After a year off due to COVID, Ability Fest is back and the line-up is stellar.
The live music industry has definitely been hit hard by the pandemic. But, after getting knocked back, it’s emerging stronger than ever. Ability Fest is returning to Melbourne and will be playing in Alexandra Gardens this November. On the line-up is Peking Duck, Cub Sport, What So Not and more.
The Line-Up
Ability Fest will take place over two stages on Saturday November 27.
Here are the people playing this year:
- Alex The Astronaut
- Benson
- Cub Sport
- Dena Amy
- Ebony Boadu
- Eves Karydas
- Illy
- Inkrewsive
- JK-47
- Motez
- Nina Las Vegas
- Peking Duk (DJ SET)
- Rudely Interrupted
- Stace Cadet
- Sumner
- Sunshine
- What So Not
- And more!
Ability Fest
Ability Fest aims to use music as an inclusive platform to normalise disability. This festival was conceptualised by three-time Paralympic gold medallist Dylan Alcott. He teamed up with Untitled Group, the music promoter behind other festivals like Beyond the Valley, to make this happen.
This year, Alexandra Gardens will transform into an accessible and COVID-safe music venue. The festival is sure to be an enjoyable experience for all, as there are elevated viewing platforms, pathways, quiet zones, a designated sensory area, companion ticketing and AUSLAN interpreters.
Listen to live music amongst the lush greenery of the gardens and against the backdrop of the beautiful Yarra River. Local food trucks and creative vendors will line the pathways and help you have a good time.
“Ability Fest started as a place to bring friends together to enjoy good quality live music – no matter what your access challenges may be,” said Dylan Alcott. “Today, four years in, we have created an event that sets a new standard in the festival world, and shows others what is possible.”
All of the proceeds for the festival will be donated to the Dylan Alcott Foundation. This Foundation helps millions of young Aussies currently living with disabilities. Since launching in 2017, this Foundation has raised over $300, 000 to support young disabled Australians in areas such as sport, university scholarships and public speaking courses.
“I want to give young people with disability the opportunity to experience the magic of a music festival which previously may not have been possible for them, and raise a hell of a lot of money in the process,” Alcott said.
Key info:
Ability Fest will take place on Saturday November 27 from 12pm to 10pm.
Find it at Alexandra Gardens, 3 Boathouse Dr, Melbourne VIC 3004.
Pre-sale ticket registration closes at 4pm, August 11. You can sign up for pre-sale here.
After that, pre-sale tickets will be sold from 6pm onwards on August 11. Then, general tickets will go on sale August 12 after 12pm. Prices start at $89.
This is an 18+ event.