Wychwood Accessibility at a Glance

• Talk to Our Accessibility Team
• Applying for Accessibility Support
• Planning Your Visit
• Accessible Facilities
• During Your Visit
• Help Around The Festival
• Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Wychwood Festival

We want everyone to feel welcome at Wychwood Festival.

Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another year, we're committed to making the festival as accessible and inclusive as possible for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent visitors, as well as anyone with additional access requirements.

This guide explains the facilities, services and support available to help you plan your visit. If you can't find the information you're looking for, or you're unsure whether Wychwood is the right festival for your needs, our dedicated Accessibility Team is always happy to help.

We know that everyone's access requirements are different, so if you have any questions before booking, please get in touch.

Talk to Our Accessibility Team

Our Accessibility Team is here to answer any questions you may have before booking or attending Wychwood Festival.

Whether you'd like to discuss your individual access requirements or simply check whether a particular facility is available, we're always happy to help.

Email: access@wychwoodfestival.com

Telephone: At this time of year our team work part time so we aren’t able to provide a phone number at the moment. However, if you’d like to request a callback, please email with your telephone number and the topic you’d like to discuss and our team will be in touch.

Applying for Accessibility Support

How to Apply for Access

1. Purchase your festival tickets

   Purchase your Wychwood Festival tickets via our Booking Platform: https://wychwoodfestival.com/buy-tickets.

   Please note: If you are applying for a Personal Assistant (PA) Ticket, do not purchase a ticket for your PA. If your application is approved, their ticket will be issued free of charge.

2. Complete the Access Request Form

   Once you have purchased your ticket, complete our Access Request Form: https://form.jotform.com/261506420485353

   To complete your application, you will need:

   • Your booking reference
   • A digital copy of your supporting evidence

3. Application Review

   Once your application has been submitted, our Access Team will review your request and aim to respond within 5 working days.

   If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email detailing the access provisions that have been allocated to you.

4. Before the Festival

   Approximately two weeks before the festival, we'll send you an Access Information Pack containing everything you need to know before you arrive, including arrival information, accessible facilities, site maps and useful guidance for your visit.

Personal Assistant tickets

If you require support to attend Wychwood Festival, you may be eligible for a free Assistant/Companion ticket.

To apply, simply purchase your own festival ticket first, then complete our Access Application Form and upload the required supporting evidence. If your application is approved, your Assistant/Companion ticket will be issued free of charge.

If you're unsure whether you're eligible, please get in touch - we're always happy to help.

Supporting Evidence

To help us assess your application fairly, we'll ask you to upload one of the following:

• Both sides of your Blue Badge, in date for the festival duration.
• Confirmation letter showing receipt of the mobility component of PIP or DLA dated within the last 12 months.
• Document of registration as severely sight impaired (blind).
• Recognised Assistance Dog ID card
• Valid Access Card
• A letter from a Doctor or Medical Professional outlining your requirement for accessible facilities dated within the past 12 months.

We aim to get back to all enquiries within 3 working days, please bear with us as outside of the festival itself our Access team work part time.

Planning Your Visit

Whether you're joining us for the day or camping for the whole weekend, planning ahead will help you get the most out of your visit. Below you'll find everything you need to know about travelling to Wychwood, arriving on site and understanding the layout of the festival.

Travelling to Wychwood

By Car:

Cheltenham Racecourse is easily accessible from Junctions 10, 11 and 11a of the M5. If travelling from the north, you can also leave at Junction 9 and follow the A435 south.

Sat Nav postcode: GL50 4SH

By Train:

Cheltenham Spa is the nearest railway station, with direct services from London, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

From the station you can continue your journey by bus or taxi.

By Bus:

Regular bus services operate between Cheltenham Spa Station, Cheltenham town centre and Cheltenham Racecourse throughout the day.

By Coach:

National Express provides coach services to Cheltenham from many major UK cities.

By Taxi:

Taxis are available from Cheltenham town centre and Cheltenham Spa Station.

If you require vehicle access closer to the festival entrance due to your access requirements, please let us know when completing your Access Application so we can arrange a Taxi Access Pass where appropriate.

Arriving at the Festival

Our stewards and clear event signage will help guide you from the car park or drop-off point to the Box Office, campsites and Festival Village.

Please have your tickets ready when you arrive.

If at any point you're unsure where to go, simply speak to one of our stewards who will be happy to help.

Wristband Collection

All festival wristbands are collected from the Box Office.

Once you've collected your wristband you'll be able to access the festival and, where applicable, the Accessible Campsite.

If you experience any issues with your wristband during the weekend, please return to the Box Office where a member of the team will be happy to assist.

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking is available for visitors who require it and is located next to the Accessible Campsite and close to the festival entrance.

To reserve an accessible parking space, simply upload a copy of your valid Blue Badge when completing your Access Application.

Accessible Campsite

The Accessible Campsite is approximately 100 metres from the Festival Arena, making it the closest campsite to the main arena.

Accessible parking is located immediately adjacent to the campsite, helping to minimise walking distances when arriving and departing.

The campsite includes:

• Accessible toilets
• Standard toilets
• Accessible showers
• Standard showers
• Mobiloo Changing Places facility

Please remember that accessible camping is only available to customers who have purchased an Accessible Weekend Camping Ticket.

Site Layout & Walking Distances

Wychwood Festival takes place on the grassy grounds of Cheltenham Racecourse.

