Bristol Festivals Introduce Allergy-Friendly Changes After University Research
By Health Correspondent
Two of Bristol’s biggest festivals are introducing new food safety and accessibility measures after research highlighted the challenges faced by people with dietary requirements.
University of the West of England academics Clare MacKay and Dr Ed Little worked with production company Team Love to improve the experience for visitors attending Love Saves the Day and FORWARDS Festival.
The changes include asking food vendors to be nut free, increasing gluten free options and publishing food menus with allergen information online before the festivals begin.
Research carried out by the university found many people with allergies or dietary needs feel anxious about attending outdoor events because of concerns over cross-contamination, limited food choices and stigma.
Good News Post
More than half of those surveyed said they had avoided attending an event because of these issues.
Clare MacKay said:
“I understand first-hand how difficult it is trying to adhere to dietary requirements outside of the home.
“This collaboration with Team Love, and the changes we are helping to introduce at two of Bristol’s most popular music festivals, will make a real difference to the festival experience for attendees with dietary needs by reducing their anxiety and promoting their inclusion.”
The research has also led to changes behind the scenes, with festival organisers updating trader applications to include questions about dietary accessibility.
Food vendors have also received guidance on making stalls more inclusive, including clearer ingredient information and the possible use of QR codes to help customers check allergens.
Charlotte Jackson, Sustainability Officer at Team Love, said:
“At Team Love, we take pride in producing high quality, inclusive and accessible events that can be enjoyed by everyone who attends.
“Clare and Ed's consultancy has given us tools to pilot positive changes this year.”
Bristol City Council has welcomed the move and said it hopes other events will adopt similar approaches in future.
