Hellfest 2025: Opening Doors for Visually Impaired Music Fans

The legendary extreme music festival in Clisson becomes accessible to people with visual disabilities, thanks to the Mosellane Universjo association, based in Metz.

Breaking Barriers at Hellfest

As anticipation builds for the iconic Hellfest, set to take place in Clisson (Loire-Atlantique) from June 19 to 22, 2025, a significant initiative is underway to enhance accessibility for visually impaired attendees. Following their successful integration of audio descriptions for live football matches, the Universjo association from Metz is now focused on bringing this innovation to the world of heavy metal music.

The Audio Description Initiative

Universjo is gearing up to implement a groundbreaking audio registration system tailored for concert-goers with visual impairments. This system will utilize headphones to deliver real-time commentary provided by a team of trained volunteers and professionals. They will describe the action on stage, ensuring that visually impaired fans can fully immerse themselves in the festival experience.

Enhancing the Concert Experience

Olivier Lallement, president of Universjo, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in live events. “It is a concept that is still not very widespread. It allows visually impaired people not to isolate themselves and to enjoy a concert like everyone else,” he states. This initiative marks a significant milestone as it is the first of its kind in France at such a large scale, with more than two audio-described concerts previously held.

“Hellfest is an open-air museum; there is a lot to describe,” Lallement adds. The volunteers will narrate everything from the musicians’ performances to the vibrant atmosphere created by special effects and the audience’s energy. Through meticulous training and preparation, they aim to enhance the sensory experience without overshadowing the music.

Collaboration with Hellfest Organizers

Founded in 2018, Universjo emerged from a personal commitment to advocate for individuals with visual disabilities, sparked by the birth of Lallement’s son, Joachim, who has Morsier syndrome. Upon connecting with the Hellfest organizers, Universjo found a receptive partner willing to support this noble cause.

Cindy Pajot, RSO manager for Hellfest Productions, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The meeting with Universjo, its expertise on visual handicap, as well as our common passion for music and metal culture, is a real opportunity to continue to move the lines.” This partnership will not only provide audio descriptions during select concerts but will also extend to Hellfest Kids concerts, ensuring that young attendees with visual impairments can enjoy the music.

A Collaborative Effort for Inclusivity

Fifteen volunteers will partake in this innovative initiative, which is part of Hellfest’s broader commitment to accessibility. With seven stages and over 180 artists performing, Hellfest is dedicated to enhancing the festival experience for individuals with various disabilities, including motor, auditory, cognitive, and mental challenges.

“The Hellfest team is incredible. We are a very small association, with very few means, but they were immediately attentive to our approach and finance half of this project,” Lallement concludes, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the festival organizers.

Conclusion

The Hellfest 2025 festival promises to be more than just a celebration of heavy metal music; it will also showcase a significant leap towards inclusivity for visually impaired attendees. By implementing a specialized audio description system, Universjo and Hellfest are setting a precedent for music festivals worldwide, ensuring that no fan is left behind. As the festival approaches, the excitement is palpable, and the commitment to accessibility is a testament to the power of music to unite all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

FAQs

What is Universjo’s role in Hellfest 2025?

Universjo is introducing an audio description system to help visually impaired attendees fully enjoy the concert experiences at Hellfest 2025.

How will the audio description work during the festival?

Visually impaired attendees will wear headphones that provide real-time commentary by trained volunteers, describing the performance and atmosphere without interfering with the music.

What other accessibility measures are in place at Hellfest?

Hellfest is committed to making the festival accessible to all types of disabilities, including motor, auditory, cognitive, and mental challenges, with ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity each year.

When will Hellfest 2025 take place?

Hellfest 2025 will be held in Clisson, Loire-Atlantique, from June 19 to 22, with a special Hellfest Kids event on June 18.