AusLeisure

Melbourne’s Ability Fest is being held today at Alexandra Gardens and features more than 20 of Australia's biggest musical acts.

The festival is supported with funding from the state government of $630,000 through the Community Support Fund and $50,000 through the Live Music Festivals Fund, with TAC providing $140,000 to support the silent disco.

Now in its fifth year, Ability Fest is Australia's first all-accessible music festival and one of the country's leading inclusive events. The not-for-profit event has raised more than $1 million for the Dylan Alcott Foundation to empower young Australians with a disability to fulfil their potential through scholarships, mentoring and grants.

This year's line-up features artists performing across two stages - the Main Stage will showcase acts such as Ocean Alley, ONEFOUR, Cub Sport, and King Stingray; while Mark's Stage will feature renowned DJs including Bag Raiders, Jordan Brando, Cry Baby, and Wax'o Paradiso.

The TAC-supported silent disco will return, using new technology to ensure an even more inclusive experience. People with hearing impairments will have the option of wearing a haptic vest or strap to feel the beat of the music, allowing them to take part in the disco.

The event will also feature local food trucks, elevated viewing platforms, pathways, quiet zones and sensory areas to create a welcoming and comfortable environment.

Victorian Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Danny Pearson noted "everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of live music, and Ability Fest continues to lead the way in showing how major events can be accessible for all people.

"We're proud to support Ability Fest and the Dylan Alcott Foundation as it puts on a great event for all Victorians."

Ability Fest founder Dylan Alcott AO added "I'm so proud of the path Ability Fest has paved for accessible events across the country. Our top priority is to create an incredible festival that is also accessible, and I believe we've achieved that since our launch in 2018."

For more information on the festival and ticketing details, visit abilityfest.com.au.

Related Articles

25th March 2023 - Silent disco among offerings at Melbourne’s Ability Fest music festival

20th October 2024 - Port Kembla Surf Club upgrades enhance safety and accessibility

16th October 2024 - Surfing Australia secures $1 million to enhance surfing’s accessibility for females

5th October 2024 - Tasmanian Government funds enhanced accessibility for natural attraction ‘The Nut’

5th October 2024 - Newcastle prepares to activate NSW-first wheelchair-accessible skate bowl

3rd October 2024 - Accessibility upgrades complete at Central Coast Council’s Niagara Park Stadium

1st October 2024 - New accessible boardwalk and penguin viewing stands for Phillip Island

28th August 2024 - Frankston Arts Centre’s Access program recognised at PAC Australia awards

10th August 2024 - Accessibility and amenity upgrades to sensitively rejuvenate Leura Cascades Recreation Precinct

19th July 2024 - Melbourne & Olympic Parks hold John Cain Arena tour initiative to assess accessibility

19th July 2024 - Perth Zoo to enhance accessibility with new Changing Places facility

15th May 2024 - Accessible and inclusive facilities feature in Ron Payne Park’s new sport clubhouse

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.