Fresh from his fifth consecutive Australian Open victory, Dylan Alcott has today announced that his all inclusive
music festival ABILITY FEST will return this April. Designed to normalise disability by encouraging everyone – regardless of gender, disability or race – to come together in celebration of live music, Melbourne’s Coburg Velodrome will play host to ABILITY FEST this weekend on April 7.
The ABILITY FEST stages will play host to The Presets, Hot Dub Time Machine, Eliza Hull, and a very special performance from ARC, a rock super group with members of Jet, Kram and Powderfinger who are joining forces. 100% of proceeds from ABILITY FEST will go towards helping the 4.3 million Australians currently living with a physical or mental disability via the Dylan Alcott Foundation, with all musicians donating their time to this exciting event.
ABILITY FEST is delivered in partnership with Untitled Group, producers of much loved events including Beyond The Valley, Pitch Music & Arts and Grapevine Gathering. Measures taken to ensure an unforgettable experience for disabled guests include AUSLAN translators onstage for all acts, quiet zones and multiple viewing platforms to accommodate wheel chaired attendees.
“Growing up with a physical disability, music festivals were one of the first places where I felt truly accepted. However, the accessibility of these events puts them out of reach for many within the disabled community, and that’s something I’d like to change”, said Alcott.
“Our first event was without a doubt one of the most magical days of my life, and I saw the impact it had on many attendees that had never been able to experience an event like it. It’s an opportunity to break down the barriers between disabled and non-disabled guests because at the end of the day, we’re all there to enjoy the music and the vibe. I can’t wait for the festival to be even bigger and better this year with an awesome line-up of acts, more to do on the day, and some great brands backing us.”
In its first year the event raised over $200,000 and this year Dylan’s sights are set even higher, with ANZ coming on-board as Major Partner for the festival. ANZ is joined by other partners 13 CABS and TAC in supporting the event. Since launching in December 2017, the Dylan Alcott Foundation has raised in excess of $300,000 for disabled Australians, with recipients ranging from 7 to 25 in fields such as sport, university scholarships & public speaking courses.
ABILITY FEST, Sunday 7th April
Ticket Price: $59 and available here
Location: Coburg Velodrome – 30 Charles, St Coburg North, Vic 3058
Notes: This is an over 18’s event
To find out more about the Dylan Alcott Foundation, apply for a grant, or if you’d like to make a donation
please visit dylanalcottfoundation.com.au.
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