Where great music meets real accessibility
Imagine this: the thrum of basslines rolling across the historic lawns of Delapré Abbey, the laughter of festivalgoers filling the air, and — right alongside — all-terrain wheelchairs tackling a purpose-built adventure trail. It’s not just a festival. It’s not just a disability event. It’s the UK’s first-ever blend of the two, and it’s happening right here in Northampton.
On Saturday 20 September, NN Fest — the much-loved music festival run by Mo Sounds — is joining forces with The Disabled Adventurer, Nick Wilson, to create something completely unique.
“Music has the power to unite people,” says Suzy Jones, Operations Director of Mo Sounds. “We’ve always worked hard on accessibility, but this takes it to the next level. We want to show that minor adjustments at festivals can make a massive difference for wheelchair users. This shouldn’t feel special — it should just be the norm.”
From tough times to trailblazing fun
Nick Wilson couldn’t agree more. “We’re bringing together two things that can help us get through tough times — music and getting outdoors,” he says. “Combining a disability event with a music festival takes it away from being a solely disabled, fairly formal affair, to a fully inclusive and fun event for everyone.”
And fun is the name of the game. While live bands bring the energy on the Abbey’s south lawn, Nick’s Access Outdoors team is bringing the future of mobility right into the heart of the festival. Expect to see all-terrain tech from suppliers like Mybility, Quantum Rehab, and the locally designed RockClimber — the same prototype that powered Nick’s solo ascent of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon to you and me).
Festivalgoers will also find a fully accessible viewing platform, sensory chill-out spaces, and even a Changing Place on wheels courtesy of RevoLOOtion. Pre-registered guests can try out all-terrain chairs for free on a stewarded Abbey route — a safe, welcoming way to dip a toe (or wheel) into adaptive mobility.
A festival for everyone
And it’s not just about music and mobility. Local groups including Sends4Dads, Northants SEND Mummas, and Empower Access Thrive are getting involved, making sure there’s space for conversation, support, and community connection.
Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey, sums it up perfectly:
“Our grounds are for everyone to enjoy, and this event helps spark conversations and connections between different communities. It shows how much can be achieved when people come together to share experiences in a special place like Northampton.”
So, whether you’re there for the music, the adventure, or both, one thing’s certain: this isn’t just another festival. It’s history in the making.
✅ Book a free all-terrain wheelchair demo: tinyurl.com/DEMO-TICKETS
️ Festival tickets: skiddle.com/festivals/delapre-nn-fest
