Accessibility Information
Accessibility Information for Guests, Crew and Performers
Seed Festival aims to be a festival that everyone can enjoy. We know that accurate information is vital and we do our best to tell you everything that you may need to know in order to plan your festival. If you have a query which is not covered here, please contact our main office, info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk
Services for disabled people are managed by the Accessibility Officer who can be contacted via the main office on 01453 759034. Please do come and see us, even if you haven’t had any issues. The more that we know about services that you would like to see and any problems encountered around the site, the more we can help everyone to enjoy the festival.
We will do our best to help onsite, but we have found that the biggest factor in having a good time at a festival is the planning that you do yourself. Think through every aspect of how you will live on a campsite on a daily basis and plan ahead. If you are new to the Seed festival and have additional questions do contact us and we will do our best to support you
PERSONAL ASSISTANT TICKETS
We offer a free ‘PA ticket’ for a Personal Assistant if you receive or have any of the following:
- Middle or Higher Rate DLA
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- CredAbility Access Card
- Registered severely sight impaired
- A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card
This ticket must be ordered over the phone, 9.30am – 6pm, please ask to speak with Cathy: 01453 759034.
Proof of DLA, PIP, CredAbility Access Card or Assistance Dog ID Card must be provided on entry.
ACCESSIBILITY AROUND THE FESTIVAL
Most of the main site is on a slope and so is not easily accessible, even in good weather, by wheelchair or mobility scooter. In wet weather some areas do get muddy. We do our best to keep everyone moving, but do be aware that this is an open air event in a grassy field on a hillside and we cannot guarantee the ground conditions. Wheelchair and mobility scooter access is difficult across the whole site, due to the grass and slope, and we do not have any vehicles that we can lend out. If you can walk short distances but tire easily, you may want to consider bringing something which you can carry to sit on, if this is possible for you. If you use sticks or crutches consider how they will work in mud or soft ground, some people use special attachments to help with this.
THERE ARE THREE MAIN AREAS ON SITE:
1) THE FARM FIELDS (INCL. SEED STAGE & CAMPSITE)
The Seed stage is on the farm field near to the box office. The accessible camping area is as near to the Seed stage as possible where there is an accessible portaloo. We have chosen the flattest area of ground we can for the accessible camping area however please be aware that there is still a very slight gradient. You can drive to the accessible area and unload if you’re camping. If you have a camper van and you are registed disabled you can park your camper van in the accessible camping area. The distance from the accessible car park back to the accessible camping area is approx 7 minutes walk and we suggest going along the top drive towards the house and back along the lower drive to avoid the steep slope.
Please note that this is a very low key camping experience and there are no showers on site for any campers. If there is a medical reason you may need a shower please contact the Hawkwood office and we will make arrangements for you.
2) HOUSE
Please be aware that the house is situated up the tarmaced driveway about a 10 – 15 minute walk from the Seed stage. We recommend using the lower driveway to reach the house as this is less steep.
The ground floor of the house where events are taking place is fully accessible and there is an accessible toilet near to the Centre for Future Thinking Hall. Please see the site map.
3) WOODLAND
The Woodland is difficult terrain, with narrow and uneven paths that go up and downhill. This area has areas of rough ground amongst the trees, which may cause difficulties for those with mobility impairment. Due to lack of vehicle access the only toilet in this area is the compost loo with steep steps by the Outdoor Classroom. The nearest accessible toilet is in the House, or on the campsite.
There are seats available around site and in most of the major venues.
PARKING
Accessible parking is available in the Hawkwood car park rather than the adjacent field to the site. Please come to the main Hawkwood gate on B4070 and you will be shown where to go.
VIEWING OF EVENTS
Wheel chair access will be reserved at the two main venues – the Seed stage on the field and the Centre for Future Thinking hall in the house. Accessible routes will be marked on the field. Please do bring a chair if you need to sit for a performance in the Seed stage area. There are chairs in the Centre for Future thinking hall. If you need to confirm any details regarding this before arrival, please phone reception and ask to speak to Cathy on 01453 759034.
TOILETS
We have an accessible toilet in the House, along with an accessible portaloo in the campsite near to the main stage. For locations see the map in your welcome pack.
LARGE PRINT MAPS & TIMETABLES
We have large print versions of the site map and timetable available at the Hawkwood office.
ACCESSIBILITY AIR RECHARING
If you need to recharge any wheelchairs or other accessibility and medical aids, please visit reception and someone will help. Unfortunately we are not able to provide recharging facilities in the accessible camping area as this is completely off grid – we will be looking at this for the future. We have a fridge if your medication needs to be kept chilled. If you need to confirm any details regarding this before arrival, please phone reception and ask to speak to Cathy on 01453 759034.
QUIET AREAS
Seed Festival is generally a quiet festival, and there is a silent space in the Garden. However, we appreciate that some people might need a few moments to be completely separate from the rest of the festival. If this is the case for you, please come to reception and you can sit in one of our staff offices
If there is anything we may have missed or you are unsure about anything please call us on 01453 759034 Thank you!
