1. Personal Assistant Tickets

2. Registering for Access facilities 

3. The Meadow Accessible Camping

4. Alternative Camping Options

5. Getting to the festival

6. Site-wide accessible toilets & RADAR Keys

7. Viewing Platforms at selected main stages

8. Lowered Bar Counters

9. British Sign Language and Deaf Support

10. Strobe Lighting

11. Prescribed Medicine & Fridges for Medicine

12. Medical and Welfare

13. Mobility Scooters, Wheelchairs & Accessibility Aids

14. Power or Charging for Medical Devices

15. Getting Around

16. Assistance Dogs

17. Accessibility Newsletter

18. FAQs

19. Contact

Personal Assistant Tickets

Festival goers unable to attend the festival without the support of a Personal Assistant (PA) can apply for an additional ticket at no extra cost.

**Applications for PA tickets are not yet open**

If you need extra support on site, you can apply for a free ticket for a personal assistant to accompany you to the festival. We will ask to see documentation to confirm your eligibility, we currently accept a photocopy / scan of one of the following documents;

• Front page of entitlement letter for standard or enhanced rate PIP (no more than 12 months old or shows the current valid date)
  
  

• Front page of DLA letter (no specific rate required, dated within the past 12 months, christmas bonus letters cannot be accepted) 

• Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required, dated within the past 12 months) 

• Evidence that you are registered as severely sight impaired (blind) and/or d/Deaf
  
  

• Recognised Assistance Dog ID card. Please see our section on Assistance Dogs for further information

• CredAbility Access Card www.accesscard.org.uk (with +1 requirement when applying for a PA ticket)

• War Disablement Pension letter

• Armed Forces Independent payment
  
  

Please ensure you title your documentation with your name (or the name of the person you are applying on behalf of) and booking reference number so we can match this information.

We recognise that the eligibility documents we request for PA applications above are not definitive. If you do not have any of these, please send an email to access@boomtownfair.co.uk with a recent doctor's note or diagnosis letter confirming you require additional 1 on 1 support with daily activities. Applications from those without the above documentation will be taken on a discretionary case by case basis.

Follow these steps to apply for a PA ticket:

1. Purchase your own ticket in the general sale, plus any campervan and car park passes you require via; https://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/tickets/
   
   

2. If you select the accessibility tick box during the transaction, you will be automatically added to the access database and notified regarding applying for PA Tickets, Meadow Camping and other access facilities
   
   

3. Alternatively, you can email your eligibility documents directly to the Access Team to start the PA ticket application process.
   
   
   
   

4. The access team will check your documents and if you are eligible, confirm the PA ticket and arrange any other access requests you may have.
   
   

5. Once a PA ticket is confirmed with you via the Access Team, the PA ticket will be added to your Kaboodle account with which you purchased your ticket. Once it’s been added you can manage the name and details on the PA ticket at any time by logging on to your Kaboodle account.

Please note, if you are paying by instalments, the PA ticket will not be issued to your account until the full price of your own ticket has been completed.

Registering for Access Facilities if a PA is not required

D/deaf and disabled citizens can apply to use a range of our accessible services. We are defining disability based on the Social Model approach which, by focusing on the disabling barriers imposed by society, embraces all physical, sensory and invisible impairments, learning disability, mental health, neurodivergent and fatigue conditions. 

Our accessibility services include The Meadow Accessible camping and parking, Accessible Toilets & Showers, Viewing Platforms at selected stages, British Sign Language interpretation and storage of your medicine in our dedicated Medicine Fridges at The Meadow campsite. 

All festival goers needing to use any of the access facilities must complete the online Access Application Form, which will be live later in May 2023. For anyone aged under 18, we request the associated adult ticket holder complete this form on their behalf.

