Rhythms of Inclusivity
Embracing the Wilderness Festival Experience at Cornbury Park
Wilderness Festival at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire is more than just a celebration of music, arts and culture. It is an example of inclusivity and being accessible in the realities of a field.
Festival Spirit
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Wilderness Festival was deeply committed to inclusivity. This was most evident in their partnership with an incredible charity. Festival Spirit who are dedicated to making festivals and events accessible for disabled people, particularly those with complex needs. Founded in 2010 by the amazing Steve Clarke and Paul Thompson, Festival Spirit aims to break down the barriers that often prevent people with severe disabilities from enjoying live music and the festival culture by taking a group to a festival and providing suitable accommodation and volunteers to assist.
To our delight, we spotted the enormous, colourful Marquee erected to facilitate the bedrooms for each guest and their carer. Each bedroom, separated by linen curtains gives the privacy needed and contains an electric profiling bed for the guest and a good-sized camp bed for the carer. Importantly, the marquee has a temperature-controlled system ensuring that people do not get too hot or cold which can be an issue for many disabled people. Everything has been thought of. If you need a hoist, they have it. Even a fridge to store medication – often a reason people can’t do festivals.
The volunteers running our camp were all such warm and friendly characters, with different stories and kind hearts. To give up their holiday to ensure we had the best time meant so much. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with a delicious breakfast each morning. I loved to sit and chat with other disabled people and their carers about any subject, sharing their experiences of festivals or their trepidation at being festival virgins. It was beautiful to see the smiles on people's faces knowing they have been able to have fun.
The Wilderness Experience
The imposing Cornbury Park House stood magnificently in the background of our campsite and the festival grounds although vast are surrounded and interspersed with grand old trees with many a tale to tell.
Knowing this was going to be on grass did worry me. How was my chair going to hold out? Would it be painful riding on a bumpy surface? Are there enough toilets and what condition would they be in? Would I be able to see any of the acts from a chair?
Ok, yes, it is rough in places. We were lucky. It was mainly a dry weekend so the ground was firm. The toilets were great. Plenty of accessible toilets and overall were very clean. Every time they had toilet roll available. Very civilised for Portaloo’s!
This year Wilderness bought Mobiloo to the accessible camping area. An experience like no other. A fully accessible toilet, shower, changing bed, hoist, sensory lighting and music playing. I spoke to John Barry who is behind the innovative design and was certainly proud of the new van. He told me of new features coming in the next year to make it even easier for them to set up as currently, they secure ramping to allow access. Of course, in true Barry style – the ramps fit neatly under the vehicle for transportation.
And this is all BEFORE you have even attended any performance.
Using the app to navigate the various stages and venues we quickly learnt our way around.
The sight in front of us was a sensory treat, with activities ranging from drag queen wine tasting and ariel yoga to lakeside dips and saunas in the spa.
The eclectic and impressive line up featured performances from headline Acts such as comedian and BBC Strictly Come Dancing winner 2020, Bill Bailey, Joel Dommett from ITV’s The Masked Singer and Actor, Olivia Colman, who read at Letter Live. Music lovers were treated to sets by Bicep, Bjorn Again, Jessie Ware and the legendary De La Soul amongst others. The Wilderness Orchestra and Mark Kermode’s discussion on film music added a touch of class to the proceedings.
A personal highlight for me was attending a podcasting workshop led by the talented Gurlina Heer. I had the pleasure of meeting 8-year-old Beth and her mum, Harriet, who were practising their interviewing skills. Beth’s enthusiasm was infectious and I am sure she will be a natural interviewer in no time.
An afternoon of comedy didn’t go as planned. The comedians were set for adult content, but kids gathered at the front, captivated by the show. Despite warnings to the parents, no one moved their little ones, leaving the performers staring into young eyes. By the time Joel Dommett came on, he humorously acknowledged the awkwardness, joking about childminding rather than performing. Though their sets were bombing, Joel’s improvised approach had us laughing anyway.
By Day
The fields are filled with relaxed groups, families, couples and individuals. The day wear of some is exhibitionist and others simply summer casual. Many faces adorning face paints or masks. Anything goes.
The children’s area held performances, workshops and entertainment on tap. At the funfair, the Ferris Wheel spun at some speed and the flying chairs always seemed busy. Whilst the heavenly smell of food and the sweet temptations of doughnuts wafted by.
If you didn’t turn up with a costume, you could buy one there. Amazing psychedelic trousers, fluffy cardigans, multi-coloured sunglasses or even a new bag and fairy wings, perhaps!
The festival’s relaxed atmosphere had a soothing effect, making it easy to lose track of time while soaking in a performance, even if you weren’t sure who it was.
Each day, the most bizarre cricket match hosted by Bearded Kitten drew huge crowds, transforming the field into a comedic spectacle with streakers, fancy dress players and a focus on entertainment rather than the game, all with the backdrop of hilarious commentary. The afternoon gave us The Grand Irrational Derby Races (yes people donned horse masks and pranced about). Imagine an outdoor pantomime and you get the picture.
On the Main Stage, drawing in a phenomenal crowd, Bill Bailey's musical and comedic talents were a real hit. He performed his heart out for Wilderness.
Russell Kaye recorded an episode of his hit BBC Podcast Evil Genius delivering a raucous session that made us question history in the most thought-provoking ways.
As darkness arrives
The atmosphere steps up a gear. People changed into their party gear, glittery dresses, trousers, jackets, glowing fairy wings or even the almost-there, netted all-in-one body suit! Paul from Festival Spirit created incredible outfits including a hat adorning the solar system and a fetching gold suit.
As people topped up on food and everyone gathered for the evening performances, Barry Can’t Dance began a lively and brightly lit set which was a great start to having a dance from my chair on the raised platform created for disabled attendees. Although at the back of the space, it was helpful not to be amongst jumping people and allowed us to watch with pleasure.
Ronnie Scott’s Natalie Williams and the Soul Family held a captive audience with their soulful voices. I hadn’t planned to stop here but I felt compelled to relax and enjoy the atmosphere surrounding me.
As the nights drew in and the temperature dropped, it was time to slip off to bed whilst others partied hard until sunrise. With extreme shows and DJ sets surrounding the Oxfordshire Valley with a heavy dance beat, every festival goer had a great time. I found solace in retreating to my bed, sipping a hot drink and listening to the music and laughter. Once ready for sleep I popped in my earplugs and drifted off into a deep sleep.
That’s a wrap!
Wilderness Festival was an experience like no other. My preconceived notions of what a festival would be like were blown completely out of the water. The efforts of Festival Spirit and the organisers of Wilderness have set the bar very high. Reflecting on my time at Wilderness, I am filled to the top of my unworn wellies with gratitude for the opportunity and the memories created. I feel empowered to embrace the adventures and hurdles ahead.
For anyone considering attending a festival but feeling apprehensive due to accessibility concerns, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap and try Wilderness. You might just discover a whole new world of possibilities.
As published by Ability Today 22nd August 2024