The Chill Tent at Boardmasters Festival: Supporting Inclusive Participation at Large-Scale Events
- Grace Brown
- Feb 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 23

We are proud to announce that The Chill Tent will be providing professionally staffed calm and sensory space provision at Boardmasters Festival, one of the UK’s largest and most iconic music and surf events.
Large festivals create extraordinary experiences, but they can also present significant challenges for attendees. Crowds, noise, heat, queues, bright lighting and continuous stimulation can lead to overwhelm, fatigue or distress, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, people with chronic illness, families with young children and those who simply need a quiet moment to reset.
Our role is to provide a structured, welcoming environment where people can pause, regulate and recover before returning to enjoy the event safely and comfortably.
⭐ Why Calm Spaces Matter at Festivals
Inclusive UK event planning is no longer just about physical accessibility. Increasingly, event organisers recognise the importance of supporting sensory, cognitive and wellbeing needs.
Without appropriate provision, many attendees may leave early, miss performances or avoid attending entirely. A dedicated calm space can make the difference between someone being excluded by the environment and being able to fully participate.
Our provision helps festivals:
• Support diverse audiences
• Reduce pressure on welfare and medical teams
• Improve visitor experience
• Demonstrate genuine commitment to accessibility
• Enable attendees to remain safely on site
⭐ What The Chill Tent Provides
The Chill Tent is a professionally delivered, non-clinical calm environment designed by SEND and Inclusion Practitioners.
At Boardmasters, our provision includes:
• A staffed quiet retreat away from sensory intensity
• Low-stimulus furnishings and calming environment
• Support for anxiety, overwhelm, fatigue or illness
• A respectful space for all ages
• Integration with existing welfare and accessibility services
This is not a childcare or medical service. It is a structured wellbeing space that complements the event’s wider support infrastructure.
⭐ Supporting a Wide Range of Attendees
Festival environments affect people in different ways. Our calm spaces are used by:
• Neurodivergent individuals
• People with sensory sensitivities
• Attendees experiencing anxiety or panic
• Those managing chronic illness or fatigue
• Families with children needing a break
• Visitors overwhelmed by crowds or noise
• Anyone needing a quiet reset
By providing this support, festivals become accessible to people who might otherwise struggle to attend.
⭐ Working Alongside Event Teams
We work closely with organisers, production teams and accessibility leads to ensure seamless integration into the event site.
Our turnkey service includes delivery, setup, professional staffing throughout opening hours and full pack-down. The aim is to provide a reliable, discreet and effective solution that enhances existing provision without adding operational burden.
⭐ A Growing Need Across the Events Industry
As public awareness of neurodiversity, mental health and invisible disabilities increases, expectations around inclusive event design are evolving.
Forward-thinking festivals are recognising that accessibility is not only a legal consideration but also a key part of creating safe, welcoming and sustainable events.
Providing calm spaces demonstrates care for attendees while improving overall event resilience.
⭐ Proud to Support Boardmasters Festival
Boardmasters attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, combining world-class music with surf culture and coastal atmosphere. We are honoured to contribute to an event that brings together such a diverse audience.
Our presence helps ensure that more people can experience everything the festival has to offer — regardless of how they respond to busy environments.
⭐ Calm Space Provision for UK Festivals, Events and North Devon Weddings
The Chill Tent provides inclusive and accessible sensory and wellbeing spaces for:
• UK Music festivals
• County shows
• Public and community events
• Corporate gatherings
• Outdoor concerts
• Inclusive North Devon weddings
Based in Devon and operating nationwide, we deliver tailored provision for events of all sizes.
⭐ Enquiries and Future Bookings
We are currently accepting bookings for upcoming events and future seasons across the UK.
If you are planning a festival or large event and wish to improve accessibility and attendee wellbeing, we would be happy to discuss how The Chill Tent can support your audience.
📍 Devon-based • UK-wide inclusive and accessible event provision




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