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Festival zone eases children's sensory stress

Jim Scottin Guisborough
News imageBBC/Jim Scott Ryan Swain, who is wearing a black shirt with a yellow and white logo that says You Me and ADHD, stands at a DJ mixing table with headphones around his neck. In the background is a large stage with a glitter ball that has been displayed on the screen behind him.BBC/Jim Scott
Ryan Swain, who has ADHD himself, said it was "important" those with sensory needs were offered a space at festivals

Families whose children normally suffer problems at major events say a dedicated sensory zone at one festival has helped them avoid meltdowns.

Bishop Auckland-based Hiyed piloted a sensory zone as hundreds of youngsters and parents attended 2026 Summer Sounds in Guisborough at the weekend.

The Community Interest Company partnered with organisers to offer a dark and quiet tent, with weighted blankets, ear defenders and workshops, during the event.

Festival bosses said it wanted to offer those who can be overwhelmed and are put off by continuous loud noise and music, the chance to enjoy it "like everybody else".

The festival, now in its 13th year, had previously not had anywhere dedicated for those with neurodiversity, or other needs.

But Hiyed's Charlotte Graham said a tent was deliberately installed in a quiet part of the grounds, away from any sudden or loud noises.

News imageBBC/Jim Scott Charlotte Graham, wearing a white shirt with a picture frame design, stands in front of the blue sensory tent which has been installed at the rear of the festival and away from the noise.BBC/Jim Scott
Hiyed says it hopes to roll out the sensory zone to other large festivals

"There's not much [sensory zones at festivals] available at community events within the North East," she said.

She said it was vital events like this offered somewhere to escape.

"There's loud music, flashing lights, and everything that can create a fabulous experience, but there is a need for sensory regulation - even just for five minutes."

News imageBBC/Jim Scott Lauren Empson-Devonport, wearing a white shirt, is next to her other child, Nova-Leigh, who is wearing headphones. They are both inside the blue sensory zone.BBC/Jim Scott
Lauren Empson-Devonport with her other child, Nova-Leigh, who is enjoying the sensory zone along with her son, Harley

Lauren Empson-Devonport, whose son Harley is awaiting a diagnosis for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, said visiting the tent had helped him to "regulate" while still enjoying the day out.

She said: "Just to be able to get away from all the noise, you don't get this at many festivals.

"We went to one festival and it didn't have anything like this - there's a lot more kids with sensory issues so this is good."

News imageBBC/Jim Scott Pat, on the left and wearing braces around his shirt, sits next to partner Marie, and one of their young family members. They are sitting on the grass and are in front of the blue sensory tent. To the right of them is a woman, wearing pink and grey, and is leading a windmill making workshop.BBC/Jim Scott
Pat with partner Marie Atkinson said it was important that everybody in the family is included regardless of their additional needs

Others said having somewhere to escape allowed their young family members to still "love" and enjoy the day, despite large crowds.

Marie Atkinson said it was "very important" that everybody in the family was included in events, but in the past, one child could be overwhelmed.

Partner Pat added "sometimes he could have meltdowns" but today there had been "nothing at all from him".

Jason Bushby, festival director, said the festival was founded in an area where there was a lack of "affordable" festivals, and was proud to be making it more inclusive.

"It's very important, why should they be restricted going to events, everybody loves music regardless, so they should be able to experience it like everybody else," he added.

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