Not everyone gets to experience the joy of live music and that is why Emily, our Volunteer and Community Engagement Co-ordinator created Access Festival.
After going to a festival herself, it wasn’t just the music that stayed with her, it was everything around it like the excitement beforehand, choosing what to wear, planning the day, and then sharing photos and memories afterwards. It made her realise that many of the people we support at Pure had never had that experience.
What started as an idea around eight years ago has grown into one of the most special and loved events in the Pure calendar, bringing hundreds of people together each year in a safe, inclusive space to enjoy music and community connection.
Each year as the event starts to take off, Emily finds herself in the same place… stood at the back of the live music room, just watching it all.
“I cry every year,” she says. “Just watching everyone be together, be free, all in one big space with so many people and so many different needs… and it just works.”
A room full of people completely at ease, dancing, singing, laughing, everyone enjoying it in their own way, without pressure or expectation.
“It works magically. Every single person just has the best night.”
For Emily, it has always been about more than just putting on an event. It’s about creating something that people might otherwise miss out on, and making sure everyone has the chance to feel included.
If you’d like to find out more about Access Festival, register your place or explore ways to support, head over to the Access Festival page.
