3.5
Lovely staff but mixed provisions - ambulatory wheelchair user
I was allowed to enter the venue early to get situated, which I greatly appreciated. I entered the hall from the front entrance using a portable ramp, and I was allowed to be the first to leave (security holding back crowd to ensure the portable ramp was down securely so I could leave). I felt safe entering and exiting the venue. No set space for wheelchairs/disabled seating - I was put on a raised platform where the bar was, with a choice of where I wanted to stay. I had OK line of sight, but this depends on how large the crowd is as this could completely block a seated view. At one point someone on the main floor blocked my sight for quite some time. Disabled toilet was out of service so as an ambulatory wheelchair user I took my walking stick to the general toilets that were in close proximation (one located behind me beside the bar and another that would mean I may have to interact with the crowd to get to). A member of staff made sure I got into the bathroom and cleared the way so that I could access easily. I appreciate for non-ambulatory users the fact that the disabled toilet was out of use would be very difficult, so this was a disappointment and I was not made aware before I visited. We parked a 2-5 min walk away on a residential road, but the venue is very near public transport access.
I was allowed to enter the venue early to get situated, which I greatly appreciated. I entered the hall from the front entrance using a portable ramp, and I was allowed to be the first to leave (security holding back crowd to ensure the portable ramp was down securely so I could leave). I felt safe entering and exiting the venue. No set space for wheelchairs/disabled seating - I was put on a raised platform where the bar was, with a choice of where I wanted to stay. I had OK line of sight, but this depends on how large the crowd is as this could completely block a seated view. At one point someone on the main floor blocked my sight for quite some time. Disabled toilet was out of service so as an ambulatory wheelchair user I took my walking stick to the general toilets that were in close proximation (one located behind me beside the bar and another that would mean I may have to interact with the crowd to get to). A member of staff made sure I got into the bathroom and cleared the way so that I could access easily. I appreciate for non-ambulatory users the fact that the disabled toilet was out of use would be very difficult, so this was a disappointment and I was not made aware before I visited. We parked a 2-5 min walk away on a residential road, but the venue is very near public transport access.
