Bludfest 2025 Accessibility Information

An Easy Read guide is available to download HERE.

A Large Print version is available to download HERE.

You can chat with other accessible Bludfest goers on Discord HERE.

The accessible site map will be available to view in due course.

At Bludfest, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all festival-goers. Ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festival is at the heart of what we do, and we strive to make Bludfest 2025 as accessible as possible for d/Deaf, Disabled, and neurodivergent attendees. We have made significant improvements for 2025, and we continue to work with accessibility experts and organisations to ensure that our facilities meet the highest standards.

A new email address for accessibility enquiries has been set up for this year's festival. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding accessibility, please feel free to contact us at accessibility@bludfest.org.

Please read all the information below carefully so that you are fully informed about the accessible applications process and accessible facilities at Bludfest in 2025. Additional information will be provided in due course.

Accessible Facilities Application Process

We offer a range of accessible facilities to ensure your festival experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

If you wish to use the accessible facilities, you must complete our Accessibility Application Form. More information can be found below.

Access Card Scheme

We have partnered with Nimbus Disability and are introducing the Access Card Scheme as the method of providing supporting evidence when applying for accessible facilities at Bludfest 2025. This will allow us to fully understand all your access requirements and validate access to facilities such as the Viewing Platforms and Ground Floor Viewing Areas.

If you don't have an Access Card, no problem – you can apply for a FREE Bludfest Digital Access Pass (DAP) HERE. Nimbus will process your DAP application quickly and you can apply before tickets go on sale.

The DAP works in the same way as the Access Card, but is purely digital and you will only be able to use it at Bludfest. It will last for 3 years, so you're good to go for the future too!

You can still decide to upgrade to the full Access Card to be able to use this at live music venues, events, and tourist attractions across the UK and beyond!

For help and support applying for your Access Card or DAP, please visit the Access Card Support Page

Applying for Accessible Facilities at Bludfest 2025

If you wish to use the accessible facilities, you will need to follow these steps:

Please note that submitting the form does not automatically guarantee allocation to all the accessible facilities. We will ask for you to explain what you need and we will use this in conjunction with your Access Card or DAP to make a decision on which accessible facilities to allocate to you.

If you have any concerns about eligibility, contact us before purchasing your ticket at accessibility@bludfest.org.

Note: Accessible facilities are not intended for individuals with temporary conditions such as broken bones, healing wounds, or pregnancy. However, accessible viewing areas may be available for these groups on the day, depending on capacity.

Essential Companion Ticket Policy

• Festival-goers who require the support of an Essential Companion (+1) to attend the festival can request an additional festival ticket at no extra cost via the Accessibility Application Form.
• This scheme is specifically for those who would be unable to attend the festival without the assistance of an Essential Companion (+1).
• Please ensure you have purchased your own festival ticket first, via AXS. Then, request an Essential Companion ticket via the Accessibility Application Form.

Important Details:

• Essential Companion tickets are issued on the understanding that the Essential Companion is willing and able to assist the access customer with the Accessible Facilities Application Process (if needed) and provide support throughout the festival.
• Essential Companions must arrive and leave the festival with the access customer they are supporting. They must also be capable of assisting during an evacuation or emergency if required.
• The Essential Companion ticket scheme is only available alongside a full paying ticket holder. Please purchase your own ticket via AXS.

Additional Notes:

• Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Therefore they are only eligible for an Essential Companion ticket if they require more than one Essential Companion to attend.
• Essential Companions should be over 18 unless otherwise approved by the Accessibility Team.
• Essential Companion tickets are provided free of charge. Please do not purchase a ticket for your Essential Companion, as it cannot be refunded.
• If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact the Accessibility Team.

Transport and Parking

The nearest railway station is Milton Keynes Central. The station has step-free access.

The nearest bus stops are Kelvin Drive (Buses 8, 8A, 606) which is 800m away, and Elfield Park Roundabout West (Buses 4, 604) which is 950m away.

Please note that parking is not included with your festival ticket. All parking, including accessible parking, must be purchased separately through the following link: BOOK YOUR PARKING

All parking is located on grass. However, wheelchair access mats will be provided in the accessible car park to assist with navigation where needed.

There will be an accessible drop-off point at the accessible car park. You do not need to purchase accessible parking in order to use the accessible drop-off point.

An accessible buggy service for those requiring it will operate to transport customers to and from the accessible car park to the dedicated accessible event entrance. This service will begin when gates to the main arena are opened and will continue at the end of the show until all customers have left.

Level and Physical Access

The main stage area is in a grass bowl, therefore if we do have inclement weather there could be a few areas around the site not suited for wheelchairs. The rest of the site is on tarmac, concrete, gravel or trackway.

Walking distances across the site and more detail about the terrain will be provided in due course. We are working hard to make the site more accessible for 2025 and will provide more detail in the coming months.

Entrance and Accreditation

We have a dedicated accessible entrance. This entrance can be found at Gate One and will be clearly signposted.

To assist you in finding the exact location of this gate, we have provided a what3words link: welcome.rural.activism

There will be some accessible toilets at this entrance. There is also seating available in the queue for those who need it. If you have additional needs, please inform us on the Accessibility Application Form.

There will be a mobile hearing / induction loop at the accessible entrance.

Bludfest Accessible Hub

New for 2025!

We're introducing the Bludfest Accessible Hub, a dedicated area designed to provide additional support and information for guests with access needs.

The Accessible Hub will be centrally located and staffed by trained accessibility coordinators to assist with any on-site needs, provide guidance on services, and offer a quiet space to recharge. From here, you can access information on additional facilities, rest between performances, or receive assistance navigating the festival grounds. There will also be charging facilities available here.

