Ability Fest
Ability Fest VIC 2024
Ability Fest is the first of its kind, promoting access and inclusion within the music industry, and proudly presented by the Dylan Alcott Foundation, Untitled Group & triple j.
It is a music festival designed for everyone to experience the magic of live music. It is a not-for-profit event, with all proceeds going directly to the Dylan Alcott Foundation to help empower young people with disability to achieve their ambitions.
Celebrating their fifth edition, Ability Fest is opening up to ages 16+ to welcome more people than ever before!
In Victoria the festival is located at Naarm/Melbourne’s Alexandra Gardens/Birrarung Marr, an urban space embracing community with sweeping city skyline views and lush greenery.
You can expect all your usual festival amenities like delicious food & drink options, shaded retreats, unique experiences and unforgettable music performances across two stages.
Accessibility remains at the forefront of Ability Fest. The organisers have worked with their partners, Get Skilled Access, to implement the following features to ensure an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all music lovers:
- Auslan Interpreters
- Accessible Parking
- Accessible Drop Off & Pick Up Zones
- Accessible Bathrooms & Changing Places
- Elevated Viewing Platforms
- Bindi Maps – Navigation App
- Companion Card Accepted
- Friendly Volunteers to Assist
- Pathways & Flooring
- Assistance Dog Area
- Designated Chill Spaces & Sensory Zones
- Ear Plugs
- Tactile Sensory Silent Disco
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative
- Free Wifi
- Live Captioning
- Access Liaison
Ability Fest was developed by Dylan Alcott, a four-time Paralympic gold medallist, 15-time Grand Slam champion, and the 2022 Australian of the Year, in collaboration with music festival masterminds Untitled Group, the creators of renowned music festivals including Beyond The Valley, and Wildlands.
Ability Fest uses the power of music to bring people together and help normalise disability whilst setting a standard for accessibility, inclusion and diversity at all events.