International music festival praises accessibility experts

Nimbus Disability has successfully completed its first international festival collaboration – ensuring full accessibility for disabled music fans.

The social enterprise recently handled the accessibility ticketing registration for Afro Nation – the world’s largest Afrobeats celebration and a fast-growing global cultural influence.

The three-day beach festival in the Portugal resort of Portimao this summer attracted more than 40,000 people of all ages and cultures from across the world – coming together to enjoy African-inspired music performed by global artists.

To qualify for the accessibility facilities and support, disabled festival goers registered for the Access Card, developed delivered by Nimbus which is an organisation run by disabled people for disabled people.

Having pre-registered their requirements, the Access Card holders were then able to access the stage-side viewing platform, apply for essential companion tickets, have access to visual displays, special toilet facilities and quiet zones, as well as chaperoned support on boardwalks rather than navigating the sand.

The award-winning Access Card is held by about half a million disabled people and is recognised by more than 2,000 venues and events across the world who offer accessible tickets.

The Access Card is the first accessible ticketing scheme of its type in the world – offering a universal and consistent way for disabled people to evidence and communicate their needs to providers quickly and discreetly.

Ahead of Afro Nation, the Nimbus team liaised closely with the customer relations team at organisers The Malachite Group (TMG) so that bespoke personal support could be provided.

Mark Briggs, partnerships director at Nimbus Disability, said: “It has been a pleasure working with TMG who are so committed and focused on not just meeting disabled people’s accessibility needs but exceeding them.

“Although we have worked with a wide range of festivals, from Download to Glastonbury, this was our first international festival, and it could not have gone better.

“This is all about collaboration – bringing together creative expertise and strengths in different areas to ensure that disabled people have the same high-quality experience as everyone else.”

Chris Rogerson, customer relations manager at TMG, said: “Accessibility is a challenge for the Afro Nation festival – particularly as it is held on a beautiful beach in the Algarve.

“We gained valuable feedback from people attending the 2023 event and contacted Nimbus Disability who were incredibly helpful.

“Their advice and input in the accessible ticketing ensured we could go above and beyond what festival goers with additional needs required.”