Words by Abi Scaife
Update: Sadly Festability 2023 is no longer going ahead.
Fancy a day trip, but want something a little different? Here is everything you need to know about Festability - the disability-inclusive festival just outside of London!
WHERE?
Festability takes place at Quex Park, in Kent - the address is Quex Park, Park Ln, Birchington CT7 0BH. Every year, Festability provides a shuttle service for those travelling by train to help them get from the station to Quex Park.
WHEN?
Festability takes place on Saturday 10th Jun 2023, from 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM.
IS IT ACCESSIBLE?
Yes! Festability is fully accessible for all disabilities and is a safe space. For this reason, you cannot take pets but can bring assistance dogs, though they must be wearing some form of hi-vis, lead or clothing to identify them as such and they must remain on a lead at all times.
There are a number of things that make Festability accessible, such as BSL signers for some performances as well as Makaton signing volunteers, the Quiet Zone, good for people who need some chillout time, accessible portable toilets with adult-sized changing beds and hoist facilities and so much more!
Plus, all staff and volunteers have been briefed on disability awareness and inclusion, so if you need help, advice, or just a friendly face, you can turn them.
IS IT FAMILY-FRIENDLY?
Festability is a great day out for families - including families with kids who have disabilities; that is, after all, what inspired Festability in the first place! The Festability area is fully secure, so even the best escape artists can’t get out, there’s plenty of kid-friendly activities, and there are even trained staff members who are able to supervise kids with disabilities in case you need to pop to the loo for some you-time.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
There’s loads of bands, including festival fave Hullabaloo, and a variety of music genres to make sure that everyone is catered for! As well as music, there are activities like karaoke, silent discos, drumming workshops, fairground rides, adapted sports and games and so so much more.
WHERE CAN I BUY TICKETS?
Tickets can be bought at this Ticket Tailor link, and will emailed to you immediately. There is also a group discount for groups of 20+ and again for 50+, so grab some mates and come on down!
Rather than having a carer go free, or at half prices, as many festivals would, Festability has instead decided to have everyone buy their tickets at a reduced, affordable rate, so everyone can afford to attend.
ARE THERE REFRESHMENTS?
There will be plenty of food and drink vendors available (not included in the price of your ticket!), with veggie, vegan and gluten free options available. If you need something blending, please let a volunteer in a hi-vis jacket know so that they can assist you.
There will also be hot, cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available - so there really is something for everyone.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Festability CIC - the CIC behind the Festability event is completely run on donations, so if you want to see the festival continue, please consider volunteering or donating. Support them here.
SNAAP - support parents and carers who are looking after someone with a disability. Support them here.
Sense - supports people with complex disabilities and helps them to live full, independent lives. Support them here.
