DISABLED

ACCESS GUIDE

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WELCOME 2

ARRIVAL – WHERE TO GO 3

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION 5

DISABLED ACCESS CAMPSITE 6

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION 8

ARENA INFORMATION 10

ACCESSIBLE VIEWING PLATFORM TERMS & CONDITIONS 12

TO THE PERSONAL ASSISTANT 13

PERFORMANCE INTERPRETING 14

MAPS 15

Please note, this guide will be added to the website but will not be printed, if you

would like a hard copy then please print at home.

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WELCOME

My Name is Mina and I welcome you to Reading Festival 2019, please ensure you

read through this helpful guide. It contains important information about where to

go when you arrive and the process for collecting the Personal Assistant (PA) tickets

and Access Wristbands you applied for.

If you encounter any problems whilst at the Festival, however small they may

seem, I encourage you to contact myself or someone in the Access team, we will do

our very best to assist you.

We cater for a wide range of Disabilities and would like to take the opportunity to remind all our guests that not all disabilities are visible. Please be courteous towards your fellow campers.

No PA ticket or Access Wristbands will be sent out in advance, so you will need to

collect these onsite. Your PA can only gain entry with you. You must have your

event ticket, photo ID and confirmation email or printed letter. We will then

wristband both yourself and your PA.

CHECK IN ID: Please note to check in with us, you must have ID. We are happy to

accept photocopies of your identification if you would prefer not to bring it with

you to the festival.

We accept the following forms of ID: Passport, Driving Licence, Citizen Card, ONE-

ID4U, Validate, Young Scot, Connexions Card, Portman Group Card, UreLife® cards

and The Access Card.

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ARRIVAL – WHERE TO GO

Read the following Arrival Guidelines so you know what to do when you arrive

onsite.

The Disabled Access Check-In Cabin should be the first place you visit when you

arrive at Reading Festival, even if you are camping in one of our public campsites,

you will be unable to collect your access wristbands or PA tickets from anywhere

else. We are the Green cabin in the car park in front of the Rivermead Leisure

Centre off Richfield Avenue (See map in this guide). The Access Team is based at

the Disabled Access Check-in. They will have the information that you submitted

before the festival to provide you with the correct wristbands for yourself and your

party. You can access us by car or on foot.

EARLY BIRD TICKET HOLDERS: If you have an Early Bird ticket, you can access

the campsites from 18:00 on Wednesday, 21st August. Please ensure you come to

the Disabled Access Check-in before you go to your campsite. Please note, we

cannot upgrade any tickets; if you arrive without the correct entry ticket you will

be turned away.

If you do not have a ticket for the Festival we cannot make one available for you

to buy, this event is SOLD OUT!

WEEKEND CAMPING TICKET: If you have a Weekend Camping Ticket, then you

will be able to enter the Disabled Access Campsite from 9am on Thursday 22nd August.

DISABLED ACCESS CHECK IN OPENING TIMES

WEDNESDAY 21st August 16:00 21:00

THURSDAY 22nd August 09:00 21:00

FRIDAY 23rd August 09:00 21:00

SATURDAY 24th August 09:00 21:00

SUNDAY 25th August 09:00 21:00

Please note these times are approximate and subject to Health & Safety checks prior to each

opening. If you arrive before these times, you will not be allowed access until the site is safe to

open

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I AM AN ACCESS CUSTOMER NOT STAYING IN THE

ACCESS CAMPSITE

Please note our facilities cater for people staying in the Disabled Access Campsite. If you are staying in other campsites onsite, unfortunately then these facilities cannot be replicated. If you are staying in the General Campsites of any colour, then please go to the Disabled Access Check-in on arrival, before you go to the campsite. Our team will be able to advise the best campsite to stay in depending on your requirements. If you are staying in the General Campervan Field, head straight to the Campervan area follow the signs on your pass. Tell staff in the wristband exchange you are a Disabled customer collecting your access envelope. If you don’t have an envelope and are expecting one, then please ask staff in the wristband exchange to contact the access team. You must notify the Disabled Access Team if you are staying here. If you are staying in Pink Moon, on arrival head straight to pink moon camping, ask staff in reception for your Access wristbands and PA tickets, tell staff you are a Disabled customer collecting your access envelope. If you don’t have an envelope and are expecting one, then please ask staff in the reception to contact the access team. You must notify the Disabled Access Team if you are staying here. STAFF SHUTTLE BOAT: Access customers and their guests staying in Pink Moon can use the staff shuttle boat, ensure to show security your accessibility wristbands, if you don’t have an accessibility wristband ask staff to contact the access team and we will get one to you.

