Festivals in a wheelchair: What accessibility really looks like at the campsite

For Florian, camping is not an accessory, but the core of the festival experience. He talks about moments of true inclusion that arise when you embrace the full program – with a tent, a sense of community, and all the improvisation that goes with it. The distance from everyday life, the unpredictability of the weather, the simple life for a limited time – all of this brings him satisfaction, joy, and memories that are still regularly relived among his friends today.

He summed up a special form of self-irony with his own T-shirt. The inscription: 'Contact costs money'. "As a wheelchair user, I have so often experienced people wanting to high-five me, give me a fist bump, or congratulate me for being there."

Of course, he didn't actually earn any money from it. But that wasn't the goal: "I wanted to raise awareness in a humorous way and show that contact is not a given just because I'm in a wheelchair."

In rare cases, people even reacted negatively when he didn't want to return these gestures – a circumstance that shows him how important it is to reflect on well-intentioned but imposed closeness.

Florian regularly traveled to festivals with a core group of about ten people. His wife was always there. If he had been on his own, she would have taken care of all the assistance he needed. But being part of a group made many things easier, from transporting equipment and setting up camp to everyday life on site.

Particularly important: a larger tent and a mattress at seat height – specially purchased so that Florian could move around independently. These small details make a big difference when moving between the tent, lawn, and sanitary facilities in a wheelchair.

When it comes to accessibility, not everything is bad – many festivals are now thinking ahead: accessible toilet containers, accessible main paths, and a helpful audience are often standard. But as soon as the weather changes, things get challenging. Mud, sand, or unpaved surfaces make even short distances a challenge. Nevertheless, the festival feeling remains – because Florian has learned to adjust his expectations and keep his eye on the essentials.

"Of course, improvements are needed for wheelchair users at festivals." Florian clearly identifies the weak points – not as a criticism, but as an opportunity for optimization:

In his view, the availability and location of accessible sanitary facilities is a particularly crucial issue. If his companion has to accompany him for 20 minutes just to get to the shower, that is not equal participation. There is also room for improvement in terms of organization.

His specific suggestions:

• Centrally located, accessible camping areas that can be used voluntarily
• Access to toilets and showers via Euro keys to prevent unauthorized use
• Better information on site, for example through trained staff who can answer specific questions about locations

"I have often found that accessibility is taken into account, but no one knows exactly where things are located."

Moments like these are what make festivals so fascinating for Florian. Not only because they physically overcome all barriers, but also because they symbolically show how community works even without big words.

He experiences such gestures regularly – often spontaneously, often carried out by strangers. The acts on stage also notice these situations and show their respect. These are moments when Florian feels not only part of the audience, but also a visible part of an inclusive community.

Published on: September 05, 2025