Accessibility All Areas? UK live music industry perceptions of current practice and Information and Communication Technology improvements to accessibility for music festival attendees who are Deaf or disabled.

This paper responds to a range of theory and industry reporting, to provide an informed narrative which explores the current state of accessibility at UK festivals for people who are Deaf or disabled and the potential implications of developments in ICT for enhancing design, marketing, operations and performances across all phases of festival delivery, in order to improve inclusivity and accessibility. This AEME presentation addresses the following question: What do representatives of the UK live music industry consider as the role of ICT to increase accessibility for music festival attendees who are Deaf or disabled? Primary research focussed on supply side considerations with a sample group of 10 UK live music industry professionals. The scope of the research was limited geographically to England and by artform to open-air music festivals, venues which host some music festival provision, and a Sector Support Organisation. Open questions elucidated qualitative information around; awareness of accessibility & inclusivity initiatives; potential for co-creation; non-digital improvements; current technological influences; and potential digital futures for accessible ‘live’ experiences. The ‘snapshot’ of digital aspects of accessibility at UK festivals within this research is of particular value due to paucity of other research in this area and it’s narrative from varied industry professionals. The paper makes recommendations to promoters, academics and public funders; to attempt to advance inclusion (or at least to mitigate current exclusion) and identify directions for future research into accessible digital experiences at music festivals for people who are Deaf or disabled