay with you forever… and my weekend at Wilderness Festival with the charity Festival Spirit is most definitely one of them.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear we were in for something special. Greeted with warmth, laughter and a BBQ, the team at Festival Spirit went above and beyond to ensure everything ran like clockwork. The level of care, detail, and thought that had gone into making this experience truly accessible was extraordinary, and it started with something as simple as parking just metres from the festival entrance.
Accommodation was clean, spacious, extremely accessible, and you have your private space to sleep, chill out or recharge your batteries, be that your electric wheelchair or just yourself! 100 metres from the main arena and with all the facilities close by. From bacon butties at breakfast to expert logistical support throughout the day, every element was designed to make our lives easier and our experience unforgettable.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible team, Paul, Steve, Pip, Kat, Brooke, Lottie and every single volunteer who gave their time, energy and smiles to make us feel welcome and supported. Whether it was sourcing spare wheelchair parts, tracking down cable ties, or simply sharing a cup of tea and a laugh, the spirit of solidarity and mutual care was incredible. Making new friends and catching up with old ones, it was just the best experience.
I even got to hang out with our Academy alumni student, Yolanda and her husband Pete, who have returned for their second year!
Festival Spirit is unique in the UK, a charity that turns dreams into reality for disabled people who want to experience the joy of live music and festivals. The community they foster is just as important as the logistics they master. Being surrounded by people who understood each other’s challenges, who lent a hand without being asked, and who laughed freely under the Oxfordshire skies, it really was a magical experience.
Wilderness Festival itself is nothing short of spectacular. Set in the stunning grounds of Cornbury Park near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, it’s a sensory feast of music, art, food and joy. Whether you’re dancing to drum and bass, soaking in a soulful reggae set, or floating away with an orchestra, there is something for everyone. Add to that world-class food stalls serving global cuisine, wellness workshops, comedy, talks and more, you have a festival like no other!
To say I’m grateful is an understatement. I’m in awe of the dedication and heart that Festival Spirit pours into making this festival truly accessible and inclusive. I genuinely couldn’t fault a thing. And yes, I really, really hope I can come back next year.
It was also great to be interviewed by Sophie Morgan for The One Show. Look out for a piece about Festival Spirit and the great work they are doing airing very soon.
If you’ve ever thought festivals weren’t for you because of your disability and access needs, think again. Festival Spirit is proof that with the right support, the right people, and the right attitude, anything is possible.
Festival Spirit can be found on all the major social media platforms:
More information about Festival Spirit and the Wilderness Festival can be found on their websites:
http://www.festivalspirit.org/
https://www.wildernessfestival.com/
by Grant Logan – Founder of Ability Today and Academy of Disabled Journalists