Disability Access

Applications are now open for accessibility at Bestival 2013

We are committed to making Bestival as accessible as possible and great efforts are being been made to achieve this where reasonable. The Bestival grounds are slightly hilly and Bestival is an outdoor music event utilising fields and farmland that could pose problems (particularly in wet weather) for mobility, and large volumes of people and noise for those with learning difficulties. With a little help here and there though we feel that it is definitely manageable and we provide free tickets for carers to this end for those with physical and mental difficulties.

Please read ALL the following information very carefully, and then:

1. Purchase your tickets (not including a ticket for your nominated carer)
2. Apply using the correct online form (using one of the three links below)

REGISTATION & BUYING TICKETS
Very Important: You MUST purchase a ticket before applying for accessibility camping or a carer’s pass. Please do not apply if you have not purchased a ticket, as applications without a confirmation of purchase number will not be considered. You do not need to purchase a carer ticket, these are provided for free by Bestival.

APPLICATIONS
Once you (the person with the disability) have your ticket, you can apply. As not all of you wish to use Accessibility Camping, we have three applications this year and these include the carer wristband application:

ACCESSIBILITY CAMPSITE & CARER TICKET APPLICATION
(limited number of available spaces so please apply soon)

CARER TICKET ONLY APPLICATION
(if you want to camp in Boutique, Wild Copse, Campervan or General Camping)

NON-CAMPING CARER TICKET & DAY PARKING APPLICATION
(if you are staying in a B&B, Hotel, at home or just visiting for a day, this form is for you)

GETTING AROUND
Electric wheelchairs can tackle most areas without too much hindrance but the ground can be quite uneven in places and is predominantly on grass. If it rains it may get muddy and access around the site (other than on the paths) may be very difficult. The terrain is predominantly short grass with firm soil so movement around the main arena and other stages is possible for fit wheelchair users in good weather.

CHILLING OUT
We recognise that some, particularly those with specific learning difficulties may need to find a space to step away from the crowds and noise. We do our best to provide this but it is difficult in a festival environment … but we do our best.

CAMPING
The Accessible Camping Area is positioned as near as possible to the main Main Stage and arenas. It is a few minutes from here to the main arena on relatively flat ground and is one of the quietest and closest to the arenas. It is the best location we can achieve for all of the needs of the people we try to accommodate.

Please note that you should prepare to bring a tent or campervan that will fit in a 7m x 5m space. Your family and friends can camp with you in the Accessibility camping area but your group including the person with a disability, a carer and children can be up to a maximum of 6 people. Other people with disabilities who are your friends and family should apply separately.

PARKING
Those in the Accessibility campsite will need to follow signs for Blue Gate (Robin Hill). Only one vehicle is allowed in the camping area and this includes motorhomes or campervans.

If you are in General Admission Camping, Boutique Camping, Campervan Field or Wild Copse, they have separate car parks for you to use and if you choose public transport, you will enter using the same entrances as other members of the public (please note that these entrances have hills and there will not be an internal transport option available to you).

A car park for day visiting persons with a disability is close by and accessible throughout the weekend. Friends will have to park in the main car park, however. Day parking is also available, see application above.

FACILITIES
Please note that we are in a field where normal home-type levels of facilities are just not possible. We do our absolute best but sometimes vehicles get stuck in traffic, things break or don’t work and we’ll be doing our best to fix it, and of course look to improve each year with newer available facilities.

- Charging points for electric wheelchairs are available – these are outdoors so can be affected by damp conditions so chargers are left at users risk.
- Certain medical support is available from the on site medical centre but any specific medical needs should be communicated on your application form.
- Accessible lavatories will be positioned at various places around the festival and we aim to protect them from public use. Please check out where they are on site so you know where to go when you need to go.
- In the Accessibility campsite, showers and toilets are provided
- Stewards will be on hand to help with any issues that may arise during the weekend
- We do not supply motability buggies or any other form of onsite transport so you will need to bring your own if it is needed

If you have any pressing questions that are not answered here above, please email disabilityaccess@bestival.net