Ability Fest 2024

Ability Fest is the first of its kind, promoting access and inclusion within the music industry, proudly presented by the Dylan Alcott Foundation, Untitled Group & triple j.

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A music festival designed for everyone to experience the magic of live music. It is a not-for-profit event, with all proceeds going directly to the Dylan Alcott Foundation to help empower young people with disability to achieve their ambitions.

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Celebrating our fifth edition, Ability Fest is expanding to Meanjin/Brisbane and opening up to ages 16+ to welcome more people than ever.

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Ability Fest is coming to Alexandra Gardens/Birrarung Marr in Naarm/Melbourne on Saturday October 19th and Victoria Park/Barrambin in Meanjin/Brisbane on Saturday October 26th. 

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You can expect all your usual festival amenities like delicious food & drink options, shaded retreats, unique experiences and unforgettable music performances across two stages. Accessibility remains at the forefront of Ability Fest. We’ve worked with our partners, Get Skilled Access, to implement the following features to ensure an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all music lovers: 

• Auslan Interpreters
• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Drop-Off & Pick Up Zones
• Accessible Bathrooms & Changing Places
• Elevated Viewing Platforms
• Bindi Maps - Navigation App
• Companion Card Accepted
• Friendly Volunteers to Assist
• Pathways & Flooring
• Assistance Dog Area
• Designated Chill Spaces & Sensory Zones
• Sensory Silent Disco
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative
• Free Wifi

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Ability Fest was developed by Dylan Alcott, a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, 15-time Grand Slam champion, and the 2022 Australian of the Year, in collaboration with music festival masterminds Untitled Group, the creators of renowned music festivals including Beyond The Valley and Wildlands. Ability Fest uses the power of music to bring people together and  help normalise disability whilst setting a standard for accessibility, inclusion and diversity at all events.

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Driven by a deep passion for music and a commitment to making a difference, Alcott has leveraged his foundation to positively impact the lives of young Australians with a disability. To date, Ability Fest has raised over $1M for the Dylan Alcott Foundation empowering young Australians with a disability to fulfil their potential through scholarships, mentoring and grants. The initiatives have provided a range of support including:

• Customised equipment for Paralympic athletes
• Funding for young adults to complete tertiary education at leading universities across Australia 
• Establishing start up businesses so people with disability can pave their own future 
• Plus so much more!

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Join us for a beautiful day of live music and community, all while knowing that your ticket purchase has made a significant impact on the lives of our community living with disability.