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Most of us fondly remember our first festival, often a vibrant experience that typically happens in our early 20s, where we become completely immersed in the music, the lively atmosphere, and the freedom of dancing in our wellies on a muddy field. For Anne, however, her debut festival experience arrived in her 60s. Despite being in her 60s, Anne didn’t allow age to hold her back—she joined the lively crowd with infectious energy. Upon our arrival, she eagerly set up her camping chair in the heart of the field, soaking in the atmosphere as she listened to a few artists on the main stage, joyfully clapping and swaying with the music.
The moment Anne treated herself to a bucket hat, the true festival experience truly came alive. No longer content with sitting, she excitedly made her way to one of the other tents, positioning herself at the barrier to catch a glimpse of a Smiths tribute band. Though she wasn’t familiar with their music, it didn’t matter to her; she celebrated in their enthusiastic performance, determined to create excitement as she danced joyfully to the rhythm. When the tribute Morrissey singer tossed his flowers into the crowd, Anne enthusiastically called out for him to throw one her way, and he did, which made Anne’s day.
As the afternoon unfolded, the weather began to shift. Dark clouds rolled in, and the first raindrops fell, with some festival-goers hurriedly seeking shelter while others embraced the rain as part of the experience. Anne, sporting her bucket hat, chose to remain near the main stage, steadfast in her refusal to let the weather dampen her spirits. The rain added an unexpected intensity to the festival’s atmosphere, making the experience all the more memorable. The crowd continued to pulse with energy, and as the music played on, people danced joyfully in the rain, transforming a potential setback into an exhilarating highlight.
Even amid the wet conditions, Anne’s day at the Look-A-Like Festival remained overwhelmingly positive and enriching. She stepped beyond her comfort zone, savoured incredible live performances, and wholeheartedly
embraced the festival spirit. By the time the event wrapped up, she felt a rush of exhilaration and was certain this wouldn’t be her last encounter with the magic of music festivals. That day gifted her not just a newfound appreciation for live music, but also a sense of adventure, and the realisation that sometimes, the most beautiful experiences arise from embracing the unexpected.
An unfortunate reality that many people with learning disabilities face is having limited life experiences, such as going to your first festival. As music events often lack the necessary reasonable adjustments and accessibility. Hence why people like Anne do not have these experiences until later in life. Our Inclusion Coordinator, Clara, recognised this gap and understood that many of the people we support miss out on these incredible experiences altogether. As an avid music lover and dedicated festivalgoer, Clara organised for people to attend this local tribute festival known for its accessibility, hoping it would serve as a stepping stone toward attending more mainstream festivals in the future.
