Grand Slam tennis champion, Paralympic gold medalist and 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott has announced his all-inclusive music festival Ability Fest will be back, bigger than ever, this March.
Backed by the Victorian Government, Ability Fest will return with its two-stage festival, welcoming all guests and artists, regardless of their abilities, to join in on the one-day music festival at Birrarung Marr (next to the Yarra) on Saturday, 25 March 2023.
In partnership with Untitled Group – Australia’s largest independent music promoter and the masterminds behind Beyond The Valley, Pitch Music & Arts and more – the festival is set to be an unforgettable day featuring some of the best musical acts from Australia and beyond. The lineup will include the likes of Hilltop Hoods, Sampa the Great, MashdNKutcher, Meg Mac and more.
“I’m so proud to see the path Ability Fest has already paved for inclusive events across the country. First and foremost, our main priority is to create a kick-ass festival that happens to be accessible. And that’s something I think we’ve achieved since launching in 2018,” says Alcott.
Ability Fest will convert Birrarung Marr on the banks of the Yarra into a completely accessible venue fitted with elevated viewing platforms, pathways, quiet zones, a designated sensory area, companion ticketing and AUSLAN interpreters to ensure a remarkable experience for all.
The festival donates 100 per cent of proceeds towards helping young Australians currently living with a physical or non-physical disability via the Dylan Alcott Foundation. Many of the suppliers and musicians donate their time to this exciting event making it an incredible festival experience with a community-endorsed purpose.
“Although my time as Australian of the Year is coming to an end, I’m excited to continue the important work of the foundation, helping grant recipients across the country by purchasing much-needed sporting equipment, providing scholarships at leading educational institutions and mentoring programs with industry trailblazers,” adds Alcott.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said; “Festivals and music are a quintessential part of Victora and Ability Fest sets a gold standard for inclusion, offering more people the opportunity to revel in an incredible live music experience.”
“Ability Fest adds to a stellar line up of major events while putting Victoria on the map as an accessible destination for even more visitors.”
Proudly continuing as the Major Partner of the festival, ANZ is thrilled to see Ability Fest back in the books for 2023.
ANZ’s Accessibility Executive Sponsor and Group Executive Technology Gerard Florian, said: “We are proud to partner with Dylan Alcott Foundation and Ability Fest for 2023. It aligns so well with what we are passionate about at ANZ which includes making a positive difference for people by ensuring our products, services, workplace and culture is welcoming and inclusive of people living with a disability.”
ANZ is joined by a host of other sponsors including Kia, who will be awarding one lucky winner with a brand-new car to support the event by simply registering for pre-sale access through Audience Republic. Nike will also be giving away FlyEase hands-free runners to punters and has collaborated with the Ability Fest on custom merch for the first time in the festival’s history.
Since launching in December 2017, the Dylan Alcott Foundation has raised in excess of $1 million for Australians living with a disability, with recipients ranging from seven to 26 in fields such as sports, university scholarships, public speaking courses and even funding some start-ups.
General tickets for Ability Fest are now on sale, starting from $89. This is an 18+ 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.