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IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Ensure to check and plan your journey before setting off to Reading Festival, our

website and APP have lots information about travelling to the Event.

Please note: We do not have an accessible buggy service at Reading Festival.

DISABLED ACCESS PARKING: If you requested a car parking pass or a pick up

and drop off pass, then you should have already received this. Follow the directions

on the back of the pass. The pass was sent out via email so please look for an email

from: noreplycarpass@festivalrepublic.com. Please check all folders as sometimes

they go into junk folders.

Please do not go straight to the campsite. You must collect your wristbands first

from Disabled Access Check-in see map for locations.

ACCESS CAMPSITE CAMPERVAN: Please place your campervan pass in your

vehicle so it is visible. The entrance is also via Richfield Avenue. Please do not go

straight to the campsite. You must collect your wristbands first from Disabled

Access Check-in.

BY TRAIN: Reading Train Station is a 15-20-minute walk from the festival site. The

station has a step free ticket office and platforms can be reached via a lift. The

station has 24-hour staff assistance, accessible toilets and Blue Badge Parking.

Please visit the National Rail website for more information.

BY TAXI: Accessible Taxis are available from Reading Train Station. Please ask

staff for assistance. The main festival taxi pick up drop off point will be at Tessa

Road, a short walk from the Disabled Access Check-in. Queues for taxis leaving site

are often quite long, particularly on Sunday night so please consider booking a

private hire.

SHUTTLE BUS: Shuttles run from Reading Train Station and Reading City Centre.

Please visit our website for more information.

The shuttle drop off point is located very close to the Disabled Access Check-in.

Please refer to the map for the locations, contact us if you have any questions.

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GENERAL CAMPSITE: If you have chosen to stay in one of our General Campsites

then we advise you request a Disabled Access Pick up and Drop off Pass.

If you have chosen to park in the general car parks you must notify the Disabled

Access Team, we can’t pick you up from the general car parks, so you must

make your own way into the Festival.

DISABLED CAMPISTE CUSTOMERS: Here is some helpful information regarding

your stay in the Accessible campsite.

Once you have checked in, you can make your way to our campsite where we have

accessible toilets, accessible showers, a Changing Places Unit and a charging tent

for charging motor scooter chairs and medical equipment. We also have a hot food

trader.

We do ask that where possible, personal assistants, friends and family do not use

the accessible toilets or showers as they have a lower capacity. They will be able to

use the Guest Campsite facilities next door to the Disabled Access Campsite.

You will be able to enter the Arena via Piccadilly Circus.

CAMSPITE MANAGER: Our Campsite Zone Managers will be working 24 hours in

our Campsite they will be the eyes and ears of the campsite. Our managers will be

roaming the Campsite, if you do need to speak to them directly make your way to

the Manager hut, it looks like a garden shed, and is located In-between Access and

Guest campsites.

Please do not hesitate to ask them any questions or for advice on anything you are

unsure of, they are briefed to be helpful. We encourage you to feedback any issues,

good or bad to the Campsite Manager. Always try to note the tabard number of the

person that dealt with you.

CAMSPITE SECURITY: Security are based in the Campsite 24 hours a day. They

are easily identifiable by the coloured, numbered tabards they wear. If you require

any assistance please do not hesitate to ask them, they are fully briefed and are

there to be helpful. Please feed back to the campsite manager any issues good or

bad and try to note the number on their tabard.

CAMPSITE HELPERS: We have campsite helpers known as CATS roaming the

campsite, helping unload luggage and assisting the campsite managers. During

busier arrival times the helpers may be assisting other customers. Please note they

are there to assist the Disabled Access Customers where required, they are not

there to erect tents or carry additional party members luggage or beer! Please be

mindful and respectful of this.

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GAZEBOS & FIRE LANES: Please respect that we do not allow gazebos into the

Access Campsite. Our space is very restricted due to our location and proximity to

the Arena. We want to be able to accommodate as many access customers and

their guests as possible, so please be mindful of the size tent you are bringing.

Please do not camp in access or fire lane, if you do your tent will be moved.

