We want to make sure everyone can enjoy B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival so have put in place the following initiatives to make the festival as accessible as possible.
Access Hubs
At our Access Hubs, you can borrow ear defenders, fidget toys, audio description headsets and find out more. You can find the locations of our Access Hubs on the map and they will be signposted on the day.
We will have an increased number of staff on the day, so look out for staff wearing green B-SIDE t-shirts and access lanyards, who will be happy to help!
Accessible viewing points and chill out zones are available across the festival.
Relaxed Tours
On Saturday, our relaxed tour will take place as soon as the festival starts so it will be a bit quieter, and we will have dedicated staff on hand to guide you around the experiences. You can arrive from 11am-1pm for a relaxed tour where we will be exploring the Block Party on Thorp Street and the Afroflux Fluxcon Expo and marketplace.
Audio Described and BSL Experiences
Our Audio Described and BSL Experience will be taking place on the Saturday afternoon. Please meet at the Access Hub at the Thorp Street entrance at 1pm. We will then take you through the Afroflux Fluxcon Expo inside the Hippodrome, walk through Thorp Street where we will explore the 50 Years of Hip-Hop Block Party, and then finally moving on to Hippodrome Square for the All Styles and Waacking Qualifiers where there will be a dedicated viewing area for Audio Description and BSL users.
On Sunday, the B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival Dance Championship Finals will be taking place from 2.30-6pm on the Level -1 of the Bullring & Grand Central. The finals will be both Audio Described and BSL interpreted.
Chill out zones
When at the Hippodrome, we offer some comfy and cosy chill out zones, these will be set up with bean bags, low lighting and additional activities for anyone who may just find it all a little too much and need some time out. Please ask any of our staff to guide you to these areas.
Visual Story
Getting Here
Click here for lots of useful information on parking, roadworks, and more. If you are coming in a group with a coach, we suggest to drop off on Inge Street.
If you would like to make use of any of these, please email access@birminghamhippodrome.com or on the day, just ask a member of staff.
Photography
Please talk to a member of staff on arrival if you prefer not to be photographed or filmed as we like to use these images in our print and online.
If you require any further information or have any specific questions, please get in touch with Charlotte Boyer who will be happy to help. Just email CharlotteBoyer@birminghamhippodrome.com.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!