Introducing Spectrum: our first Symbol-Friendly festival

Nestled among the beautiful Derbyshire Dales, the autism-friendly Spectrum Festival was founded by David Hall in 2018. Father of two sons diagnosed with autism, David wanted to create a flexible, easy-going environment for autistic children to enjoy the magic of a festival experience, without fear of judgement. With the support of his business partner Chris Wright – with whom he had already formed outdoors activity company peaksGO – the festival went from strength to strength, winning accessible event awards from the moment it opened its gates!

Fast-forward six years later, and Spectrum Festival has now earned a spot as one of the UK’s most cherished autism-friendly events. What’s more, with a little help from Widgit, it has become the country’s first official Symbol-Friendly festival, with clear and colourful Widgit signage located throughout the site – assisting visitors of all ages and abilities with navigating their day.

"Widgit’s guidance has been invaluable to Spectrum. Their signposting has already helped visitors find their way around the festival due to the superb clarity of the images and the design. The Story to Help has also allowed anxious individuals to feel at ease and more comfortable accessing the activities. Widgit’s Communication Boards were a new tool for us this year, and I’m so glad Becca suggested them as they’ve proven a wonderful addition for our visitors. I honestly couldn’t run Spectrum as easily without the support we’ve received from Widgit!"

- Gemma Hall, Director and Organiser, Spectrum Festival

Widgit’s Education Specialist Rebecca, who is also part of the Symbol-Friendly team, has been passionate about the festival for years – and has been integral on their journey to Symbol-Friendly status. For Becca, Spectrum offers something truly special and means that children of all abilities and their families may experience all the fun of the festival in a safe space, with one shared goal in mind: having fun.

"Spectrum Festival is my favourite event to attend as I just love the safe space that it provides for autistic people of all ages and their families; it really aligns with our own company values of quality, integrity and kindness. Widgit’s support in aiding communication, wayfinding and accessibility at the event has been a privilege. Thanks to Gemma and the team for embracing the use of Widgit Symbols, I can't wait to see what our first Symbol-Friendly festival has planned next!"

- Rebecca Lynch, Education Specialist, Widgit

Having visited the festival with her own family, Widgit’s Content Lead Louise was also delighted to experience how the simple, yet consistent use of Widgit Symbols implemented throughout the festival helped to maintain a sense of calm. With children visibly pointing to the colourful signage as they worked their way round, some families even created a game to spot the familiar symbols!

"It was lovely see Widgit Symbols in action at Spectrum Festival and the impact they had from the moment we walked through the gates. Visiting a festival is all about the fun, but also about making choices (with not everything going to plan)! Having Widgit Symbols displayed so clearly throughout helped my kids make decisions – while also embracing their spontaneous side – with confidence."

- Louise Hopewell, Content Lead, Widgit

With festivals like Spectrum spreading the magic of symbols, who knows where they may pop up next – making family-friendly events and attractions more accessible for guests than ever before, regardless of ability or background.

For more information about our Symbol-Friendly programme and joining our fast-growing community of organisations, click here.