CAMPISTE INFORMATION POINT: Attitude is Everything are back this year,

they work closely with us to improve the D/deaf and disabled people’s access to

live music. They will be running the Information Tent in the Disabled Access

Campsite. Pop in and say hello!

LOCKERS: Campsite lockers with USB charging points can be purchased for £20

from the check-in cabin – ask the team at check in. These will be available on a

first come first serve basis. Please note we do not accept cash and will be card

payment only.

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OTHER REALLY HELPFUL INFORMATION

CHANGING PLACES UNIT: We supply a Changing Places Unit featuring a

changing bed, a toilet, sink and a hoist. Please be aware that access customers

must bring their own sling. This unit is not for sleeping. This is located in the

Disabled Access Campsite. Ask in the Campsite Hub for the radar key.

CHAIRS: As a registered access customer you can bring your own folding chair into

the Arena, we strongly advise you do this as we have limited chairs available on the

platforms, if you would like to bring a chair but don’t want to carry it you can leave

it in the Access information tent in the Access campsite which can be collected at

any time throughout the Festival. If you are staying in a public campsite and try to

bring a chair into the Arena our security will ask to see evidence that you are an

access customer, please show them your wristband or medical letter, if you need a

wristband then please locate the Access Arena Manager, Orange Dave at the

platform.

RIVERMEAD LEISURE CENTRE: The Rivermead Leisure Centre is open to the

public from Thursday at 11:00am they have accessible showering facilities; they

charge £5.50 per customer but will allow the PA of the access customer in for free

to assist the access customer. They will only permit a free pass for the PA when the

Access customer is present.

RED SILENT DISCO: There is an access customer entrance for all those with an

accessible wristband – you enter via the Disabled campsite via the back of the Red

silent disco, there is an accessible toilet within the toilet compound.

MEDICATION: Cold storage for Medication is in our Zone Manager Cabin in the

Disabled/Guest Campsite. Please inform our staff should you require the use of this

facility. If you need to carry medication, then bring a letter or prescription

supporting this as our security teams may question you.

HEARING LOOPS: Hearing loops will be installed at Check-in and at the

Alternative Stage.

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QUEUE LANES: There will be queues at the entrance to the Festival, if you have

difficulty queuing or standing for long periods please ask to speak to a Gate

Manager; our staff will be as understanding and as helpful as possible, don’t forget

they are dealing with thousands of customers but they will assist you the best way

they can. It’s always advisable to bring a copy of your proof of Disability as not all

disabilities are visible.

MEDICAL AND WELFARE: There are medical and welfare facilities in both the

Village and the Arena. The Village facility is operational 24 hours a day. If you

require medical assistance, please alert a member of staff.

HELP MAPS: Worried about something or someone? Fed up? Overloaded? We are

here to help. And no judgement will be made. Help Maps will be located throughout

Reading Festival. If it is an emergency speak to a member of Security and ask for

help.

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ARENA INFORMATION

ARENA OPENING TIMES:

LATE NIGHT ARENA ARENA RED SILENT ARENA

THURSDAY 22ND AUGUST 17:00 - 04:00

FRIDAY 23RD AUGUST 10:00 - 04:00 22:00 - 04:00

SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST 10:00 - 04:00 22:00 - 04:00

SUNDAY 25TH AUGUST 10:00 - 04:00 22:00 - 04:00

ARENA MANAGER – ORANGE DAVE: Orange Dave is his name and he is back

this year ensuring that the Arena is running smoothly. At every viewing platform in

the Arena we will have a team of security and stewards.

If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask them as they are there

to be helpful. Please report back any issues, good or bad, and try to note the

tabard number of the person that dealt with you. We encourage you report any

issues to Dave so he can assist.

If you find yourself in the Arena and don’t have the correct wristbands, then please

make your way to any of the Accessible viewing platforms and speak to Orange

Dave, if he is not around ask the stewards or security to radio him, to be able to

assist you please ensure you have confirmation of what you have applied for and ID.

ACCESSIBLE VIEWING PLATFORMS: We have wheelchair accessible viewing

platforms at all stages (except BBC Introducing). Please refer to the map in this

guide for locations.

Platforms operate on a first come first served basis so when they are full, we will

operate a one in one out policy. Chairs are provided but please be aware we have a

limited amount available so bring your own. You can locate the viewing platform

entrances by looking for the wheelchair symbol signage above all of the ramps.

