The vibe at Ability Fest was truly unmatched. The grounds were alive with joy, with so many happy, smiling faces ready to celebrate and dance the day away. Having been to hundreds of festivals, I can confidently say that the atmosphere here was among the very best. The people were welcoming, full of love, and there to simply enjoy the moment together. Other festivals could learn a thing or two about how to run their events smoothly for everyone while opening up their sales to people with disabilities—you provide the accessibility they will bring the unmatchable vibes, trust me! It was a day where everyone was connected by the music and shared the same uplifting energy.

The amenities at Ability Fest were more than ample, with plenty of accessible toilets and changing places available! There were also plenty of standard portaloos, so we never had to wait. The addition of a men’s urinal helped keep wait times down as well—a big win for festival flow.

Pathways were thoughtfully laid out for wheelchair partiers, which was a fantastic touch. Not only does this ensure accessibility for everyone, but it’s also a smart move for festivals facing unpredictable weather, which seems to be happening more frequently. Having these paths in place takes away the stress of scrambling for last-minute adjustments and makes the festival a welcoming space for our friends on wheels.

The interpreters were incredible and bought a unique energy and experience. They weren’t just there to translate they were fully involved in the performance, capturing the rhythm and emotion of each set and making it accessible for attendees with hearing impairments.

There was an ANZ sensory space on sight for people needing a sensory break between their favourite sets. While we did not go inside as we wanted to respect people's need to rest we are sure Ability Fest would have had everything it needed in place.

Red Frogs attended the event and had sunscreen, water and games. Thanks as always Red Frogs! The Glitter Bar was loaded and free! Seeing people get around with their faces sparkling was a lovely touch.

First aid was also provided and clearly marked in several location

Water stands were situated all around the festival, making it easy to refill your water bottles and keep hydrated.

The merch tent was stocked with accessible extra stretchy Nike dry-fit shirts.

Ability Fest was well-prepared when it came to keeping everyone refreshed. The event featured two bars conveniently located near each stage, along with a non-alcoholic bar close to the main stage.
There appeared to be plenty of bar staff, making lines short throughout the day. Vendors were also providing free drinks around the festival.

STAGES
There were three stages at the festival, all conveniently located close to each other, making it easy to catch different acts even if there were clashes. Each stage was angled in a way that prevented sound from one stage bleeding into another, so the music remained crisp and clear for each set at each stage.

The *Main Stage* was the heart of the festival, featuring a large, accessible multi-story viewing platform on the side, which offered an excellent view of both the stage and the crowd. The sound quality was exceptional, and there was ample space for everyone to party freely. Toward the back, a spacious grassy area provided a relaxing spot to sit and take in the performances.

*Highlights:* King Stingray, Cub Sport, and Middle Kids.

*Mark’s Stage*, the second stage, was dedicated to electronic music, showcasing a lineup of producers and DJs. It boasted an impressive sound system, creating the perfect environment for dance music. This stage also had a large accessible viewing platform on the side, along with a big dance floor area. A grassy section nearby allowed people to sit back and enjoy the beats.

*Highlights:* Dewbs and Bag Raiders

The third stage, *The Silent Disco*, was a popular attraction, always buzzing with people dancing to music through wireless headphones. The energy at this stage was infectious, making it a fun, immersive experience.

Laura’s highlights

One of my absolute highlights was meeting Dylan Alcott. As a massive fan of everything he’s done, it was surreal to see him in person. He’s even gotten me into watching tennis because of his incredible talent and dedication. But seeing him bring together two of my great loves—music and inclusivity — was something special. It filled me with so much joy and hope for a future where festivals like Ability Fest continue to set the standard for truly inclusive experiences. Musically, Cub Sport put on the best show I’ve ever seen from them, absolutely electrifying the crowd. And, of course, King Stingray brought their incredible energy, making for unforgettable sets that perfectly matched the festival’s vibes.

Joe’s highlights
Included being surrounded by so many happy people truly enjoying life to the fullest. A perfect moment came when King Stingray set flowed into the end of Bag Raiders on sundown. As they dropped their hit ‘Shooting Stars’, you could hear festival organiser Dylan Alcott Shouting “Turn It Up” to the sound crew sending the crowd around into a new level of energy.
Another standout of mine was DJ Dewbs, who delivered an energetic, fast-paced set that got everyone moving. Watching him and his mates having the time of their lives on stage added even more to the vibe.

A massive thank you goes to Dylan Alcott, the Dylan Alcott Foundation, the Untitled Group, and Alt Shift for having Music Festivals Australia along for the day.

Review and Photos by Laura Simmons & Joe Whitfield

Ability Fest 2024