As part of your application, you will have to provide one of the following forms of supporting documentation;

• Front page of entitlement letter for standard or enhanced rate PIP (no more than 12 months old or shows the current valid date)

• Front page of DLA letter (no specific rate required, dated within the past 12 months, christmas bonus letters cannot be accepted) 

• Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required, dated within the past 12 months) 

• Evidence that registered severely sight impaired (blind) or D/deaf

• Recognised Assistance Dog ID card. Please see our section on Assistance Dogs for further information

• CredAbility Access Card www.accesscard.org.uk 

• War Disablement Pension letter

• Armed Forces Independent payment

• Blue Badge – only accepted as adequate evidence if applying for The Meadow Accessible Parking

All documents provided must show your full name and be dated within the past 12 months or show the current valid date. Your name must match the name included on your ticket via your Kaboodle account

If you are yet to purchase your ticket, please ensure you tick the accessibility box to be contacted for further information about our access offer and process.

THE MEADOW ACCESSIBLE CAMPSITE

The Meadow is a dedicated campsite for D/deaf and disabled customers, located close to the main town for easier access to the action! The Meadow campsite has Accessible Parking located close by with an accessible buggy service available to run access customers and their PA from the public transport drop off or their parked car to The Meadow Campsite.  

The Meadow campsite is staffed during the day by the access team who can help with day to day festival needs. However, they cannot offer personal care during the festival, please request a PA ticket if you need 1 on 1 daily personal support.

If you joined us at The Meadow Campsite in 2022, please be aware our location has slightly changed. Further information regarding the site map will be released closer to the Festival. 

Facilities at the Meadow:

• Accessible showers and Accessible toilets available free of charge for the access customer.

• Please kindly note that other members in your group and/or PA's will not be able to use the shower facilities at The Meadow independently of the access customer they are supporting. The showers are prioritised to those with Access Wristbands who require them for health & hygiene purposes. 

• Wheelchair charging points and plug-ins for other essential medical and communications equipment

• A fridge for medicine storage and clinical waste facilities.

• British Sign Language support provided by Deaf Events UK

• Wheelchair accessible buggy service between Meadow Car Park Entry point and Meadow Accessible Camping

Please note that for this year’s Festival, we will be separating tents and campervans into different areas within The Meadow. This allows us to plan and allocate space appropriately whilst also ensuring the campsite is safe and easier to navigate for those with wheelchairs or other accessibility aids. 

Group Size

Alongside yourself, your PA and any children in your group, you are welcome to invite up to 2 other friends or family to camp with you in the Meadow. This is so we can prioritise space and facilities within the field for those with access needs. You will be able to apply for additional spaces at The Meadow for your group via the Access Application form although we are unable to guarantee that we can accommodate larger group sizes. Please kindly note, there is no childcare available at The Meadow.

Tents at The Meadow

There will be a dedicated area to pitch your tents in The Meadow. Your group will have an allocated pitch size in order to accommodate as many D/deaf and disabled customers as possible. We ask that you please be mindful about the size tent you are bringing. We understand you may require a bigger than normal tent to your accessibility needs but wherever possible we encourage you to tent share with others in your group staying with you.

If you require an electric power supply to your tent/campervan for a medical device, you must request this via the Access Application Form from the access team in advance. This service is only provided at The Meadow campsite. Please see further information in our section regarding Medical Equipment.

Campervans and Caravans at The Meadow

The Meadow can accommodate campervans and caravans within the normal campervan rules. You must be able to fit within a 7m x 5m pitch (including the towing vehicle) and depending on available space. For vehicles over 7m you must book two pitches. 

There is no electricity provided for campervans or caravans in The Meadow unless required for essential medical equipment. Please see our section regarding Medical Equipment.

Alternative camping options

You are welcome to camp in any of the other campsites available however please be aware they do not offer the level of access facilities available at The Meadow Accessible Camping. 

Please refer to the information on our website regarding camping options; https://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/boomtowncamping/

Please be aware that Camp Orchid is not situated closeby to the Meadow Accessible campsite, there is a steep hill to navigate between the two campsites. Camp Orchid is a bring-your-own tent campsite and has wide access toilet and shower facilities for those who have purchased camping here.

Wherever you are camped you are welcome to visit The Meadow and make use of the accessible facilities at any time. Please apply for this via the Access Application form, when it goes live, to request a wristband to access the Meadow Accessible campsite and other site wide access facilities.

Getting to the festival

Boomtown is set in the rolling hills of Matterley Estate, a working dairy farm in the most westerly point of South Downs National park, near Winchester. 

