Music Festivals are growing and growing, not just in size but there are more and more festivals popping up all the time. Some of the issues with music festivals are the lack of accessibility. In the most part, when you go to a festival it is a case of whoever gets there the earliest gets the best viewpoint, crowds are excessive, access to facilities are a nightmare and the list goes on. For those needing access, not all festivals have been that accommodating in terms of viewing platforms, toilet facilities, knowing where first aid is or how to get the help and advice you need when you need it and so on.

British Summer Time have become one of UK’s leading festivals and they take accessibility very seriously. With the tickets being in high demand and Hyde Park being overwhelmingly full, what have they put in place to make matters not just easier but more comfortable and giving more peace of mind.

BST are really focusing on making sure that music is accessible to everyone and hope their new services are another step closer to making it happen!

Below is a festival guide so that people can be a bit prepared ahead of time; The guide gives all details on accessibility and more. You can find information on viewing platforms, disabled entrance, Blue Badge parking, Quiet Place Areas, Accessibility toilets, assistance dogs, travel and more. There is also a downloadable guide below.

EVENT DATES & TIMINGS – 2018 CONCERT DAYS EVENT TIMINGS

The headline act for each concert day will be the final act on The Great Oak Stage. Daily schedules will be made available closer to the event date.

All concerts are standing shows with an evening headline performance

There is no re-admission to concerts after entry

Friday 6th July 2018
ROGER WATERS
Primary Entry: 13:00
Doors open for general admission: 14:00
Last entry: 21:00
Curfew: 22.30

Saturday 7th July 2018
THE CURE
Primary Entry: 12:30
Doors open for general admission: 13:30
Last entry: 21:00
Curfew: 22.30

Sunday 8th July 2018
ERIC CLAPTON
Primary Entry: 12:00
Doors open for general admission: 13:00
Last entry: 21:00
Curfew: 22.30

Friday 13th July 2018
MICHAEL BUBLE
Primary Entry: 13:00
Doors open for general admission: 14:00
Last entry: 21:00
Curfew: 22.30

Saturday 14th July 2018
BRUNO MARS
Primary Entry: 12:00
Doors open for general admission: 13:00
Last entry: 21:00
Curfew: 22.30

Sunday 15th July 2018
PAUL SIMON
Primary Entry: 12:00
Doors open for general admission: 13:00
Last entry: 21:00
Curfew: 22.30

EVENT DATES & TIMINGS – 2018 ‘OPEN HOUSE’ FREE ENTRY & ACTIVITIES

OPEN HOUSE at BST HYDE PARK 2017
In-between two weekends of legendary musical line-ups, Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park’s OPEN HOUSE will return for a marvellous week of free entry to our summer activities. . On offer will be outdoor movie nights, tennis screenings live from Wimbledon, street food stalls from all over the world, pop up bars serving draft & craft beer, wine & cocktails, live music and entertainment and much, much more.
Mon 9th July:
Open: 12:00
Close: 22:00

Tues 10th – Thurs 12th July 2018:
Open: 08:00
Close: 22:00

TICKET TYPES AND PASS COLLECTION

The accessible areas at Barclaycard Presents British Summer Time Hyde Park are open air with very little shade so please bear this in mind when booking.

The following facilities are available only when booked in advance, with valid proof of disability and subject to availability.

Viewing Platform at The Great Oak Stage (Main Stage)
This raised platform is designed for wheelchair users and other impairment groups for whom the Ground Level Viewing area is not suitable; and their PAs if required.

Ticket includes:
• General Admission entry through the main gate or accessible entrance gate
• Access to an extensive range of bars, food traders in the main arena
• Right to use accessible toilets, which are located at every toilet block at the event
• A reserved place on the Viewing Platform at the Great Oak Stage.
On presenting your ticket, a pass providing access to the above will be provided at the Accessible Customer Service Hub located inside the event, on presenting ticket and proof of disability.

