With Metropolis Music, the promoters behind the fantastic V Festival, the answer is a resounding 'Yes'.
Last year before ABLE2 was re-launched we handed out forms to the disabled visitors at the V fest asking for comments on how access could be improved.
Along with the incredible hard work by Sally & Katie this years V festival saw the disabled platform over at the V stage re-positioned to give guests with special needs a near perfect view of the stage. There was even a water tank added on the second day to quench thirsty mouths in the hot weather. Hopefully next year this drinking supplement will be available for the whole weekend.
The only snag with the platform over at the V stage was the size. As the festival increases in popularity so should the disabled viewing area. This year it was actually smaller.
We also brought to the organisers attention last year that the platforms accompanying the V stage & 4Music stage should be closer together. In past years the platforms for both the main stages were positioned on the far right.
This year the V stage platform was re-positioned to the left of the arena decreasing the distance between the two main stages for wheelchair users.
The platforms over at the smaller stages, (The Arena & Virgin Union) were both given special care to. The only constructive criticism we could add is that the ramps were a tad too long leading up to the viewing areas especially for those who have walking difficulties/ spent too much time in the bar!
With Two days of live music and wheeling/ wobbling around Hylands Park you needed a good nights sleep so lets make our weary way back to the disabled campsite and what's going on there.
First of all here are the good points. The staff were really friendly despite one guy who was a bit over protective.
Parking was great as you could easily park your free car the Government probably paid for near your tent.
However the loos needed a bloody good clean, come Monday morning they were dirtier than your typical Essex girl and the showers, although spacious, didn't have any where dry you could sit down while you got dressed.
Thanks to everyone who filled in our questionnaires and an even bigger thanks to all the people who reminded us to pick up our clipboard which we left behind at least 6 times over the weekend which had absolutely nothing to do with the free alcohol we were given at various VIP areas across the site!
Review from Chelmsford V Site.
