Glastonbury given Gold award for access

21st January 2014

We’re very pleased to announce that Glastonbury has become the first festival with camping in the UK to be awarded the Gold level of the Charter of Best Practice by Attitude is Everything, the organisation which campaigns to improve Deaf and disabled people’s access to live music.

The award is "in recognition of the festival’s long-term and ongoing efforts to make the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival site in the world as accessible as possible". 

Suzanne Bull MBE, CEO of Attitude is Everything said: “I’m so proud that the largest performing arts festival in the world has been awarded the Gold level of the Charter. This sends out a very positive message to all festivals that with some thought and forward planning, they can become accessible too. However, over the years Glastonbury has consistently programmed Deaf and disabled artists as well as hired Deaf and disabled staff and volunteers, so it sends out an equally important message that Deaf and disabled people are welcome to perform, work and volunteer at Glastonbury. The Gold award is a tribute to the Glastonbury team who have embraced our working partnership and the Attitude is Everything team looks forward with excitement to Glastonbury 2014 and beyond.”

The award was accepted by Michael Eavis and Glastonbury’s Access Officer Claire Elsam. Attitude is Everything also praised Claire for her "clear commitment to high standards in access and customer service that has continued to drive through significant positive change".

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A member of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society recently wrote a piece for the charity’s seasonal magazine about her experiences of attending Glastonbury 2013. Click here for a PDF of the article.