Ground Level Viewing Area at The Great Oak Stage (Main Stage)

This is a hard standing, ground level area for customers with disabilities who wish to stand for the event, but need a less crowded area and/or the option of sitting for short periods of time.
There will not be an unrestricted sight line of the stage when seated in this area, as there will be customers in front of the Ground Level Viewing Area who are likely to be standing up.

Ticket includes:
• General Admission entry through the main gate or accessible entrance gate
• Access to an extensive range of bars, food traders in the main arena
• Right to use accessible toilets, which are located at every toilet block at the event
• A reserved place on the Ground Level Viewing Area at the Great Oak Stage.
• Fold up chairs will be provided with priority for the customer with disabilities
• On presenting a ticket, a pass providing access to the above will be provided at the Accessible Customer Service Hub located inside the event, on presenting ticket and proof of disability

Personal Assistant Pass for Viewing Platform / Ground Level Viewing Area (Main Stage)

• This pass is limited to one per paying customer and is provided free of charge at the time of booking event tickets for the two accessible areas listed above.
• The pass is issued at the Accessible Customer Service Hub, located inside the event on presenting the Personal Assistant Ticket.
• The Personal Assistant pass is interchangeable during the event, so if customers come in a group it can be swapped with other members of the party.
In order to accommodate as many fans with access needs as possible at BST Hyde Park, we are unable to sell additional tickets for friends or family to gain entry to our two accessible areas, so please bear this in mind when booking your ticket.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU WISH TO BOOK A FREE PA PASS FOR ANY OTHER TICKET TYPE (SUCH AS GENERAL ADMISSION OR THE VIP SUMMER GARDEN) THIS IS ALWAYS AN OPTION (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY), BUT PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CAN ONLY BE DONE VIA PHONE/EMAIL USING THE BELOW CONTACT DETAILS.

Blue Badge Parking
• Blue Badge Parking ticket is limited to one per paying customer, subject to availability.
• It is provided free of charge at the time of booking event tickets,
• The Blue Badge Parking ticket is valid with presentation of a blue badge, matching Photo ID and event ticket on arrival

BOOKING PROCESS

To book the above accessible ticket types please click on your selected show below:

6th July 2018 – Roger Waters – SOLD OUT
7th July 2018 – The Cure – SOLD OUT
8th July 2018 – Eric Clapton – SOLD OUT
13th July 2018 – Michael Buble
14th July 2018 – Bruno Mars
15th July 2018 – Paul Simon

Please note that if you wish to book a free PA pass for any other ticket type (such as the VIP Summer Garden) this can only be done via phone/email using the below contact details.

As our accessible facilities are limited, and we prioritise them for guests with long term disabilities. Therefore, they are not generally available for those with temporary conditions, such as pregnancy or broken limbs. For any issues around access that arise on the day please go to the dedicated Access Hub for assistance.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF THE ACCESSIBLE AREAS ARE SOLD OUT FOR YOUR CHOSEN SHOW (OR YOU DO NOT REQUIRE THE ACCESSIBLE AREAS) – YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE OPTION OF BOOKING A FREE PA PASS FOR ANY OTHER TICKET TYPE (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY), BUT PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CAN ONLY BE DONE VIA PHONE/EMAIL USING THE BELOW CONTACT DETAILS.

CONTACT US

If you require further assistance with booking tickets or the information required cannot be found on any web pages, please call our dedicated BST phoneline on: 0844 824 0300 (18001 0203 481 55 06 For Typetext). Lines are open Monday – Friday 8:30am – 8pm, Saturday 8:30am – 6pm. Sunday 9am – 6pm. Calls to this number are charged at standard rate of 7 pence per minute plus your operator’s access charge. (Calls are chargeable at a local rate from both UK landlines and mobile phones).

You can also contact us by email on access@bst-hydepark.com, please note that it might take up to 72 hours to response.

