Disability Access
Bestival is committed to make the event as accessible as possible and great efforts have been made to achieve this where reasonable. However, Bestival is an outdoor event in a Country Park and on farm land that is predominantly positioned at the bottom of a valley between two hills that rise fairly steeply, and as such it will present challenges for wheelchair users and those with serious mobility issues. However, with a little help here and there it is manageable and we provide free tickets for carers to this end.
Please read the following information carefully and then complete our online application form (link below) to apply for a free carers ticket and your disabled pass.
Getting Around
Electric wheelchairs can tackle most areas without too much hindrance but the ground can be quite uneven in places and is predominantly on grass. If it rains it may get muddy and access around the site (other than on the tarmac paths) will be very difficult. The terrain is predominantly short grass with firm soil so movement around the main arena and other stages is possible for fit wheelchair users in good weather. The festival is spread out over quite a distance though, so movement from one end to the other can require quite a bit of effort. The stages and stalls are predominantly positioned relatively close to one another, however, so movement throughout the day and evening is not overwhelming although energy will soon be used up if many trips backwards and forwards are made.
Camping
Camping facilities are spread over a significant area of the adjacent farm land and everyone is free to choose where they camp. However, careful consideration should be given to your choice of camping area. The distance to and from the main camping areas can be great and the fields are bumpy in places. Some areas may be suitable for you in dry weather but most will not in wet weather.
The Disabled Camping Area is positioned near to the main Robin Hill entrance and is in the most logical place for anyone with mobility issues. This is because there are tarmac paths that lead from it into various parts of the festival and because you will be able to park your car here (if you have a blue badge). It is about 5 minutes from here to the main arena but it should be noted that this journey will be downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back. Make sure your carer is with you at all times to assist you with this.
NB: Your friends can camp with you in the disabled camping area but this must be arranged when registering for your carers ticket.
Parking
Vehicles with a blue badge (or similar) can park in the disabled camping area. Friends will have to park in the main car park, however.
Facilities
- Charging points for electric wheelchairs are available upon request.
- Certain medical support is available from the on site medical centre but any specific medical needs should be discussed before purchasing a ticket.
- Accessible lavatories will be positioned at various places around the festival and we aim to protect them from public use.
- Viewing platform positioned near the main stage.
- Stewards will be on hand to help with any issues that may arise during the weekend
Tickets Information
You will need to buy a ticket for yourself from the usual outlets. Please then click the link below to go to our new online application form where you can apply for a free carers ticket and your disabled pass. Please provide as much information as possible.
Bestival 2008 Disabled Pass Application Form
You will need to provide:
1. A description of your disability
2. The name of your carer/helper that will be with you
3. How many would be in your group
4. Date and time of arrival
5. Vehicle registration and make
6. Please bring your blue badge or a copy of your most recent letter of entitlement to Disability Living Allowance (or similar) when you collect your carer's ticket on arrival at the event.
Further information and your vehicle pass will be posted to you approximately 1-2 weeks before the event.
If you have any pressing questions that are not answered here, please email production@bestival.net