Whirligig 2024 Accessibility Statement 

We aim to make Whirligig an enjoyable and accessible experience for everyone. The festival takes place in Italian Gardens and in the High Street and most of it is on hardstanding.

All shows will be viewable from areas of hardstanding and, where we expect larger crowds, there will be an accessible viewing platform will be reserved at the front for people in wheelchairs and who may need a seat. 

We will have a dedicated Access Companion onsite to assist those with limited mobility, those who identify as d/Deaf or visually impaired and those who identify with sensory issues, emotional and social differences and neurodiversity. You can find them at the Info stall at the entrance to Italian Gardens when coming from the high street (opposite the Halifax building society building)

Accessibility companions will be in hi-vis purple vests. 

During the event itself, our Culture Makers in hi-viz blue vests will be there to assist. 

Many of the shows are non-verbal and any verbal shows will be signed on Saturday only. Our information point can support you to choose events.

Parking

There is a paying car park at Grove Park with 5 disabled parking bays available. Please also note: 

• The extra free hour for blue badge holders can be for any bay in the car park
• There are also three marked disabled bays in Grove Lane 
• All of the surrounding pay and display bays on-street can be used for free and without limit with a valid blue badge.

There is parking in the Sovereign Centre car park next to Italian Gardens main entrances, which are fitted with automated door opening controls at wheelchair height. There are multiple disabled bays on the ground floor, the same level as the festival.

Toilets

Accessible toilets and changing spaces are available inside the Sovereign Centre, next to the event site.