Disabled Persons Information 2008
Welcome to Hebridean Celtic Festival 2008! As ever, we want to make sure everyone is able to come and join in the fun of the festival. This information is here to assist you in having the best weekend possible! Below are two information sections – general information and advisory notes, and a section on how to get improved access if you are disabled. Please read both sections carefully and plan accordingly. We will try to help on the day but cannot guarantee to solve unexpected access needs at short notice.
As always, we are eager to hear from anyone who may have feedback or suggestions to help improve the disabled facilities.
General information and advisory notes
Flicker, laser, strobe and other lighting effects may be in use at the Festival site.
Site Layout and Ground Conditions
Like many festivals, our main arena is a green field site. There are some paths, and trackway is used for accessing the viewing area, but the site can be difficult to move around for wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties. Wet weather, especially, can have an impact on how easy it is for people to move around the site. Please take this into consideration when deciding on what equipment to bring with you.
You can access the accessible viewing platform (see below) and wheelchair accessible toilet without crossing grassy ground.
Toilets
Chemical toilet units, designed for access for wheelchair users, are provided near to the disabled viewing entrance area. There is also generous provision of standard toilet units on the grassed area of the site.
Medical Services and Assistance at the Event
There will be full onsite facilities including first aid tent with paramedic standby and first responders.
Access at An Lanntair and other venues
Our other main venue is a purpose built modern arts centre with lift access and nearby on-street parking. For full information on access at An Lanntair please go to their website www.lanntair.com. Community halls and venues used are similarly compliant.
Personal Assistant Ticket Scheme
In our commitment to make the Festival accessible to everyone, we will provide those disabled ticket holders who are in receipt of the middle or higher rate DLA with 1 free ticket for a personal assistant.
A ticket application form can be downloaded from here or by contacting the festival box office. Please then complete this to purchase your ticket and secure your PA's ticket and send payment together with a copy of your most recent DLA entitlement letter from the DWP to the festival box office.
A confirmation will be sent to you and tickets should be collected from the festival office.
Viewing Platform (VP)
There will be a viewing platform at the main festival arena. This provides raised viewing without visual barriers. The viewing platform and access ramp is designed in accordance with disability regulations. At main concerts it is in heavy demand. Therefore anyone wishing to use this platform will require a VP wristband. These platforms are solely for the use of disabled patrons plus one carer/friend.
Please advise when booking your ticket whether you require VP access. We will then process with the ticket purchase. Full details on vehicle access, if necessary, will be supplied at the festival office.
We do this to ensure we can accommodate everybody's needs. We cannot guarantee access to disabled facilities if you have not pre-registered.
When using the platform, please be considerate of other people's needs. If your friend or carer is able to see from further back, or to stand during the concert, please give priority for seats at the front to other disabled people.
Car Parking
Full details on disabled car parking arrangements will be provided at the festival office when collecting tickets. Parking for disabled drivers can be provided, but there will be better access for disabled people who arrive as passengers and can be dropped off.
We try to update our knowledge on access needs every year. If you have individual queries please contact us at boxoffice@hebceltfest.com tel: 01851 621234. Some responses may need additional research time.
The Festival Office is located at 79 Cromwell Street, Stornoway from 30th June.