If the event is in 3 days or less, please call us on the telephone number above.

VALID PROOF OF DISABILITY & SUBMITTING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS IN ADVANCE

Proof of disability is required to provide you with access to the above booked facilities and /or your PA ticket.

This year we have revised our system to ensure that, once you have booked your tickets, you now have the opportunity to submit your supporting documents in advance of the show.

Please download the Supporting Document Form here for full instructions on how to submit your evidence. You will need your order number to complete this process.

The closing date for submitting evidence in advance is Friday 8th June 2018 (four weeks prior to the first show). If you have not submitted evidence by this date you will be required to show evidence once you reach the event.

The following are recognised as a valid proof of disability:
• Front page of DLA letter (no specific rate required)
• Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required)
• Receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Evidence that registered severely sight impaired (blind)
• CredAbility Access Card – + 1 category requirement
• Recognised Assistance Dog ID card

BLUE BADGE CAR PARKING

Blue Badge Parking – only available when you book your ticket, must be pre-booked, and subject to availability. Only valid with a blue badge and matching Photo ID and booking confirmation. If you arrive without this documentation you may be refused entry to the car parking area. The conditions of use for the Blue Badge Scheme in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Camden (south of Euston Road), differ from parking concessions for disabled motorists in the rest of the country.
Please check the details on the Westminster website or via telephone number 020 7641 6000 before setting off.

SITE DESCRIPTION & LOCATION

Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park takes place on the Parade Ground on the East Side of Hyde Park. The area is predominantly grass, with limited hard standing pathways. In the event of bad weather, mud and puddles are likely. Information about the location of the event in Hyde Park can be found at the royal parks website, as well as further information about the park itself.
All access to the site entrances is along level hard standing paths apart from a gentle gradient from Serpentine Road to the Accessible Entrance.
There are tarmacked paths from the Accessible Entrance all the way to the Viewing Platform / Ground Level Viewing Area, although accessible ticketholders can also choose to enter through the North or South Entrances

Viewing Platform & Ground Level Viewing Area – to – nearest general admission Bar = 130m
Viewing Platform & Ground Level Viewing Area – to – Nearest general admission Food vendors = 200m

PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFO

Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park takes place on the Parade Ground on the East side of Hyde Park. The postcode of the event is W2 2UH. Please refer to the Royal Parks Map.
The central London location of our event means that we are well served by the public transport network and as part of our sustainability plan we urge you to use public transport where possible or even walk. Use TFL’s Journey Planner at http://www.tfl.gov.uk and check which entrance applies for your ticket type closer to the event.
Underground/Main Line Train Stations
Tubes: Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Bond Street, Knightsbridge, Green Park (step-free access), Lancaster Gate Tube & Overground Train: Paddington and Victoria

BUSES

Marble Arch : 26, 7, 10, 16, 23, 30, 36, 73, 74, 82, 94, 98, 137, 148, 159, 159, 274, 390, 414, 436

All TFL buses have level access and are able to accommodate one wheelchair user.

TRAVEL DISTANCES
Lancaster Gate Tube – to – North Carriage Drive Buggy Pick Up / Drop Off: 480m (6min)
Paddington Tube – to – North Carriage Drive Buggy Pick Up / Drop Off: 800m (10min)
North Carriage Drive Buggy Pick Up / Drop Off – to – Accessible Entrance Buggy Pick Up / Drop Off: 800m (10min)
Marble Arch – to – Accessible Entrance: 660m (8min)
Hyde Park Corner Tube – to – Accessible Entrance: 1130m (14min) along level hard standing path
Knightsbridge Tube – to – Accessible Entrance: 970m (12min)
Green Park Tube (step free) – to – Accessible Entrance: 1800m (23min)

ACCESS FACILITIES – GETTING TO THE EVENT

Accessible route video

Buggy Service to the Accessible Entrance
An accessible buggy service for major ticketed events provided by Liberty Drives from the North Carriage Drive Car Park to the Accessible Entrance. There may be a waiting time of up to 30 minutes at the end of the event for this service. The service will begin 1 hour before doors and will continue at the end of the show until all customers have left. For safety reasons the service will be suspended for around 30 minutes while the main egress takes place.

