We want everyone to enjoy Birmingham Weekender. At the festival we will have the following…

• Access hosts wearing yellow T-Shirts.
• British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters and Audio Description on selected performances.
• Relaxed sessions on selected events.
• An internal access hub with a chill out space.
• Access packs including ear defenders/plugs colour therapy glasses and fidget toys.
• Accessible viewpoints.
• Pre-visit information on the website including easy read information and Audio and BSL introductions to the festival and our access and inclusion provision.
• We will be providing large print and braille information at the festival in our access hubs.

Festival Locations

Below are all the names of the festival locations with what3words labels.

Chaophraya Square ///plant.drops.elder

Lower Mall West ///drums.quit.minus

Rotunda Square ///wrong.festivity.flag

St Martin’s Square ///pots.shift.jazz

New Steet Station, Concourse ///arrive.timing.itself

New Steet Station, 1000 Trades Square ///hunter.works.stale

Edbgaston Street ///mock.windy.allow

Our interactive map is available here

Accessible Performances

Audio Described (AD)

Selected performances at Birmingham Weekender will include Audio Description. Audio-Description for performance is live verbal commentary on the visual elements of a performance as it unfolds.

Please click here to view our Audio Described performances at Birmingham Weekender.

British Sign Language Interpretation (BSL)

BSL a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expression and body language.

There will be selected performances a Birmingham Weekender that include BSL.

Please click here to view our BSL performances at Birmingham Weekender.

Relaxed Sessions (REL)

We will have selected Relaxed Sessions for some of our performances at Birmingham Weekender. These will include lower capacity and more staff on hand to support your experience.

Please click here to view our Relaxed Sessions at Birmingham Weekender.

Accessible Viewpoints (AVP)

Across the festival there will be Accessible Viewpoints on selected performances. These Accessible Viewpoints will be signposted and looked after by access hosts. These spaces are designed for wheelchair users, people who require seating to watch the performance and those who might want to be in a quieter area to watch the performances. Look out for our Access Hosts in yellow T-Shirts and yellow signage.

Bullring – Lower Mall West – on the ground floor of Bullring and middle level outside HMV and Boots.

Rotunda Square – A corded off area will be built near the Bull.

New Street Station – Concourse – Look out for our access hosts who can support you in finding a space to watch the action.

Accessible Treasure Hunt

We have created an accessible treasure hunt for anyone to join in with.

This treasure hunt will follow a step free route across the festival sites; you can cross things off as you see them and pick up some prizes on the way!

Please pick up a map and treasure hunt card from our Access Hub or Access and Info Points.

Access Hubs and Chillout Zones

Access Hub – Rotunda Square (next to the Next Store) (Sat 23 – Mon 25 Aug. 12pm-6pm)

An internal space near the East entrance to Bullring where you can…

• Meet our access hosts.
• Find out about the programme and plan your day.
• Borrow access packs which include ear defenders/plugs colour therapy glasses and fidget toys.
• Have some water or fill up your water bottle.
• Take a break in our chill out zone.
• Take part in Relaxed Sessions.
• Pick up a treasure hunt card.
• There will also be mindful crafts throughout the day.

Access & Info Point – Edgbaston Street/1000 trades square (Sat 23 – Mon 25 Aug, 12pm-6pm)

A yellow gazebo in two locations where you can…

• Meet our access hosts and volunteers.
• Find out about the programme and pick up a brochure.
• Borrow access packs which include ear defenders/plugs colour therapy glasses and fidget toys.
• Take a seat and have some water or fill up your water bottle.
• Borrow a radar key for the accessible toilets in Bullring.
• Borrow a water bowl for assistance animals.
• Pick up a treasure hunt card.

Access Hosts

We will have a team of Access Hosts to support your visit to the festival. They will be based at Access Hubs and our Accessible and Relaxed performances. They will be wearing yellow T-Shirts.

Transport/Parking

Drop off points:

Ladywell Walk

• Close to events on Edgbaston Street.

Edgbaston Street

• Close to events on Edgbaston Street, St. Martins Square, Choapraya Square, Central Street and The Bullring.

Smallbrook Queensway

• Close to events on 1000 Trades Square, in New Street station, in The Bullring and on Rotunda Square.

Car parks:

Arcadian Car Park

• Height = 2.05m
• Disabled bays available
• Lift and level access

Chinatown Car Park

• Height = 2.00m
• Disabled bays available

Edgbaston Street Car Park

• Height = 2.15m
• Disabled bays available

NCP City Centre Hill Street

• Height = No restriction
• Disabled bay available

Moor Street Car Park

• Height = 2.25m
• Disabled bays available

New Street Car Park

• Height = 1.87m
• Disabled bays available

Toilets

Changing Places

Bullring and Grand Central

• Upper level East Mall, left and right transfer.
• Please visit the AccesAble website to find out more.

New Street Station

• Located in the Blue Lounge which is approximately 80m from the St. Martin’s Queensway entrance.
• Please visit the AccesAble website to find out more.

Accessible Toilets

Bullring and Grand Central

• There are accessible toilets across the bullring.
• Close to events on Edgbaston Street, St. Martins Square, Choapraya Square, Central Street, Rotunda Square and in The Bullring.
• Please visit the AccessAble website to find out more.

New Street Station

• There are accessible toilets in the red, yellow and blue lounge at New Street station.
• Close to events in New Street station, in The Bullring and on Rotunda Square.
• Please visit the AccessAble website to find out more.

Multi-Faith Spaces

New Street Station

• This is located in the Blue Lounge, next to baggage reclaim.

First Aid

• There will be St. Johns ambulance staff on site throughout the festival.
• Please ask a member of staff if you need a private space to administer medication or change clothes.