Glastonbury Festival's 'Levelling the Field' Enhances Disability Inclusion

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility, Glastonbury Festival has introduced the 'Levelling the Field' program, which significantly improves opportunities for disabled individuals in the music and event production industry. The program, which aims to create a more inclusive environment, is highlighted by the participation of Karl Flood, a 32-year-old drum and bass DJ who uses a wheelchair and was chosen to perform at the festival's Rum Shack. Flood, who has Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, expressed his excitement, stating, "I’m speechless. It’s just amazing". The DJ sees this opportunity as a crucial step toward fostering inclusivity in the music scene, stating, "Hopefully other festivals, other venues, will follow suit."

The 'Levelling the Field' program is designed to provide disabled individuals with hands-on experiences in stage management, artist liaison, and event production. This initiative is particularly significant as it represents one of the first comprehensive accessibility programs in the festival circuit. Flood noted, "This is actually the first scheme I’ve ever heard of. There’s so much opportunity out there for people with disabilities, but nobody’s made the jump to actually do anything like this."

William Ogden, a 34-year-old production assistant at Glastonbury, also shared his perspective, stating that opportunities for disabled individuals in creative industries are scarce. Ogden, who is profoundly deaf and partially blind, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, saying, "To be in a creative industry at Glastonbury is a whole new ballpark." This sentiment is echoed by Natty, co-founder of 'Levelling the Field', who stated that the program seeks to increase the participation of disabled individuals in backstage roles. He emphasized the need for continual adaptation, saying, "We’re all learning and that has been the absolutely beautiful thing about it."

Since its inception, 'Levelling the Field' has made significant strides in addressing accessibility challenges at the festival. Adaptations include the installation of lifts for wheelchair access and the provision of British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters. Natty remarked that these changes reflect the festival's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, noting, "It’s these little tiny considerations that need to be made." The success of this initiative could potentially inspire similar programs at other festivals, paving the way for increased accessibility across the music industry.

As Glastonbury Festival continues to evolve, the 'Levelling the Field' program stands as a beacon of progress in promoting inclusivity and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in the cultural landscape. The implications of this initiative extend beyond the festival itself, potentially influencing industry standards and practices nationwide. With the festival's commitment to accessibility, the future looks promising for disabled individuals aspiring to make their mark in the music industry.