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Sweet Relief! sets new standard for accessibility and inclusivity

14 Sep 2023

The Queensland Music Festival team have joined forces with Spinal Life Australia to pioneer an inclusive music experience.

In a groundbreaking move that redefines the live music experience, Queensland Music Trails is taking centre stage on Saturday 16 September with their highly anticipated Sweet Relief! event in Brisbane.

Collaborating with Spinal Life Australia, the Queensland Music Festival (QMF) team has embarked on a mission to revolutionise accessibility and inclusivity in the music industry, setting a shining example for future events.

At the heart of this extraordinary event are several game-changing initiatives designed to ensure that all attendees, regardless of their accessibility needs, can enjoy the music and festivities to the fullest:

  1. Tactile Sensory Silent Disco: Sweet Relief! introduces an unprecedented feature - the Tactile Sensory Silent Disco. Tailored for neurodiverse and audio-sensitive audiences, this sensory experience provides a unique way to enjoy music through tactile sensations, opening the world of music to an even broader audience.
  2. ConcertCare Services: Attendees' well-being takes centre stage with a comprehensive support system that includes on-ground professionals such as social workers, counsellors, nurses, and mental health peers. Sweet Relief! is not just about music; it's about taking care of the physical and emotional needs of every participant.
  3. Accessible Viewing Platform: Inclusivity is a priority, and the event organisers have established a front-and-centre accessible viewing platform. This platform guarantees prime visibility for all attendees, regardless of their accessibility requirements, making sure no one misses out on the action.
  4. AUSLAN Interpreters with Fixed Cameras: Queensland Music Trails ensures that the music resonates with everyone by featuring AUSLAN interpreters on-stage, supported by fixed cameras. This inclusion ensures that individuals with hearing impairments can groove to the beats and lyrics of their favourite tunes.

Daryl Raven, Chief Operating Officer of Queensland Music Festival, expressed the organisation's pride and excitement for Sweet Relief!

"We're very proud and excited for Sweet Relief! to represent a major step forward in creating exceptional audience experiences for everybody. QMF has a strategic focus towards diversifying our audience mix, and we hope to extend these initiatives across all Queensland Music Trails events."

In the Year of Accessible Tourism, this event marks a pivotal moment for Queensland Music Trails and the broader music industry. It underscores the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, offering a model for exceptional audience experiences and positioning itself as a trailblazer for Queensland's major events.

Supported by the Queensland Government through a $20 million investment spanning three years 2023 to 2025, Queensland Music Trails combines concerts at renowned Queensland venues and destinations with established cultural festivals. This initiative aims to boost tourism visitation, support entertainment and hospitality jobs, and stimulate local economies.

Sweet Relief! is not just a music event; it's a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to making music accessible to all. As this event unfolds, it sets a new standard, promising a brighter, more inclusive future for live music experiences.