Accessible Bourne Free.

Viewing, BSL and step-free routes

The organiser’s 2026 festival FAQ said an accessible entrance would be available and volunteers could help. Its 2026 updates also announced BSL interpreters, additional shade and seating. These were arrangements for that edition. Ask which stages and sessions will be interpreted at the next event, and how to reach the appropriate viewing position.

Meyrick Park is an outdoor venue. The council gives permanent access from Braidley Road and Central Drive to the south, or Meyrick Park Crescent to the north. That does not establish the surface through a temporary festival gate. Request the route from drop-off to entry, toilets and the stage, including any grass, gradient or trackway.

A reserved viewing platform, full BSL schedule, companion-ticket application and managed quiet-space plan were not confirmed in the available material. Ask about those requirements before buying tickets or transport that depends on them. Explain which part of the weekend you want to attend and whether you need seating throughout your visit.

Carers and personal assistants

Friday and Saturday festival admission was ticketed in 2026, while Sunday’s family day was free with a free ticket requested. Do not assume a paid admission category automatically includes a companion. Contact Bourne Free before booking to ask about personal-assistant admission and how any agreed arrangement is recorded.

Ask whether you and your companion can remain together at entry and in any managed viewing area. Request the next application process and response time if the organiser offers one. Describe the practical support you need, such as space beside a wheelchair or help moving between areas. Send evidence only after the team explains any requirement.

Accessible toilets and Changing Places

BCP Council lists a Changing Places toilet in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, postcode BH1 2AQ. Its published summer opening hours are 7:30am to 5:30pm. This is a town facility, rather than a confirmed toilet inside the festival perimeter, and its hours do not cover an entire evening event.

Confirm opening, key requirements and the route before relying on it. Ask the organiser about temporary accessible toilets within the park and whether any Changing Places provision will be available on site. A standard accessible cubicle does not offer the same equipment. Plan a suitable alternative and bring the personal equipment you normally need.

Quiet breaks and welfare

The 2026 organiser updates described a wellbeing village. That description alone does not promise a silent space or a particular support service. Ask what will be available at the next event and how to reach it without crossing the busiest crowd. Plan a break before you become exhausted, rather than waiting until leaving feels difficult.

Carry hearing protection if it helps, keep medication reachable and agree a signal with your companion for taking time out. Find staff and the event’s welfare points on arrival. If you need help, ask a volunteer rather than trying to find an unfamiliar exit alone. A shorter visit or a family-day plan can be a good choice.

Accessible transport

South Western Railway describes Bournemouth station as step-free category B2. There is level access to each side from separate entrances, but the subway between platforms has a long, steep ramp, reaching a 1:8 gradient. Check which entrance suits your train and onward journey. Step-free access does not mean every route is easy for every visitor.

The station has boarding ramps and accessible toilets operated by a RADAR key, available from staff if required. It does not have a Changing Places toilet. SWR says assistance can be booked up to two hours ahead and staff will also try to help without a booking. Arrange assistance for the return as well as arrival.

For a taxi, confirm the vehicle and loading space directly, then agree a pickup point that works with road restrictions. Ask about a festival drop-off near the accessible entrance before using a permanent park address. Leave extra time for queues and a changed gate location.

Contact and confirm

The organiser publishes info@bournefree.co.uk and 01202 287808. State the day you want to attend and the facilities that affect your visit. Ask for a written reply covering entry, viewing, toilets, breaks and companion arrangements. Keep that confirmation with the travel and hotel information you will need on the day.

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