International Festival Goes Above And Beyond On Accessibility
Derby-based social enterprise, Nimbus Disability, has successfully completed its first international festival collaboration – ensuring full accessibility for disabled Afrobeats music fans.
Nimbus Disability handled the accessibility ticketing registration for Afro Nation – the world’s largest Afrobeats celebration and a fast growing global cultural influence – working with organisers and global entertainment company, The Malachite Group (TMG).
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 which 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.
Powered by ‘NOS’, Nimbus Disability’s bespoke software, the Access Card system translates its holder’s disability/impairment/access requirements into symbols highlighting the barriers they face.
Ahead of Afro Nation, the Nimbus team liaised closely with the customer relations team at TMG so that bespoke personal support could be provided.
TMG customer relations manager Chris Rogerson explained: “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.
“Nimbus helped us to develop a disabled access guide and the easy to find information on our website. It was also great to attend Nimbus’ provider network and learn from other venues and event organisers.”
Mr Rogerson continued: “Afro Nation is a fantastic and inclusive event which unites and uplifts communities and individuals and the safety, comfort and enjoyment of everyone – regardless of their needs – is our utmost priority.
“The feedback from guests was really positive and there are certain things that we are looking at to improve even further for next year’s festival including a second accessible viewing platform, hearing loops and information about accessible transport, hotels and restaurants.
“With such a successful event under our belts, we aim to become recognised as an accessible event and will be working with Nimbus Disability again with our future events – the next being Afro Nation in Detroit, USA.”
Mark Briggs PLY, partnerships director at Nimbus Disability, concluded: “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.”