Awakenings introduces low-stimulus space for visitors with disabilities

Awakenings Summer Festival has introduced a low-stimulus space designed for visitors with a disability. 

The area, developed in collaboration with HandicapNL, and Philips TV & Sound, is designed to provide a serene and calming environment for visitors who may require it – offering amenities such as noise-cancelling headphones, soothing sounds, and tranquil imagery. 

The newly added space will also include HandicapNL staff who will be available to offer guidance, with the additional support of a medical volunteer for assistance. 

There will also be a treatment room where additional medical care can be provided, as well as a qualified attendant stationed at the entrance to ensure that only those genuinely in need of the space can enter – directing other visitors to the various chill-out areas throughout the festival grounds. 

Awakenings Summer Festival will take place across three days from 7-9th July 2023, in Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands. Acts on the bill include Amelie Lens, Adam Beyer, Ben Böhmer, Tale of Us, and more. 

Speaking on the announcement of the new measures, Nikki Schuurs, Sustainability Manager at Awakenings said: “We strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to embrace the beauty of festivals.  At Awakenings we want to make the effort to remove as many barriers as possible in the future, starting with the introduction of the low-stimulus space. Many individuals may desire to attend festivals, but due to their inability or because they don’t want – or can’t – be surrounded by large crowds for extended periods, they opt out.

“We aim to address this issue by providing solutions through such additions to our festival experience. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we hope to inspire other event organizers so we can make the festival industry more inclusive and accessible.” Schuurs continued. 

Daniëlle Schuurmans, Director of HandicapNL, added: “We strive to create a world in which people with disabilities do not have to face any restrictions within society. This often requires big changes, in which collaborations with frontrunners have a huge positive impact. In our shared vision to bring people together regardless of differences, we are incredibly happy that Awakenings is one of our 10 festival partners.”

Weekend and day tickets for Awakenings Summer Festival are out now, you can purchase yours here.