Meadow Accessible Parking at West Gate

The Meadow Accessible Car Park is situated closeby to the Meadow Accessible Campsite. 

To arrange accessible parking in The Meadow Car Park you must first purchase a general car parking pass, then apply via the Access Application Form to arrange to swap.

Shortly before the festival, you’ll receive a routing pass to reach the Meadow Accessible Car Park, where the access team will meet you to assist with entry into the festival via the West Gate box office and security search, then direct you to the Meadow Accessible campsite. 

There is a wheelchair accessible buggy service between the West Gate entry and Meadow Accessible Campsite. This is for use by the D/deaf or disabled customer and their PA only - friends and family must make their own way into the festival. Please note this is run on a limited service so please anticipate that there may be wait times to use this service during busy periods. 

Other Car Parks

There are priority Blue Badge parking areas at all car parks, located as close to the entry gate as possible. You do not need to request these in advance, just arrive with your blue badge displayed and speak to a steward when you arrive to be directed to this area.

Public Transport

Coaches and shuttle services from Winchester train station drop off at the public transport hub. There is a wheelchair accessible buggy service between the public transport drop off and the West Gate Meadow entry, where the access team will meet you to assist with entry into the festival. This service is for D/deaf and disabled customers and their PA’s only. Friends and family will need to make their own way into the Festival from the public transport drop off. 

National Express Coaches can accommodate a variety of access needs on request - to arrange your journey please contact them via enquiry@nationalexpress.com or calling 0871 781 8181 (charges apply)

Visit the National Express website for more information: https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/accessibility 

Taxi / Drop Off

If you are arriving by taxi or someone is dropping you off, head to the drop off zone at West Gate. 

There is a wheelchair accessible buggy service between here, the West Gate Meadow entry and Meadow Accessible Campsite. This is for use by the D/deaf or disabled customer and their PA only - friends and family must make their own way into the festival.

Arriving in a live-in vehicle - Campervan / Caravan / Trailer Tent

Campervan or caravans staying at the Meadow Accessible Camping will receive a routing pass to direct you to enter the festival via a dedicated gate and be directed onwards to The Meadow Accessible campsite. Please note that Meadow Accessible Camping will not be the same entry point as general campervan fields.

General campervan passes have now sold out (as of May 2023) however you can still apply to purchase a Meadow Accessible Campsite campervan pass by completing the Access Application Form.

If you have already purchased a general campervan pass and would like to swap to stay in your live-in vehicle in the Meadow Accessible Campsite, please inform us of this via the Access Application Form. Please do either of these before 20th June 2023.   

For further information on travelling to the Festival please refer to our website; https://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/info/travel/

Site-wide accessible toilets & RADAR Keys

There are poly-john accessible toilets situated all over the Festival site, they are locked in order to manage access and ensure cleanliness. We will be using a RADAR key system for 2023. 

If possible, we kindly request that you bring your own RADAR key with you. RADAR keys will also be available for a deposit, which is reimbursed when the key is returned. You can request a RADAR key via our Access Application Form. Further details regarding the RADAR key deposit will be updated shortly.

The RADAR key will be distributed to you in your welcome pack, which you can pick up from The Meadow welcome tent at the West gate entry as you arrive, or from The Meadow Accessible campsite.

Please see our Added Extras section on our website for other site-wide facilities such as hot showers if you are not staying in or using The Meadow Accessible Campsite facilities. 

Viewing Platforms at selected main stages

There will be raised viewing platforms at selected main stages. These platforms are for D/deaf or disabled customers who need to be seated in order to be able to watch the performances. They are manned during the stages’ operating times. There will be seating and wheelchair charging facilities and an accessible toilet close by.

Updated information about the locations of viewing platforms will be released before the festival on our Access Map and in your welcome pack.

Customers requiring use of these platforms can request this by completing the Access Application Form. The viewing platforms are solely for the use of our access customers plus their PA or one other guest. Every platform has a steward managing the space.

Platforms are run on a first come, first served basis with demand varying depending on the time of day, the artist and the stage.

