Gig Buddies: Making Live Music Accessible

Gig Buddies is a project that pairs adults with learning disabilities or autism with other members to go to concerts and festivals so that people with disabilities can enjoy live music. Everyone deserves the freedom to attend gigs if they want to, and Gig Buddies match people based on shared interests so that both people get to have a great time together, while combatting social isolation.

Gig Buddies is a grassroots way to reduce social isolation, addressing loneliness and exclusion in a fun, organic manner. In Britain alone, Gig Buddies has expanded to around 15 regions from big cities like to London to areas like Bradford and Gloucestershire. Wherever you are in the UK, there’s probably a Gig Buddies branch near you, and if there isn’t yet, the team invites interested locals to get in touch about bringing Gig Buddies to new areas.

We spoke to the organisers of Gig Buddies to find out more:

What is Gig Buddies?

The project matches people with learning disabilities and/or Autism with volunteers who share the same passions, making sure everyone has a chance to enjoy the nightlife, music, and culture they love.

Imagine wanting to see your favourite DJ or band but missing out because there’s no one to go with. That’s where we step in. We connect members with like-minded people, helping them find their tribe and making sure barriers to social connections and nightlife are removed instead creating friendships built on music, fun, and belonging.

How did the project begin?

The roots of Gig Buddies are as punk as they come. The band Heavy Load, known for chaotic, high-energy live shows, noticed something strange at their gigs: fans leaving at 9pm, just as the band hit the stage. The problem wasn’t the music it was support workers’ rigid shifts, which ended at 10pm, forcing an early exodus.

This sparked the protest campaign ‘Stay Up Late’ demanding change and championing the right for people with learning disabilities to enjoy full, active social lives. The campaign grew into a charity, and in 2013 Gig Buddies was born.

Fast-forward to today: more than 100 buddy pairs regularly go out together, with over 20 partner projects across seven countries supporting more than 1,000 people. And the impact has been profound. Surveys show 90% of members feel less lonely, 86% consider their buddy a true friend, and most say they’re going out more, meeting new people, and feeling part of their communities.

How does Gig Buddies work?

It’s simple. As a buddy, you go to the events you already love but with a new friend who has a learning disability and/or autism.

We believe everyone should have people in their lives who aren’t paid to be there. Genuine friendships built on shared interests, whether that’s music, sport, culture, food, or anything else.

We match buddies based on interests, preferences, and personalities. Once matched, we introduce you and support your first meet-up. From there, the fun begins.

What impact have you seen?

The numbers speak for themselves:

90% of members say having a Gig Buddy makes them feel less lonely.

86% regard their buddy as a true friend.

78% have made new friends beyond their buddy.

80% say they now go out more in the evenings.

It’s not just about one gig a month, it’s about sparking conversations on broader community connections and friendships.

Do you feel that combatting isolation and loneliness is actually more urgent than when you initially launched?

Combating isolation has only become more urgent since we launched. The growing response from our community shows that the buddy system works both ways it’s not just about supporting members; both buddy’s gain friendship, fun, and connection too. Gig Buddies isn’t just a night out, it’s a two-way street of laughter, shared experiences, and lasting relationships.

Any memorable moments?

This year we to ‘We Out Here’ our first camping festival. For some, it was their first ever festival. We danced till sunrise, belted “Olly olly oi!” to a field full of party heads, and giggled ourselves silly in our tents until we fell asleep… only to wake up and do it all again!

Are there misconceptions about volunteering?

Yes! People often think those with learning disabilities can’t party hard, they don’t like loud music or mosh pits…the truth? We’re usually the last ones on the dancefloor.

Where is Gig Buddies active?

Gig Buddies is now growing worldwide, but the mission remains simple: everyone should have the chance to ‘STAY UP LATE’

How can people get involved?

To get involved, find your local project online. The process is straightforward — you apply, meet the team, attend training, have some checks done, get matched, and head out to your first gig. Before long, you’ll be planning nights out and creating unforgettable memories with your new friend.