A Reddit user in r/glastonbury_festival recently sought advice for a friend who suffered a severe Lisfranc injury after a cycling accident just weeks before her first Glastonbury Festival. The injury required surgery and left her unable to walk or bear weight for months, raising questions about accessibility and the possibility of attending Glastonbury using crutches or a wheelchair.
Key Takeaways from the Community Discussion:
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Connect with Glastonbury’s Accessibility Team:
The festival offers wheelchair accessible viewing platforms, accessible campsites, and shuttle services. The Accessible Campsite in Spring Ground includes wheelchair toilets, adapted showers, charging points for mobility aids, and a Changing Places unit with a hoist (note: you need to bring your own sling). For full details, visit Glastonbury’s official accessibility page here. -
Prepare for the Terrain and Weather:
Glastonbury covers 1,500 acres with uneven grassy terrain, hills, and valleys. Wet weather can create mud and waterlogged areas, complicating navigation for those with mobility challenges. -
Physical Risks and Recovery Considerations:
Attending so soon after major surgery likely carries significant physical demands and risks. Consultation with healthcare providers to weigh recovery priorities against festival plans is highly recommended. -
Adapt Your Festival Experience:
Community advice often suggested staying put in one area rather than trekking between stages and relying on friends for assistance with setup and movement. -
Practical Community Support:
Redditors offered help with logistical support such as gear and campsite assistance, showcasing the festival community’s solidarity. -
Documentation for Services May Be Required:
Some accessibility services require proof of permanent disability, but it’s still worth reaching out and explaining the situation to explore available options.
The conversation balanced hope and enthusiasm with a grounded perspective on the realities of mobility impairments in a large outdoor festival setting.
Visual Connection:
A photo showing a heavily damaged green shared bike with a severely bent front wheel accompanied the original post, underscoring the severity of the cycling accident that caused the injury.
For anyone planning Glastonbury attendance with similar challenges or just looking to support a friend, this thread offers a valuable glimpse into the accessibility realities and community spirit that make Glastonbury more inclusive.
Source: r/glastonbury_festival