Please note customers using large scooters may be asked to park these at the bottom of the VP ramps when possible to ensure we can accommodate as many access customers on the platforms as we can.

Lowered Bar Counters

Lowered bar counters will be situated around the Festival site and near to stages with Viewing Platforms. If a lowered bar counter is not possible, and when appropriate a member of staff will be able to come around from the bar to take your order and assist you. 

The Access Map, which will be available closer to the Festival, will detail where lowered bar counters are available, this will be sent to all accessibility citizens who have completed the Access Application form shortly before the festival and will be included in your welcome pack.

British Sign Language and Deaf Support

Boomtown are delighted to have again teamed up with Deaf Events UK to provide BSL interpretation at this year's festival. Find them at the Deaf Events HQ in The Meadow Accessible Campsite for information, questions and support for Deaf residents.

BSL usually takes place from the viewing platforms and sometimes right in the action at the front of the stage. More info about this will be released shortly before the show.

Please kindly complete the Access Application Form to let us know if you are interested in using the BSL services provided by Deaf Events UK at this year's Festival.

Strobe Lighting

Strobe lighting is used in many of the venues, spaces and outdoor main stages. This is integral to the production of our sets and stages. We will endeavour to provide signs on any stages and venues using strobe and for stage managers to announce when they will be in use, but we cannot promise this. We also aim to release a list of all venues using strobe lighting shortly before the festival. If you are affected by strobes or flashing lights, please communicate with venue staff, alternatively, you can talk to The Meadow staff who may be able to help.

Prescribed Medicine & Fridges for Medicine

If you need to bring prescribed medication with you to the festival, please follow these steps: 

• Bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note in your name which details your medication.

• Keep the medication in its original packaging. 

• Only bring enough for the duration of your stay.

Medical Cannabis - We will need to pre-authorise your medical cannabis in particular so you don't have any problems on entry. Please email access@boomtownfair.co.uk with a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note in your name which details your medication.

Medicine Fridges - Medicine can be refrigerated at The Meadow Accessible campsite, please apply via the Access Application Form to arrange this. Remember to bring a plastic container, clearly labelled with your name to store all your medicine in.

Syringes - Please bring your own supply of syringes and ask the Meadow team to store these in a secure place at The Meadow Accessible Campsite. Syringes must be disposed of in the clinical waste bin at Meadow Campsite or Medical & Welfare tents.

Refrigeration - Please apply to use the refrigerated medicine store at the Meadow Campsite via the Access Application Form.

Soiled waste - Can be disposed of in a clinical waste collection bin at the wide access toilets at The Meadow.  

Medical and Welfare

We will have a medical and welfare tent situated in Downtown, close by to The Meadow Accessible Camping. We also have a medical centre with hospital beds, including high dependency and resuscitation bays situated at Hilltop. Both locations are open 24hours a day between Wednesday 9th August and Monday 14th August 2023. 

More info can be found on the Medical & Welfare section of our website: https://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/info/safety/medical-welfare/

Mobility Scooters, Wheelchairs & Accessibility Aids

Please notify us if you plan to bring a mobility scooter. You will need to sign an agreement to show you understand the conditions of its use on site. Please apply via the Access Application Form before 7th July 2023 to arrange this.

If you have an accessibility aid that needs charging you are welcome to use the charging facility at the Meadow Accessible campsite. Please let us know if you require this on the Access Application Form.

Power or Charging for Medical Devices

If you require an electric power supply to your tent/campervan for a medical device, you must request this from the access team in advance via the Access Application Form. This service is only provided at The Meadow Accessible campsite.

Personal electric hook ups are only approved for those who need overnight, consistent power at their camping location (e.g. CPAP machines). We ask to see a doctor’s note or diagnosis letter confirming the machine and its overnight use. Please send a copy of this to the access team via email at access@boomtownfair.co.uk

Please also let us know the type of device you are bringing and its power requirement.

For example: Mobility scooter, charge once daily  OR  CPAP machine, overnight power supply.

If you have a device that needs charging or one off connections to power when in use (Nebuliser) you are welcome to use the charging facility at the Meadow Accessible campsite.

Getting Around

Boomtown is a greenfield site, and a particularly hilly one at that! There are some hard standing roads and metal trackways around the festival but most of the district streets and arenas are grass and the woodland venues are woodchip or sand. The Access Map, which will be available closer to the Festival, defines each area so you can plan your routes around the festival, this will be sent to all accessibility customers who have completed the Access Application Form shortly before the festival and will be included in your welcome pack.

The Meadow Accessible Campsite is situated closer to the action than other campsites. As The Meadow is now situated in West camping, a short distance from the main entertainment areas. We recommend that you request camping in The Meadow Accessible Camping if you have difficulty travelling long distances by foot and will not be bringing a suitable accessibility aid with you such as a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair.

As in previous years, there will be a wheelchair accessible transport service operating between West gate entry point on arrival to the Festival and The Meadow Accessible Campsite to transport you (the access customer plus your PA) and your gear in and out of the festival.

The accessible transport service from arrival to campsite is for use by the D/deaf or disabled customer and their PA only, who are staying in The Meadow Accessible Campsite - friends and family must make their own way into the festival. Please note there may be wait times to use this service during busy periods. 

Further information regarding the accessible transport service and routes will be updated on the website soon (as of May 2023).

Assistance Dogs

Boomtown recognises that guide dogs and assistance dogs offer vital support for people with sensory impairments, mobility issues, psychiatric illness or social disorders. We believe that accredited assistance dogs are, by definition, highly trained and that their owners have had specialised training in the safe and effective use of their dog. We also believe that supporting the welfare of dogs is vital to protect them and ensure they are safe around members of the public. Please refer to our Assistance Dog Policy  for further information. 

Please notify us if you plan to bring an assistance dog with you. We will send you further information about what evidence we require to authorise one. Once approved we will send an authorisation letter for your dog to enter the festival. You can apply to bring an Assistance Dog with you via the Access Application Form.

Accessibility Newseletter

FAQs

Camping FAQs

When does the Meadow open?

The Meadow will be open from 12pm Wednesday 9th Aug to 12pm on Monday 14th August.

Can I bring a caravan or campervan into The Meadow camping field?

Yes, if you need to bring your campervan with you, please purchase a standard campervan pass, then contact the accessibility team to arrange a swap to The Meadow accessibility campsite. We will arrange your pass and ensure your entry and set up is as smooth as possible.

Can my family and friends camp with me in The Meadow?

Yes, alongside yourself, your PA and any children in your group, you are welcome to invite up to 2 other friends or family to camp with you in the Meadow. Simply contact the accessibility team to apply for extra spaces. Please note, there is no childcare available at The Meadow.

I need space to store my wheelchair in my tent. Can I bring a large tent, tipi or yurt?

Yes, but please contact the accessibility team to tell us what size structure you are bringing and when you plan to arrive so that we can make sure we have a suitable space left to fit you in. The Meadow also has a communal wheelchair charging and storage tent, managed by the Meadow team.

I am camping in another part of the Boomtown site with my friends. Can I still use the wheelchair recharging and any other facilities?

Yes. Many people camp with friends in other parts of Boomtown and arrange for their electric wheelchairs to be charged at The Meadow. You will need a wristband to use The Meadow facilities, which can be arranged by contacting the accessibility team.

Is The Meadow a quiet camping area?

The location of the Meadow is specifically chosen so that it ‘s easily accessible from the main attractions of the City. Boomtown is a lively event, with late-night venues and performances, we would advise that you bring earplugs if you have difficulty sleeping.

Showers & Toilets FAQs

Are showers available?

The Meadow campsite has accessible showers and toilets. We also have a tap for hand washing and drinking water. The showers in The Meadow Accessible Camping are specifically for use by the disabled customer. Family and friends joining you in the Meadow will need to find alternative options for showering outside of The Meadow. 

I have heard horror stories about festival toilets, please reassure me!

Boomtown recognizes the importance of adequate, hygienic toilet facilities for all visitors, especially those with medical conditions. We provide wide-access portaloo-type toilets situated throughout the site.

Wide access toilets are locked to ensure cleanliness - RADAR keys for accessible toilets can be arranged via the Access Application Form. 

