AT THE FESTIVAL

SunFest Sensory Guide

Accessibility & sensory-friendly support!

SunFest is a vibrant, family-friendly community festival filled with music, food, rides, performances and activities. We understand that large events can feel overwhelming for some people, so this Sensory Guide has been created to help you plan your visit with confidence.

This page aims to give clear, honest information about what you might see, hear, feel or experience at SunFest, so there are fewer surprises on the day. You are welcome to use this guide before your visit and refer back to it during the festival.

Who is this Guide For?

This guide is designed to support:

People who are autistic or neurodivergent
People with sensory sensitivities or sensory processing differences
People with anxiety, PTSD or cognitive disability
Families, carers, teachers and support workers
Anyone who prefers to plan ahead and know what to expect

You are welcome at SunFest exactly as you are. There is no limit on how often you can take breaks, leave and re-enter spaces, or use quiet areas.

Event Overview

SunFest is an outdoor community festival held across open parkland with multiple activity zones operating at the same time.

You can expect:

Live music and performances on stages
Food trucks and food stalls
Carnival rides and games
Community stalls and activities
Open grassy areas and shaded spaces

The event runs across different times of day. Crowds, noise and activity levels vary depending on the time and location.

1

SOUND LEVELS

SunFest includes a range of sound environments.

You may experience:

Loud amplified music near performance stages
Sudden cheering or applause during performances
Ride noises such as motors, bells and alarms
Background crowd noise in busy areas
Occasional announcements over speakers

Quieter areas are available away from stages and rides. Noise levels are generally lower earlier in the day.

If you need a break from sound:

Move toward open grassy areas away from stages
Use quiet spaces
Bring ear defenders or noise-cancelling headphones

2

LIGHTING

SunFest is primarily held outdoors with natural lighting.

You may notice:

Bright sunlight during the day
Stage lighting near performance areas
Coloured or flashing lights on some rides and attractions
Shaded areas under trees or marquees

Lighting is generally calmer during daytime hours. Some rides and stages may have brighter or flashing lights, especially later in the day.

3

CROWDS & QUEUES

SunFest can become busy, particularly:

Late morning to mid-afternoon
Around popular performances
Near food stalls at meal times
In the evening

Quieter times to attend are:

Shortly after the festival program starts
Earlier in the day
Sunday during the day

Queues may form at food stalls, rides and toilets. Some queues are noisy and may involve close personal space.

Tips:

Take breaks between busy areas
Visit stalls during off-peak times
Ask volunteers/event staf if you need help navigating queues

4

FACILITIES

Seating:

Mix of picnic-style seating, benches and open grass
Some seating with backrests available
You are welcome to bring your own portable seating

Toilets:

Accessible toilets available on site
Locations marked on the festival map

Food & Drink:

Food trucks and stalls with a variety of options
Strong food smells may be present
Allergens may be present; speak directly with stallholders
Some areas involve self-service ordering and collection

5

NAVIGATION & WAYFINDING

Clear signage throughout the festival site
Maps available online and on-site
Colour-coded zones may be used

The site includes:

Flat pathways where possible
Grass and paved surfaces
Some uneven ground in outdoor areas

Please take care when moving between zones and allow extra time to navigate the site.

Support on Site & Accessibility Overview

SunFest is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors.

Who to speak to:

If you need assistance at any time during the festival, please speak to a member of:

SunFest staff
Festival volunteers
Security personnel
First aid officers

Our team can assist with:

Directions and wayfinding
Locating quiet or sensory spaces
Identifying accessible facilities
Emotional reassurance
General accessibility support

Accessibility Features:

Across the festival site, you will find:

Accessible parking (where available)
Predominantly flat access across most areas
Accessible toilet facilities
Seating options throughout the site
First aid services

If you have specific access requirements or would like to plan your visit in advance, we encourage you to contact the SunFest team ahead of time so we can best support you.

Sensory Guide

A sensory guide helps people understand what they might feel, hear, see or smell. Everyone experiences the festival differently, and you may not experience all of the below.

FEEL

You might experience:

Changes in ground surfaces (grass, paths)
Warm or cool temperatures depending on weather
Movement from rides nearby
Close personal space in busy areas
Vibrations from music or stages
Wind, shade or sun exposure

SEE

You might see:

Bright colours and decorations
Moving rides and flashing lights
Large crowds and movement
Performers on stages
Signage, banners and displays

HEAR

You might hear:

Live music and amplified sound
Ride noises and alarms
Crowd chatter and cheering
Announcements over speakers
Generators or equipment noise

SMELL

You might smell:

Food cooking
Sweet smells from rides or treats
Grass and outdoor scents
Smoke or fuel smells near equipment

What you might experience!

Using This Guide

This Sensory Guide has been developed by the SunFest team using lived experience, community feedback and examples of best practice from similar events. It has not been created, reviewed or endorsed by a medical, clinical or governing authority. The information provided is intended as general guidance only to help individuals, families and carers plan their visit. Sensory experiences can vary from person to person and may change throughout the event. We encourage you to use this guide in the way that best supports your own needs. If you have specific concerns or require individual support, please contact the SunFest team prior to your visit.

We recommend: