How can music events be more accessible to those with sensory issues?
Author: Esme Crookes
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Abstract
This paper explores how neurodiversity affects the attendees to live music events. It discusses what could change in terms of these events and being more accessible, and provides thorough recommendations of what could improve in the future.
Key words
Live music, neurodiversity, accessibility, digital media, sensory issues
Digital media in recent years has become so hugely popular. This has meant that people have been in demand for more live music events. People crave experience, music, the chance to see their favourite artists in person. For some people, this can be so difficult. People who suffer with
Many music events currently have different facilities and measures in place to provide support for people who need it. This especially can be seen at larger music events, such as festivals. Many festivals have designated areas which have a calmer environment for people to go if they need time to themselves in a more relaxed environment. These spaces are usually reduced lighting, quieter and cooler so that people can unwind and destress if they get too overwhelmed or overstimulated. Also, many festivals provide attendees with noise cancelling headphones or earplugs, so that people who do decide to stay in the big crowds are still able to be more relaxed, and protect their ears.
Also, the fact that most festivals and concerts provide attendees with maps and visitor information before the event is one measure which is helpful for those with different neurodiverse issues. This is because it helps them to be prepared and make any amends for themselves after being able to see layouts and plans that they are given by the event or the venue. It also allows them to see if there are any measures provided already that would benefit them, and if not they can make their own adjustments and decisions on what they would like to do.
Another thing in which current events do which provide support for neurodivergent individuals is by providing trained welfare staff. By having this staff in venues, it provides people the comfort and the safe feeling that they have someone who can provide them support if and when necessary. This is even in smaller venues for things like smaller concerts. This is positive as it means that even at smaller venues, people can be comforted with the knowledge that they have people there to provide support if it is needed. These staff are able to provide mental comfort and also physical support such as medical support and first aid.
Despite these, there is a lot of things that these events are missing which could further benefit different people who need the support. One of these things is that not every event at this time has the different quiet spaces or the calmer zones. Festivals do set a good example, however other venues should follow. On the other hand, while this would be good, in some cases it is not possible. Some venues may not be big enough for spaces like these, or may not have the funds to be able to create it. They also may not have the staff to be able to keep it running smoothly and effectively.
There are many things that can be implemented in the future. One recommendation is for events to conduct their own primary research. By doing this, they are able to gage an idea of what their specific audience want and need. They could do this easily by using social media, by creating posts that their audience can engage with, like asking questions for them to answer. This means that they would be able to get personal answers, and understand what their audience directly want and need. This is also a cheap and easy way of gaining knowledge about what people want to change and what they can do. It is also an easy way of doing so, as well as being less costly.
Another recommendation would be to provide more education and training to staff in the venues that hold the music events. By providing each staff member with training and knowledge to be able to support every different person would benefit them highly. This overall means that if events are not able to get a designated team to provide support, their staff are able to in times that is necessary. However, this may be time consuming to do, and is difficult to keep track of who is trained and who is not. Also, if the training the staff receive is external, it means that it could be costly.
• Petter, O. (2025) Glastonbury’s biggest change this year is how it caters for neurodivergent people Available from https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/glastonbury-neurodivergent-spaces-b2778824.html.
• Toraldo, M.L. (2013) Mobilising the cultural consumer through the senses: festivals as sensory experiences. International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 5(4) 384.
• White, K. (2023) Addressing auditory processing challenges and accessibility in live music settings. Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics, 51(1).
This paper explores how neurodiversity affects the attendees to live music events. It discusses what could change in terms of these events and being more accessible, and provides thorough recommendations of what could improve in the future.
Key words
Live music, neurodiversity, accessibility, digital media, sensory issues
Digital media in recent years has become so hugely popular. This has meant that people have been in demand for more live music events. People crave experience, music, the chance to see their favourite artists in person. For some people, this can be so difficult. People who suffer with
Many music events currently have different facilities and measures in place to provide support for people who need it. This especially can be seen at larger music events, such as festivals. Many festivals have designated areas which have a calmer environment for people to go if they need time to themselves in a more relaxed environment. These spaces are usually reduced lighting, quieter and cooler so that people can unwind and destress if they get too overwhelmed or overstimulated. Also, many festivals provide attendees with noise cancelling headphones or earplugs, so that people who do decide to stay in the big crowds are still able to be more relaxed, and protect their ears.
Also, the fact that most festivals and concerts provide attendees with maps and visitor information before the event is one measure which is helpful for those with different neurodiverse issues. This is because it helps them to be prepared and make any amends for themselves after being able to see layouts and plans that they are given by the event or the venue. It also allows them to see if there are any measures provided already that would benefit them, and if not they can make their own adjustments and decisions on what they would like to do.
Another thing in which current events do which provide support for neurodivergent individuals is by providing trained welfare staff. By having this staff in venues, it provides people the comfort and the safe feeling that they have someone who can provide them support if and when necessary. This is even in smaller venues for things like smaller concerts. This is positive as it means that even at smaller venues, people can be comforted with the knowledge that they have people there to provide support if it is needed. These staff are able to provide mental comfort and also physical support such as medical support and first aid.
Despite these, there is a lot of things that these events are missing which could further benefit different people who need the support. One of these things is that not every event at this time has the different quiet spaces or the calmer zones. Festivals do set a good example, however other venues should follow. On the other hand, while this would be good, in some cases it is not possible. Some venues may not be big enough for spaces like these, or may not have the funds to be able to create it. They also may not have the staff to be able to keep it running smoothly and effectively.
There are many things that can be implemented in the future. One recommendation is for events to conduct their own primary research. By doing this, they are able to gage an idea of what their specific audience want and need. They could do this easily by using social media, by creating posts that their audience can engage with, like asking questions for them to answer. This means that they would be able to get personal answers, and understand what their audience directly want and need. This is also a cheap and easy way of gaining knowledge about what people want to change and what they can do. It is also an easy way of doing so, as well as being less costly.
Another recommendation would be to provide more education and training to staff in the venues that hold the music events. By providing each staff member with training and knowledge to be able to support every different person would benefit them highly. This overall means that if events are not able to get a designated team to provide support, their staff are able to in times that is necessary. However, this may be time consuming to do, and is difficult to keep track of who is trained and who is not. Also, if the training the staff receive is external, it means that it could be costly.
• Petter, O. (2025) Glastonbury’s biggest change this year is how it caters for neurodivergent people Available from https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/glastonbury-neurodivergent-spaces-b2778824.html.
• Toraldo, M.L. (2013) Mobilising the cultural consumer through the senses: festivals as sensory experiences. International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 5(4) 384.
• White, K. (2023) Addressing auditory processing challenges and accessibility in live music settings. Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics, 51(1).