Welcome to HebCelt Festival. 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 help you have the best weekend possible.

If you still have questions after reading these notes, please get in touch.  You can also give us feedback or suggestions to help improve facilities for future years, we are always happy to take suggestions.

Site Layout and Ground Conditions

Like many festivals; our main arena is a green field site. There are some paths, and trackway is used to give you smoother access to the viewing area within the mainstage. The site can be challenging to move around for wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties, especially in wet weather. Please take this into consideration when deciding on what equipment to bring with you.

You can access the accessible viewing platform within the mainstage (see below) and wheelchair accessible toilet without crossing grassy ground. We have assistants on hand at both viewing areas (mainstage and islands stage) who will do their best to help you, and will try to arrange someone to accompany you between stages if you are on your own.

Toilets

Chemical toilet units, designed for access for wheelchair users, are provided near to the viewing entrance areas as described below. These are reserved for festival goers with access needs, so there is seldom a queue. 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. Town venues and community halls used are similarly accessible, with appropriate toilet facilities.

Use of lighting

Flicker, laser, strobe and other lighting effects may be in use at the various stages and other venues dependant on the show.

Personal Assistant Ticket Scheme

In our commitment to make the Festival main arena accessible for everyone, we will provide ticket holders who are in receipt of disability benefits with one free ticket for a personal assistant. Benefits include Disability Living Allowance at medium or higher rate, Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payments. We will ask you to show us your letter confirming benefit when you collect your tickets.

To get the free carer ticket, book tickets for your party but DO NOT BOOK THE CARER. On receiving your ticket confirmation send an email to office headed ‘Personal Carer’ and ask us to add a carer to your booking. Do this AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE CONFIRMATION and we’ll take care of the rest. When collecting your tickets you should present a copy of your most recent entitlement letter from the Department of Work and Pensions.

Viewing Areas (VA)

There are viewing platforms in the mainstage tent (a raised platform) and in the Islands Stage tent (a gated off area with hard standing). These provide raised viewing and no-crush areas for your comfort. The mainstage viewing platform can be cold, as it is beside the accessible entrance. Please bring extra clothing and/or lap blankets if this is likely to trouble you.

For best view, you need to arrive early in the programme. Those arriving later will probably have to sit behind others. If your friend or carer is able to see from further back, or to stand during the concert, please be aware that priority is for seating at the front for other disabled people.

The Viewing Platform in the mainstage is in heavy demand and must be pre-booked. We cannot guarantee access to the platform if you have not pre-registered.  We understand not everyone wishes to use these facilities but it can make your experience better.  

Reserved viewing areas are solely for the use of disabled ticket-holders with one companion, subject to above conditions, and are free of charge. If required, once you have secured your tickets, email the office with your booking reference requesting VA access. We will add this booking to your ticket purchase.

Vehicle access and parking

Full details on vehicle access to viewing areas and onsite car parking arrangements for those with accessibility needs will be provided closer to the festival. Parking can be provided, though this is very limited and will need to be pre-booked. There will be better access for those who arrive as passengers and can be dropped off. Please be aware that vehicle curfews will be in operation at certain times when pedestrian footfall is at its peak (2300 - 0030).

Keep us up to date

We do review accessibility and the experience we provide all festival goers annually. If you have individual queries please contact us. If need be we can arrange for someone to call you to run through these details. You can also give us feedback or suggestions to help improve facilities for future. Some responses may need additional research time.  Please be aware we are unable to manage multiple methods of communication across social media. Contacting this email address is the best method of getting to the right person to help.