Accessibility
At a glance
- Free companion ticket available for evening concerts
- Main field step-free, but the grass maybe uneven
- Accessible toilets on main field (A on the map)
- Best entrance (D on the map)
- Blue Badge parking 400m away from entry D
- Quiet outdoor area nearby
- Stewards available to help
- Venue specific summary at the end of this page (click here or scroll)
- Need help planning your visit? Email info@SwanageFolkFestival.com we’d love to hear from you.
Scroll down for more details.
Accessibility Info for Sandpit Field
Overview
Everyone’s welcome at Swanage Folk Festival. We are committed to making the festival inclusive, comfortable, and enjoyable for all visitors. As we’re based in a historic seaside town, some locations have physical limitations, but we work hard to make the festival as accessible as possible.
The main activities take place on Sandpit Field. Scroll down for information about Sandpit Field and our other venues. If you’re unsure whether the festival will work for your needs, please contact us — we’ll do our best to help you plan a comfortable visit.
Companion tickets
We offer a free ticket for a companion or personal assistant where assistance is required to attend the festival. To arrange this, please email info@swanagefolkfestival.co.uk We will want a copy of a recent PIP, DLA or Attendance Allowance award, Blue Badge, Access Card (+1), or other suitable evidence of disability. We will then email you a ticket code which will allow you to book your festival ticket together with a free companion ticket.
Parking.
We regret we can’t offer disabled parking at, or adjacent to, the main field. Blue Badge Parking is available at Main Beach Car Park, Swanage, about 400 metres from the festival grounds.
Mobility access
Sandpit Field is our main venue. It is step-free and reasonably level; but it is grass and may be uneven or tricky for some mobility aids, especially when wet. The path into the field from the beach may be too steep, so access from DeMoulham road is recommended (marked on the map).
Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are welcome in the main marquee. The main marquee is all seated. If you arrive in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, please speak to a steward and we’ll help you find the best available viewing space that doesn’t block aisles or fire exits.
Evening concerts are ticket only and all seated. We only sell as many tickets as we have seats, so as a ticket holder you will be able to find a space. Stewards will happily move an existing seat where possible so you and others around you can see.
Morris Dancers on Shore Road: Shore road is pedestrianised During the weekend it gets very busy with dance displays and people watching them. We do ask dancers to keep clear of the drop down kerbs, but it may be easier for you to travel from Sandpit Field into town via Rempstone Road not Shore Road.
“Best bits – Very helpful volunteers (I was on a mobility scooter), a field that drained quickly despite all the rain and the best line-up for years!”
Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets are available on Sandpit at the north end, marked on the map above. They are about 100 metres from the main marquee, with a slight gradient to get there. Depending on where you are in the field, it may be easier to leave the field at the DeMoulham Road/ Victoria Avenue junction (D on the map) and proceed on the pavement reentering the field near Walrond Road (point A on the map).
Accessible toilets are available at the following locations in Swanage. Click here for a map here.
- Main Festival Field – by the toilet block at the north end of the field; about 100 metres from the main marquee (A on the map).
- Mermond Place Car Park – you’ll need a RADAR key. Mermond Place is near the bandstand (one of our music spots).
- Shore Road – next to the Beach Huts. Our most popular dance spots are along Shore road.
- Near Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre. Very close to one of our dance spots.
- Swanage School – where our ceilidh takes place
Quiet spaces
There’s no formal quiet zone, but the adjacent field to the north of the main festival field tends to be calmer and less busy. Other spots around town can offer a break from the crowds too.
Stewards and assistance
Stewards are present and happy to help at our venues, but may not be available in all Fringe venues. Please ask — helping visitors is what stewards are there for. If you need extra time or assistance, our team is happy to help.
What to expect in wet weather
Sandpit FIeld is an outdoor grassy field, the ground may become soft or uneven. Some routes will become slower for wheelchairs / scooters. Please ask stewards for best route, they will be happy to help.
Venue summary.
Festival venues.
| Location | Wheelchair access | Disabled toilet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandpit Field | Yes | Yes | Grass, uneven in places |
| St Mary’s Church | Yes | Yes | |
| Swanage School | Yes | Yes | Parking available |
| Catholic Church Hall | Yes | Yes | |
| Conservative Club | Yes | Yes | Some parking available with blue badge, next to the club |
Fringe venues.
We don’t manage or control the fringe venues. This information is provided to us and you may want to check with the venue.
| Location | Wheelchair access | Disabled toilet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mowlem showbar | Yes | Yes, via lift | |
| White Swan | No | No | |
| FONC lounge | No | No | |
| Bandstand | Yes | Nearby on Shore Road, next to the Tourist Information Centre | The bandstand is in the open, but access is via paths |
| Gee Whites | Yes | Nearby, next to the Swanage Museum | |
| Black Swan | No | No |
Sensory information
- Busy periods: During the afternoon on the main field. Evening concerts tend to be full
- Volume: Music volume can be high in marquee and fringe venues
- Quieter areas available nearby
- Ear defenders welcome
Have more questions?
Ask us, we’re happy to help.
- Need help planning your visit? Email info@SwanageFolkFestival.com we’d love to hear from you. You could also message us on Facebook
- During the weekend: Visit our team at the Info Tent – we’re here to help! Info tent is open from 9 am until 11 pm on Saturday and Sunday and from 3pm till 11pm on Friday.