Overview

We have been going to BST (British Summer Time) at Hyde Park for a number of years. I’ve always had an amazing time. Whilst this might be very difficult if you are ambulant as there is a lot of walking involved, I think they do their best with what they have. They operate a shuttle bus service from the free blue badge parking area (bookable at the time you book your tickets) which drops you off as close to the access entrance as possible. People can use any entrance but the access entrance has matting all the way to the access areas, making it much easier for wheelchair and scooter users. BST operate two access areas which is a fantastic idea. They have a ground level viewing area for people who need a seat sometimes but otherwise like to stand or dance. This is great for ambulant disabled people, people with non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity and mental health needs. They also operate a viewing platform which is raised which is great for people who need to watch the show seated, wheelchair users etcetera. Sadly not everyone buys the right ticket for their needs which can create issues (eg people getting the viewing platform then standing through a concert to block others views who can’t stand. However staff are usually good if the people themselves are willing to eg move to the back of the platform. The platform is well set out with easy access to the seats and the staff add/remove chairs willingly. You are able to arrive any time and find your seat before going off exploring if that is what you’d like to do. Staff are good at keeping the seats reserved for you, put a jumper or small bag without valuables left there always helps them identify where you are sitting. There are two other stages for acts during the afternoon as well as main stage. We have been to the rainbow stage as well. To be honest the viewing platform for this stage was really badly positioned and you couldn’t see, but hopefully something that could be changed. If you aren’t able to get a viewing platform ticket, or prefer to be in the general area etc BST usually offer a PA ticket for other ticket types too. There are a number of food places selling food. As someone with an allergy it can be hard to find safe food. So worth contacting BST in advance to problem solve this. They do have the ridiculous small bag rules, but I’ve found them to be very relaxed with me as a wheelchair user as long as everything is packed into bags on my chair. They will also give a letter to people who need larger bags for access reasons to show staff in the gates. The view from the stage is pretty good. The large screens definitely help a lot! The viewing platform has no protection from the weather so do bring waterproofs and a small sun shade/sunscreen etc. There are lowered counters at the merchandise stands and bars where you can queue up for these separately. They have water points, although there can be long queues for these, the staff will let you queue jump if needed. At the end of the evening there is a short wait for the shuttle bus as everyone leaving at the same time, but otherwise a very easy exit from a large event.

Transport & Parking

I gave them 4.5 only because (and it’s not in their control) there aren’t any step free tubes nearby. The blue badge parking is in a separate area of the park and well managed. There are security there and I’ve never had an issue parking a car there. The shuttle bus idea is great as it means you are often away from the large crowds with the exemption of the first bit when you leave.

Access

There is tracking available from the access entrance to the viewing areas which makes travelling over the grass much easier. There are BSL signers interpreting for the main stage. There may be other provisions for BSL signers but I’m not sure. There were people coming to the platforms and selling drinks at some points (like a walking bar) which was helpful as meant we didn’t have to leave to get a drink often. There are hard paths around some of the park area inside. As long as it isn’t wet, there are no issues with driving powerchairs/scooters over the grass areas (except for people getting in the way!!).

Toilets

There is always a changing places mobile unit on site. There are also large mobile accessible loos. They have plenty of space for a large powerchair to turn, as well as a carer to be in with you. There were a few issues with tracking to the loos this year, but once we raised them were addressed that day. The loos are kept clean and well stocked with loo roll. There are staff nearby you can ask for extra loo roll etcetera if needed.

Staff

Staff were amazing. Scott was running the access area and took time to take on board the suggestions for the loo area and implement them straight away. The staff in all the access areas were brilliant and I couldn’t fault them. There was a very drunk person on the platform and they dealt with them as best as they could. All staff seemed to be aware of disability and spoke to me and not my PA which is refreshing.

Photos