5
Upmost fun
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.
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.
