I would like to express my disappointment at the lack of physical accessibility standards at the recent Isle of MTV and Winter Moods concerts.

The first concert had a very elevated platform reserved for disabled persons but, unfortunately, the ramp was very steep and I could see that the persons in wheelchairs struggled a lot to go onto the platform. Furthermore, there was no mobile toilet for disabled persons, something which I think had to be provided given that it was a five-hour-long concert.

Regarding the Winter Moods concert, the area reserved for disabled persons was just a couple of centimetres raised from the floor and, obviously, those who use a wheelchair were visibly frustrated as they could hardly see the big screen on stage due to the crowd standing in front of them, let alone the band performing. The Winter Moods concert did feature a mobile toilet for disabled persons.

During the Winter Moods concert, Ivan Grech appealed to the audience to help charitable organisations and he mentioned the "special people" of the LAND (Living Ability Not Disability) group and the Special Olympics athletes. I am sure that he mentioned these persons with all good intentions but I am also sure that these persons would prefer to be viewed as energetic and lively youths filled with enthusiasm and a great will to be full participants and contributors in our society rather than charity recipients.

While appealing to all organisers planning other concerts and major events and festivals in the coming weeks to consult disabled persons and the National Commission Persons with Disability for appropriate accessibility standards. I also call on society to be much more aware of the potential that disabled persons have in contributing to our society. Within an inclusive society, everyone benefits!