Overview

The Flying display was excellent. Unfortunately there was an evident lack of event management planning. I understand the organisers were overwhelmed by visitor numbers due to the fantastic weather. There was no evidence they would have been unable to provide adequate accessible facilities to an average event crowd. I hope organisers investigate best practice from successful air shows throughout the UK and disability charities going forward.

Transport & Parking

The closest accessible car park was full due to it’s limited size there was an overflow accessible car park at the beach. Travel through the town was painfully slow with no traffic management in place. Stewards were guarding private roads for residents but unable to provide helpful information. Travel time from Glasgow to Ayr in excess of 2hours. I understand from other attendees, trains were overcrowded and queues for trains were also in excess of 2 hours. Park and ride buses failed to collect passengers at the end of the event. Main park and ride car park at Ayr Race Course gridlocked until 10pm.

Access

No helpful signage at all. The access to the promenade was via steep stairways with no handrails. There were flatter routes by exiting the rear of the car park and using pavements, this is a longer distance and again not signed. Promenade was very crowded with many people unaware of accessible requirements. No additional seating provided. Disability platforms were advertised as available on first come first served basis, they were unreachable due to crowd size.

Toilets

There were two accessible bathrooms available with ample room for 2 people. No toilet tissue provided. Queues outside the bathrooms were 45 mins +. Alarm cord not visible and no evidence of any support available should it have been necessary. Toilets were in an unsanitary condition. No additional portaloos or event disability bathrooms on the promenade near the disabled car park.

Staff

I did witness a cycle volunteer agency transporting visitors in an attached carriage. The staff who were wearing high visibility vests on the promenade in front of the disabled overflow car park were unapproachable. I witnessed them using abusive and threatening language to other attendees and regarding their employers. We decided at that point to view the air display from the car park and leave before the end. We had taken our young grandson with us for the day. Unacceptable language and behaviour from employees.

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