Overview

Wow. It's taken a lot of work to get the BBC to listen in terms of venue accessiblity, I've had nightmares previous festivals and this is much more dreamlike! The gates have staff there to direct and advise. They were really clear about the need to check bags etc randomly but it was quick and painless. From the gate right up to the 'garden' it's ramped the whole way. This is a well worn path and care has been taken to put wooden plinths over the rockiest parts. It's all signposted and it's a lovely bright cheerful location. There's a bar and a catering point with cakes and coffees etc. There's a CBBC tent, a technology tent and even a DALEK. In the centre of it all there's bench seating and deckchairs with enough room to get wheelchairs and buggies around which is so often an afterthought. The disabled loo is a portaloo, they all are, and it's ramped to get up to the door, it swings outwards which is really hard to do if you're on your own or a carer is behind you but there is a security guard at the bottom of the ramp who warns you and tries to help. The external stage which I came to see UPMO at is covered by a plastic canopy, I could see the stage clearly even with professional photographers jumping around. Even the stage is ramped which is rare to see. UPMO are 9 members, with additional support and 2 of the band are wheelchair users. They also have members with learning difficulties so they need access as much as I or anyone else reading this does! The music was lively and everyone had smiles and the audience were clapping along. Unfortunately the performer in the Big Blue Tent ran over so their set was postponed and cut, which is never good for a band but clearly no thought was given to how anyone with additional support needs would cope with a delay of an hour. In my opinion there was no need for this delay and I'm sure Clive Anderson wouldn't have cared either. There were space heaters but even in August the wind was chilly and sitting for so long would not be on my list of wants given the choice! When leaving the event it's worth noting there's no parking along the main street and there's cones in place. The nearest bus stop was quite a distance but on arrival cars were allowed to drop off and then find somewhere else to park. Overall, given how poor I've found BBC access to be in previous years it's amazing to see the level of improvement especially in terms of staff and access...I'm looking forward to seeikng UPMO again soon as they are local and perform at accessible gigs frequently.

Transport & Parking

I took the bus to George IV Bridge and propelled from there. There's currently cones in place to prevent parking but cars were allowed to drop people off and then park elsewhere. I find parking city centre difficult at the best of times but over the festival the sheer volume of people and roads which are closed makes it tricky. Public transport is easier and cheaper.

Access

The signage was clear and at good heights. They had induction loop and also had headphones for people to listen to the broadcast from the Big Blue Tent too. Everything is on green outside carpetting so it's pretty even and wasn't hard work to propel over.

Toilets

The accessible toilet was easy to find and there's a security guard to help get up the ramp as the door opens outwards. The red cord was tied up (it's now been freed and tagged) and the floor was wet in places which always worries me when transferring.

Staff

The second member of staff I spoke to was one of the people searching bags etc, unfortunately his opening line to me was about my walking being some kind of miracle and unfortunately I have zero sense of humour about this as a wheelchair user. Everyone else was awesome and even he apologised when I spoke to him about his attitude and explained that it's not acceptable, I just don't think I should HAVE to educate staff when I go anywhere!

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I think the only thing I would like to have seen is for the bar and snack bar counter to be easier to reach or the staff to know how to deal with that with more finesse, they were unsure of whether they should come out to speak to me, leave my purchases on the counter etc but I think that's pretty normal if you don't have a carer to make it all easier for everyone!

Photos