Getting down at the Download Festival - By Jasmine

In March I went to the Download Festival at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse. I have always loved going to live music and festivals and had no intention to let stroke or disability stop me living my life fully.

I live in regional Vic, so there was a bit of organising to get down to Melbourne to go to Download. My friend and I travelled down on the train and booked into a hotel.

My day started with some pampering by getting my hair and make-up done. I had ants in my pants all morning, I was really keen to get to the festival. My walking and balance are a bit iffy, so rather than a walking stick, I had a mobility scooter.

I felt a bit awkward driving the scooter, but it helped us to get special access close to the stages and straight past the line to the loo – that was gold!

I have got to thank the festival organisers for how accessible it was, there were many people with all sorts of ability impairments rocking on. I was also asked by a worker at the festival if all my needs had been met!

I was stoked that I could go, I definitely miss being the mosh pit, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how only a few years ago I was trapped in my body and now I am dancing.