The Accessible Entrance
A dedicated accessible entrance for major ticketed events, this is a priority entrance for those with accessibility tickets only. Please note this is on the West of the site so may be a longer distance to travel depending on where you enter Hyde Park, however this entrance offers a hard standing path along the event perimeter and then inside the event to the Viewing Platform and Ground Level Viewing Area.

Please note that accessibility tickets can also enter via any of the general admission entrances, and there is a 1.2m wide or greater entrance lane at each.

Box offices
A lowered counter for wheelchair users will be available at the box offices. All box offices are located at the south of the site on Serpentine Road next to the Bandstand. Each box office has an induction loop for those who use them.

ACCESS FACILITIES – INSIDE THE EVENT

Access Manager

Our Access Manager will be the main point of contact for all customer access queries and Is based at the dedicated Information Hub, near the entrance to the Accessible facilities. This will be clearly signposted on site and highlighted on the event map. He will also be contactable on radio during the event.

Viewing Platform at The Great Oak Stage (Main Stage)

A reserved place in the Viewing Platform for major ticketed events, subject to availability and only valid with proof of disability. This raised platform is designed for wheelchair users and other impairment groups for whom the Ground Level Standing area is not suitable; and their PAs if required.

Ground Level Viewing Area at The Great Oak Stage (Main Stage)

A reserved place in the Ground Level Viewing Area for major ticketed events, subject to availability and only valid with proof of disability. This is a hard standing area for disabled customers who wish to stand for the event, but need a less crowded area and/or the option of sitting for short periods of time. Please be aware that there will not be an unrestricted sight line of the stage when seated in this area, as seated there will be customers in front of the Ground Level Viewing Area who are likely to be standing up.

Viewing Platform at The Barclaycard Stage

An unreserved place on the Viewing Platform at The Barclaycard stage, subject to availability on the day of the event and only valid with proof of disability.

British Sign Language (BSL) Performance Interpreter

BSL Performance Interpreters are available on request for all acts on the Greak Oak Stage (main stage). If you wish to request this for any concert day please email access@bst-hydepark.com no later than Friday July 1st 2018.

Accessible toilets

Accessible toilets at each of the toilet blocks and at the Viewing Platform/Ground Level Viewing Area. There are a considerable number of wide, cabin styles toilets with hand washing facilities, glass mirrors and the toilets themselves are porcelain with a proper flush. Please note that you will require a radar key to gain access to some of the accessible toilets. Keys will be held by toilet supervisors at the location of each of the accessible toilets, the Accessible Customer Service and the Welfare Tent.

Changing Places Unit

As in previous years, there will be a Changing Places Facility and hoist situated at the sanitation block nearest to the Viewing

Platform/Ground Level Viewing Area.

Charging points for power chairs
These are available at the Viewing Platform
Lowered counters
There will be lowered counters where possible at bars, merchandise stands, and some food outlets. Provisions will be made where lowered counters are not available.
Hearing (Induction) Loops
These are located at one of the Box Office windows and Accessible Customer Services Hub and limited bars locations, they will be identified by a sticker.

Merchandise

Merchandise can be produced in alternative formats within a reasonable time frame. Please email your request to access@bst-hydepark.com.

Quiet space

This is a space that people can use when they need to get away from the crowd for a while. It is located in the Welfare Tent in the North of the site.

Hidden Disabilities

We understand that a hidden disability is not immediately apparent. If you would like support or advice inside BST our Access Manager will be the main point of contact and is based at the dedicated Access Hub, near the entrance to the Accessible facilities. Or please contact us in advance with your questions via access@bst-hydepark.com

A dog spending area for assistance dogs

If you require dog spending area on site please email your request within a reasonable time frame to access@bst-hydepark.com.