Please apply to use this space on the Accessibility Application Form.

Accessible Viewing Platforms

In 2025 there will be an accessible viewing platform at the main stage and at the second stage.

These raised platforms are solely for festival goers that need to be seated to be able to watch the performances, plus one accompanying person. You will require a "Viewing Platform" lanyard symbol in addition to an accessible wristband to use these spaces. Please apply for access to the Viewing Platforms on the Accessibility Application Form.

The viewing platforms will get very busy so they can be overwhelming for people who find crowded spaces difficult.

• Chairs will be provided at the viewing platforms for those who need them. The chairs are without arms.
• The viewing platforms will have stewards checking wristbands and ensuring customers are using the space safely.
• Wheelchair accessible toilets will be available at the viewing platforms.
• There will be a charging point available on the viewing platforms.
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted on the viewing platforms.
• Anyone found to be misusing the viewing platforms or behaving in an unacceptable manner will be asked to leave the platform.

Ground Floor Viewing Area

There will also be a ground level designated viewing area at the main stage (in front of the viewing platform). This area is suitable for festival goers who may find crowds overwhelming, or may otherwise need to be separate from the general standing area, plus one accompanying person.

You will require a "Ground Floor Viewing Area" lanyard symbol in addition to an accessible wristband to use the Ground Floor Viewing Area. Please apply for access to this area on the Accessibility Application Form.

• Chairs will be provided at the viewing area for those who need them. The chairs are without arms.
• Camping chairs are permitted in this area for those who need them. Please do not leave any items unattended as these will be removed.
• The viewing area will have stewards checking wristbands and ensuring customers are using the space safely.
• Anyone found to be misusing the viewing area or behaving in an unacceptable manner will be asked to leave the area.

Seating

Camping chairs are permitted but stewards will move any customers with camping chairs in crowded and unsafe areas. If camping chairs are left unattended, they will be removed by our stewards.

Camping chairs are not permitted in any of the tented structures within the arena. Camping chairs are not permitted on the accessible walkways - these walkways must be kept clear at all times.

Seat sticks and all other mobility aids are permitted. You do not need to apply to bring these.

Accessible Toilets

There are accessible toilets located in every toilet block at the festival.

There will also be accessible toilets located at the accessible viewing platforms.

There will be one accessible toilet located in the Guest area.

This year, all accessible toilets will be locked with RADAR padlocks. This is to ensure the facilities are protected for those who need them. Please bring your RADAR key with you to the festival if you have one.

We will have a small number of RADAR keys available on site for you to purchase if you need them. Please request this on the Accessibility Application Form.

There will be a toilet queue jumping option available for those with the WC symbol on their Access Card or Bludfest Digital Access Pass. This is specifically for people with continence issues. You must apply for this on the Accessibility Application Form.

There will also be a Changing Places Unit available at the Accessible Hub.

All accessible toilets are gender neutral.

Food and Drink

The main bars have lowered bar counters. The majority of food and drink options will be available on hard-standing ground, with a select few located on grass or gravel. We are working hard to improve the accessibility to vendors for 2025 and will provide more detail in the coming months.

We aim to cater for a wide range of dietary requirements and allergies and these should be clear on the individual vendors' stalls. Free water points are located across the festival.

If you have medical reasons for having your own food and/or beverage on you, you are permitted to bring in only enough food/beverages for your personal consumption. Please inform security at the gate of this provision upon arrival and be aware this may be subject to additional searches.

Medical and Welfare Support

We have a dedicated medical team onsite, including trained First Aiders, to assist with any medical needs. A welfare area will also be available for anyone needing support during the festival.

Medication storage: Medication can be safely stored and refrigerated at the medical tent on-site if required. Medications requiring injection must be stored in the medical tent. Please remember that all medication must be self-administered. Please inform us via the Accessibility Application Form and we can help you with your individual requirements.

Please bring any medication that you would normally take, but no more than you would personally expect to take over the duration of the Event. All medication must be clearly labelled as prescribed and the name on the prescription label must match that of the ticket holder.

For any emergencies, approach the nearest security personnel or visit the medical tent. Trained medical staff are available to assist you at all times.

There will be strobe lighting during some performances. There is also likely to be pyrotechnics during some performances.

Deaf / hard of hearing attendees

We offer BSL interpretation for performances upon request. To ensure interpreters are available, please request this via the Accessibility Application Form at least three months before the event. Our Accessibility Team will work to accommodate your needs.

There will be a mobile hearing / induction loop at the Accessible Entrance.

Assistance Dogs

We welcome Assistance Dogs at Bludfest.

It is important to note that this is a large-scale event with very busy and crowded areas into and out of the arena. We ask that, in the interest of the safety of both your animal and other guests, that only Assistance Dogs trained to safely navigate this kind of environment are brought into the show.

Please inform us if you are bringing your Assistance Dog on the Accessibility Application Form. This will help ensure smooth entry into the festival.

You will also have access to a free Essential Companion ticket to assist with navigating the show - please let us know if you require this on the Accessibility Application Form.

There will be an area for toileting and hydration at the Accessible Hub.

Contact Us

For any additional information or if you require the Accessibility Application Form in an alternative format, please contact us at accessibility@bludfest.org.

We are dedicated to making Bludfest 2025 an unforgettable experience for everyone and are continuously reviewing our accessibility services to improve the festival for all.

Let's make it a safe, fun, and inclusive event for all our attendees!