News / live music
Improved food accessibility at two of Bristol’s biggest music festivals
With the festival season fast approaching to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of summer, some festival attendees are feeling anxious about attending events altogether due to poorly catered settings for those with dietary requirements, a new research has found.
A new research by academics at UWE Bristol has helped improve food accessibility for people with dietary requirements at two of Bristol’s biggest music festivals.
Researchers Clare MacKay and Dr Ed Little worked with festival organiser Team Love to introduce changes at Love Saves The Day at Ashton Court and FORWARDS Festival on the Downs following research into the experiences of festivalgoers living with allergies and food intolerances.
The study, funded by the Association for Events Management Education, found many attendees faced anxiety around cross-contamination, limited food options and stigma, with more than half saying they had avoided events because of dietary concerns.
A new research by academics at UWE Bristol has helped improve food accessibility for people with dietary requirements at two of Bristol’s biggest music festivals – photo: Luca Roswell
As a result, Team Love has committed to measures including encouraging vendors to be nut-free, increasing gluten-free options and publishing menus with allergen information ahead of events.
Charlotte Jackson, sustainability officer for Team Love, said: “At Team Love, we take pride in producing high quality, inclusive and accessible events that can be enjoyed by everyone who attends.
“Creating an inclusive food culture is important to this; Clare and Ed’s consultancy has given us tools to pilot positive changes this year.”
The updated trader application process will also include questions on dietary accessibility, while food vendors have been encouraged to improve ingredient information and make stalls more welcoming for people with dietary needs.
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Clare MacKay, senior lecturer in events management at UWE Bristol said the collaboration would help reduce anxiety and make festivals “more inclusive” for attendees with dietary requirements.
She said: “I understand first-hand how difficult it is trying to adhere to dietary requirements outside of the home.
“This collaboration with Team Love, and the changes we are helping to introduce at two of Bristol’s most popular music festivals, will make a real difference to the festival experience for attendees with dietary needs by reducing their anxiety and promoting their inclusion.”
The study found many attendees faced anxiety around cross-contamination, limited food options and stigma, with more than half saying they had avoided events because of dietary concern – photo: Luca Roswell
Bristol City Council welcomed the changes, saying the measures would make events “even more accessible” for festivalgoers with allergies and intolerances.
Main photo: Samuel Wilson
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