Power FAQs

My medical equipment needs electricity. Can you supply electricity to campervans?

We do not provide power for campervans as standard, but we can provide electricity for essential medical equipment that requires constant or overnight power. Please contact the accessibility team in advance to arrange this.

Can I recharge my electric wheelchair?

Yes. Wheelchair re-charging facilities are available in The Meadow welfare marquee and on viewing platforms.

Medical Provision And Medicine FAQs

I need to store my medicine in a refrigerator.

Refrigeration for medicine can be provided at The Meadow on request via the Access Application Form. If you have specific individual medical needs please contact the accessibility team and we will check with the festival medical service. Please put your medicines in a plastic container with your name and contact details on it. 

Are there facilities for disposal of clinical waste?

Yes - but further information on this will be available in 2023.

If I get ill I may need emergency admission to hospital. Is this possible?

Boomtown has a fully operational hospital on site, full ambulance access and emergency exit routes. The Meadow campsites have 24/hr a day radio contact with Event Control who handle any emergency response required. Please make sure you carry medical information with you at all times and inform The Meadow staff of any concerns.

For more information on the medical and welfare facilities available on site, please see the medical & welfare section on website or email info@boomtownfair.co.uk for further info.

I may need to leave the festival to drive to a local pharmacy or for some other reason. Will I be able to be readmitted?

The festival gates open at 10am each day and close at 9pm. You can leave at any time but you will not be able to get back in after 9pm. 

Is there anyone who can help with personal care at The Meadow?

The Meadow team are not able to help with personal care, however we do offer Personal Assistance tickets. Please see the PA Tickets section above for more information.

Ticket And Travel FAQs

I want to get to Boomtown by public transport. Is this possible?

Yes, check out the ticket page for a breakdown on all public transport ticket packages available. 

Who is the coach provider and do they have info for passengers with accessibility needs?

Our coach provider is National Express and all coach tickets can be purchased separately via our ticket page. For any information on their accessibility services please contact them via enquiry@nationalexpress.com or calling 0871 781 8181 (charges apply)

I am travelling by Train, what is the closest rail station?

The closest main rail station is Winchester which is about three miles away - National Rail Enquiries website has information for passengers with accessibility needs and the DPTAC also offers comprehensive advice for travellers with disabilities. 

I am travelling by car, how do I get to Boomtown?

The festival is held at the Matterley Estate near Winchester. Directions will be sent out via email with your ticket. 

I have a blue badge, what does that mean for me?

There are reserved blue badge spaces at all public car parks - You still need to purchase a car parking pass in advance on the ticket page. 

General FAQs

Can I bring my dog with me?

No pets are allowed on site. The only animals permitted are assistance dogs and these are admitted on a case by case basis. Please contact the accessibility team to approve your assistance dog in advance.

What do I need to do to bring my mobility scooter with me?

If you are planning to bring a mobility scooter please contact the accessibility team to approve this in advance. You will be asked to sign an agreement for its use when on site.

What are ground conditions like?

Boomtown is a greenfield site and routes between stages are usually grass. If the ground conditions are muddy, electric wheelchairs will quickly run out of juice. We advise you to bring a back-up manual wheelchair that can be pushed if necessary. Boomtown site has a lot of hills! 

Will strobe lighting be used at Boomtown?

Yes, strobe lighting is used in the venues and outdoor arenas. This is integral to the production of our sets and stages. We will provide signs on any stages and venues using strobes. We also endeavour for stage managers to announce when they will be in use, but we cannot promise this. If you are affected by strobes or flashing lights, please communicate with venue staff, alternatively, you can talk to The Meadow staff who may be able to help.

Contact

Applications for Personal Assistant tickets are currently open (as of May 2023) for the 2023 Festival. 

You will be able to apply for all other access facilities via the Access Application Form which will be live shortly (as of May 2023).

Please make sure to purchase your own ticket, any vehicle passes and tick the accessibility box at the checkout in order to be contacted by one of our team.

Access Application Form - LINK when live

If you have any other questions, please do get in contact with us on access@boomtownfair.co.uk