The site is generally flat, although there are some gentle slopes, uneven ground and natural divots that are typical of an outdoor event. Gravel roads connect the car parks and campsites but these are suitable for pedestrians.

From the Accessible Car Park, the maximum walking distance to the furthest point within the festival is approximately 270 metres.

For visitors parking in the main public car park, the distance to the Main Stage is approximately 1.1 kilometres.

The Festival Arena contains:

• Three music stages
• Seven workshop and activity areas
• Food and drink traders
• Accessible toilets
• Medical facilities
• Welfare services
• Mobiloo Changing Facility
• Viewing Platform
• Sensory Calm Space

Weather & Ground Conditions

As with all outdoor festivals, weather conditions can affect the terrain.

During periods of wet weather, some areas of the site may become muddy or slippery. In dry weather, surfaces may become dusty.

We recommend wearing suitable footwear and allowing extra time to move around the site if weather conditions are challenging. For wheelchair users, we also recommend rough terrain tires wherever possible.

If you're unsure whether the conditions may affect your visit, please don't hesitate to contact our Accessibility Team before travelling.

Accessible Facilities

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilet facilities are available throughout the festival site, including within the Accessible Campsite. At least one accessible toilet is provided within every toilet block.

Please note that toilet cubicles do not have running water inside them, however handwashing facilities are available immediately outside each toilet block.

Mobiloo Changing Places Facilities

We're proud to provide two Mobiloo Changing Places facilities at Wychwood Festival.

You'll find one located within the Accessible Campsite and the second beside the Main Stage Viewing Platform, ensuring they're available wherever you're enjoying the festival.

Each Mobiloo includes:

• Full ceiling track hoist
• Adult-sized changing bench
• Accessible toilet
• Shower and wash-down facilities
• Accessible sink
• Grab rails
• Mirrors
• RADAR key access

These facilities are designed for visitors who require additional space or specialist equipment when using the toilet.

Main Stage Viewing Platform

A raised accessible viewing platform is available at the Main Stage, offering improved sightlines for visitors who require it.

The platform is stewarded throughout performances and an accessible toilet is located approximately 20 metres away.

Sensory Calm Space

Festivals can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we've created a dedicated Sensory Calm Space where children and young people can take a break from the busy festival environment.

The space provides:

• A quieter environment
• Sensory toys and resources
• Space to decompress
• Friendly volunteers

The Sensory Calm Space is open daily from 10:00am - 8:00pm.

Children and young people must be accompanied by a parent or carer at all times.

This space is delivered in partnership with Active Impact and the Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum.

Medical Fridge

If you need to store medication that requires refrigeration, we may be able to provide access to a medical fridge. As availability is limited, please contact the Access Team in advance to request this facility.

Wheelchair Charging

We can provide access to a wheelchair charging point on request, subject to availability. Please contact the Access Team in advance if you require access during the festival.

During Your Visit

Once you've arrived, our aim is to help you relax and enjoy everything Wychwood Festival has to offer. Throughout the weekend you'll find a range of accessible facilities, dedicated support and friendly stewards on hand should you need any assistance.

If you ever have a question or need help during the festival, please speak to one of our stewards or visit the Box Office. Our team will always do their best to support you.

An Access Site Map will be available closer to the festival.

Help Around the Festival

Need Help During the Festival?

If you need assistance at any point during the weekend, please don't worry about finding the “right” person. Speak to any steward, who will either help you directly or put you in touch with the appropriate member of the team.

Steward Support

Our stewards are here to help.

Whether you need directions, assistance getting around the site, or support because you're feeling unwell or unsafe, please don't hesitate to approach a steward at any time.

They'll be easy to spot in brightly coloured tabards and will either help directly or connect you with the appropriate member of the team.

Medical & Welfare Support

Our First Aid and Medical Team are available throughout the weekend. During the day, please visit the First Aid Area, located beside the Merchandise Stand.

If you require assistance overnight, simply speak to any steward who will help you access the appropriate support.

If you have specific medical requirements that you'd like to discuss before the festival, please contact the Accessibility Team before your visit.

Food & Dietary Requirements

If you have a disability-related dietary requirement, such as ARFID or another medically recognised restricted diet, please contact us before the festival.

We'll always do our best to discuss reasonable adjustments that allow you to bring essential food items.

Please note that all bags remain subject to security searches and this arrangement only applies where food is required due to a disability or medical condition.

Assistance Dogs

Recognised Assistance Dogs are welcome throughout Wychwood Festival.

When completing your Access Application, please let us know if you'll be attending with an Assistance Dog so we can ensure we're aware before your arrival.

Lighting Effects

Please be aware that strobe lighting may be used at any time during performances across the festival weekend.

If this is likely to affect you, we recommend planning ahead and speaking to our team if you'd like advice before attending.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've answered some of the questions we're asked most often below. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch with our Accessibility Team and we'll be happy to help.

Website Accessibility

The Wychwood Festival website has been built in accordance with the guidelines and best practices from the following authorities on Web accessibility standards:

• Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

The website is designed to be as inclusive as is possible and as a user you should be able to:

• Zoom in without problems
• Navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
• Navigate most of the website using speech recognition software

Tribe Festivals understands and follows technical standards with the aim of attaining a testable success criteria as defined by WCAG 2.0 to level A, if not level AA for each individual page in this website.