In a global first, The Great Wonderfest will provide a sensory nook to be more inclusive for people with conditions or additional needs.
The Great Wonderfest are celebrating the fact that all families are different and are on a mission to be part of the Inclusion Revolution. They are proud to announce their comprehensive accessibility programme to help support those families who may find it difficult to access a mainstream festival environment through physical or learning disability or neuro-developmental disorders such as ADHD and autism.
As part of this a ‘Sensory Nook’ will be joining them onsite to provide a sensory respite for customers who may find the festival environment overwhelming. These pioneering modular sensory solutions were first shown at Clerkenwell Design Week last year and they say that they delighted to be able to showcase this ground-breaking product for our customers - with and without access needs.
Kevin Wheatley, the co-creator of Sensory Nook said, “We love the way The Great Wonderfest team have embraced inclusivity as a core value from the outset and pushed beyond providing just the basics for disability access. Sensory Nooks are relaxing mobile pods that reduce noise levels from outside and provide a range of interactive sensory equipment designed to calm and lower anxiety levels.
“By providing Sensory Nooks the Great Wonderfest organisers are empowering people with disabilities and their family and friends who support them, to attend and fully enjoy the festival on equal terms with everyone else. People with disabilities love music too and by taking time out in a Sensory Nook they gain a quick recharge, reduce the impact of sensory overload and stay to enjoy the festival for a much longer time.”
The Sensory Nooks will be located onsite in the Sensory Village, alongside Splat! Messy Play. For families with autism or communication disorders we also have a downloadable social story on the website to help prepare for a visit to The Great Wonderfest.
For customers with impaired hearing, they’ll be offering a plus a daily BSL interpreted family performance and two sets from Makaton Charity Patrons and singing signing legends Singing Hands.
For getting around on site we there will be giving everyone the chance to have a go on a range of adapted bikes including wheelchair bikes courtesy of inclusive cycling project Wheels for All and Isle Access. And if unicorns are more your thing, make sure you join them for the Unicorn Experience with the magical Pat A Happy Pony therapy ponies.
Additionally, there will also have sighted guides for the visually impaired, quiet spaces available around the site, accessible camping and parking, and wheelchair accessible viewing platforms.