WHEELCHAIR CHARGING: All platforms have wheelchair charging points. If you

are unable to find them, please ask a member of staff to help.

TOILETS: We have wheelchair accessible toilets at all our platforms. These are for

the use of our access customers only. Personal Assistants should where possible not

use these facilities and find the nearest public toilets.

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SIGNING TENT: We have a wheelchair accessible customer queuing lane. Band

and artist signing is run on a first come first served basis – you are not guaranteed

access.

Signing tent times will be featured on our campsite notice board and on the

Reading App.

LOWERED BARS: We try to implement as many lowered counters into our bars as

possible, you can access the lowered bar by using the exit lanes of the queues.

They are manned by security, remember not all disabilities are visible so you may

need to tell security that you are an access customer. Please lookout for the

wheelchair symbol sign featured above the service point.

SUPERMARKET: Co-op will be the Festival Supermarket. It is wheelchair

accessible. If you require assistance whilst in the store, please ask a staff member.

SEAT OF LUXURY NEAR YELLOW CAMP ON BAKER LANE: Any access

customer with an accessible toilet wristband will be permitted to use the Seat of

Luxury service.

ACTIVATIONS: We have several Activations at Reading Festival, you can find their

locations on the Public map.

Due to the structure, some of the units are not wheelchair accessible. Read below

for further information. If you would like more information, please ask staff.

• Carlsberg Danish Quarter: Wheelchair accessible bar.

• Pepsi Max Tower – Ramp Access to first floor where photo opportunity takes

place, no wheelchair access to rooftop bar or viewing.

• Smirnoff Waterfall - Wheelchair Accessible bar with water feature.

• McNuggets Experience - Wheelchair Accessible experience.

• Vans comfycush stage dive – Ground level Seating area with DJ is wheelchair

accessible, the upper levels are not.

• Contiki Thai Camp – Is ground level so is Wheelchair accessible.

If you require assistance whilst at any of our Activations, then do not hesitate to

ask any member of staff working on them.

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ACCESSIBLE VIEWING PLATFORM TERMS &

CONDITIONS

Platform access is for pre-approved Access customers and their PA who have

applied in advance and have been given a Viewing platform wristband, it is not for

additional party members. If you think you have been given the wrong wristband

then please check this with staff at the check in cabin, they have a record of what

you applied for in advance.

Reading is a sold out show and we have now reached capacity on our Platforms, we

will not be able to upgrade this at the Festival.

Please note the following rules:

• Platforms operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If they become full we

operate a one-in one-out policy.

• Access is subject to our one-plus-one policy.

• PA’s are welcome to use available seating however please vacate if a

customer requires a seat or you are asked to do so by a steward.

• Smoking is not permitted on the platforms, this includes e-cigarettes.

• Platforms have power points for charging electric wheelchairs/medical

equipment only. Please ask staff for details.

• Staff reserve the right to ask customers to leave the platform.

• Use of the platform implies acceptance of these conditions.

STROBE LIGHTING, SPECIAL EFFECTS AND FIREWORKS MAY BE USED IN THE

WEEKEND’S PERFORMANCES.

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TO THE PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Welcome to the festival, we just want to highlight a few points to help you enjoy

your festival experience as a PA/Carer.

Please note, whilst we want you to enjoy your time at Reading, you are there to

assist and accompany the person who chose you as their PA/Carer. Should it

become apparent you are not carrying out this role, we have the right to eject you

from the festival.

What is expected of a PA/Carer:

• It is important you are willing and able to assist and help with the required

needs of the person who chose you as their PA/Carer throughout the festival.

• You need to be available and able to help them in an evacuation or

emergency.

Tips for an enjoyable experience:

• Familiarise yourself with the facilities and campsite staff.

• If you encounter any problems, know you can contact the access team who

will try to find a solution.

• Check the weather beforehand and wear appropriate clothing.

FEEDBACK

We value everyone’s feedback good or bad.

Your feedback helps to highlight areas where we can potentially improve our

procedures, services and facilities.

If you can spare some time once Reading Festival is over, then please feel free to

send any feedback to us at access@readingfestival.co.uk

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BSL INTERPRETERS

There will be BSL Interpreters preparing for the weekend’s performances in the

Information Tent. Pop in if you have any questions. Our schedule will be

communicated via the info tent and the Reading App.

Our interpreters will be based in their information tent next to First aid at Gate M.

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