Other questions around accessibility?

Please contact us in advance via access@bst-hydepark.com if you have high dependency needs or any other enquiries which are not answered on the website: we will do our best to support your visit.

MEDICATION

Please bring any medication that you would normally take and tell your friends about any allergies that you have. Medication can be safely stored and refrigerated at the event First Aid point at the North of the site if required. Please remember that all medication must be self-administered.

STROBE LIGHTING

Please note that it is likely that most acts performing on the Great Oak stage will use strobe lighting as part of their performance.

You can access the downloadable easy-read version on the below link, under the heading ‘Access Facilities – Inside the Event’: 

https://www.bst-hydepark.com/event-info/faqs/disability-access-faqs

In 2013, BST Hyde Park was proud to be awarded the Silver Level of the Charter of Best Practice by Attitude is Everything, a charity that improves deaf and disabled people’s access to live music. This is the first time a UK event has received the award in its first year. Since then Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park has worked to improve accessibility year upon year.

The latest updates for 2018 come in the form of a more efficient booking system, continuous improvements to the operation of viewing platforms, improvements to BSL (British Sign Language) provision, and newly announced, Ticketing Without Barriers coalition launched by Attitude is Everything to make sure we continue to lead the way.

Revised Booking System
As of 2018, ticket holders have the opportunity to provide their evidence of disability in advance. The advantages of this are that people will not need to bring their private documents with them on the day and it will also enable the festival to build a database of accepted evidence so that they don’t need to resubmit in future years. The closing date for submitting evidence is Friday 8thJune 2018. You can download the Supporting Document Form here

In Attitude is Everything’s State of Access Report 2018 – Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park was one of the listed venues/events that were praised by customers in their Access Booking Servey.

Viewing Platform Improvements
Following customer feedback, the Barclaycard Stage Viewing Platform is now in an improved location and has an improved access route as well as better access to nearby accessible toilets. Roving vendors for drinks service on Main Stage viewing platform will continue after last year’s trialled success.

British Sign Language (BSL)
This year Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park has improved its BSL provision. Taking last year’s feedback on board, they will be improving the visibility and quality of the screen-in-screen display, as well as making the interpreters more visible at the side of stage.

Hearing Impairments
Promoted for 2018 is a Typetext service for those with hearing impairments who wish to contact a member of our customer service team by phone. This can accessed be via our dedicated Typetext number 18001 0203 481 55 06. A text relay assistant will relay the phone conversation between you and the person you’re calling or who is calling you.

Ticketing Without Barriers
AEG Presents are proud to be a founding member of the new Ticketing Without Barriers coalition launched by Attitude is Everything. We pledge to work together on industry-leading solutions to ensure an equal ticketing experience for Deaf and Disabled Audiences. For more information please click HERE.

Festival Director, Jim King says, “We are proud to be the first UK event to receive the Silver Level of the Charter in their first year, and we further this progress by announcing that we are a founding member of the new Ticketing Without Barriers with Attitude is Everything. We hope to continue to make events inclusive to everyone.”

British Summer Time Hyde Park caters for all access requirements. Guests are able to enjoy three accessible viewing areas over two stages and exclusive wandering vendors, all of which can also be enjoyed with a friend or family member with the use of an interchangeable, free Personal Assistant Pass. Expanding upon the ‘Quiet Space’ facility, one of the main objectives for 2018 is to make sure that the festival is inclusive for those with invisible disabilities. British Summer Time Hyde Park are maintaining their award winning accessibility services with their Accessibility route video, Hearing induction Loops, Accessible toilets with hoist and British Sign Language Performance Interpreter for all Great Oak Stage performances when requested.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/0Y7lr_RsvQ0

Tickets and information:
http://www.bst-hydepark.com
facebook.com/BSTHydePark
@BSTHydepark