Accessibility

Chippenham Folk Festival is open to all, and we are committed to promoting accessibility across the event. Set in the heart of Chippenham, with a mix of built and tented venues, we work hard to ensure that appropriate accessibility support is available wherever possible. However, as a townbased festival, not every aspect of the environment is within our control. We continually strive to improve, and we welcome feedback to support our ongoing development in this area. If you would like to share your thoughts or suggestions, please contact us at ContactUs@chippfolk.co.uk.

Accessible toilets

Are located for campers on both sites and in the Olympiad, as well as by the Island Park town entrance.

As a festival, we are committed to providing safe, respectful and inclusive facilities for everyone attending. In line with guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission regarding recent government legislation, single occupancy, lockable toilet, washing and changing rooms may be used by any individual, regardless of their sex at birth, as these spaces are designed for one person at a time and offer full privacy. This approach ensures that all festival goers can access essential facilities with dignity and confidence.

Venue information

Can be found Whats On Where: We are working to collate information on the accessibility of each venue and this will be made available soon.

Some venues have accessible toilets available such as the Cause , Town Hall, Olympiad and the Ruse. Some smaller, and older venues do not have this facility.

Ground Conditions and Accessibility

Due to the multipurpose nature of both campsites and the recent flooding, we cannot guarantee completely level ground for wheelchair or buggy users, particularly on Westmeads. While we will provide ground boards in key areas to improve access, some uneven or sloped sections of the site cannot be fully resolved. We encourage visitors to take extra care when moving around these areas and to speak to our team if you have any concerns.

Camping

We recommend that anyone requiring accessible camping use the Monkton Campsite. A designated accessible camping area is available for those who indicated a need when purchasing tickets, or via your area manager if you are a steward or volunteer. Access to a disabled toilet outside of the Olympiad’s opening hours is available next to the golf course kiosk, located just below the Sadlers Mead entrance to the campsite; please note that a RADAR key is required when the facility is closed. An accessible toilet and shower unit are also provided at Westmead; however, as this is an open field with natural slopes and uneven ground, there is no fixed accessible camping area on this site.

Sensory Environment

As you travel around the town/festival you may encounter a variety of noises including Morris Bells, sticks clashing, people shouting, yelling and singing loudly, many different types of instruments, and the whistles and drums of the samba bands and Morris teams around the town.

“Strobe Lighting” will not be used, but flashing lights may be used, in some performances, and may be shining directly on audiences.

Individuals with Learning Needs and Neurodiversity

Individuals with learning needs or who are neurodivergent are warmly welcomed at the festival. We are actively exploring the introduction of more relaxed performances in future programmes; however, at present, the Community Stage operates as an open, informal space where audiences may join in up close or sit back and enjoy the atmosphere from the surrounding park. This area can become busy and noisy, and audience members are free—and encouraged—to move, chat, dance and engage with the performances in whatever way feels comfortable for them.

Our family and community programme includes sensory play sessions and singandsign activities. While age ranges are provided for guidance, these do not exclude older individuals who may benefit from or enjoy these activities when appropriately supported. We aim to create an environment where everyone can participate in a way that suits their needs.

Blind or Visually Impaired Visitors

Individuals who are blind or visually impaired are welcome at the festival. If you require information in a printed format suitable for use with a reader, please contact us at ContactUs@chippfolk.co.uk and we will be happy to assist.

Deaf and HearingImpaired Visitors

At present, we do not have specific provision for deaf or hearing impaired visitors. However, we are committed to supporting everyone as best we can. If you would like to discuss your needs or explore what adjustments may be possible, please get in touch at ContactUs@chippfolk.co.uk.

PA requirements

If you need to bring extra support for the festival, you can apply for a free Personal Assistant (PA) ticket for your carer. We will ask to see documentation to confirm your eligibility. We accept copies of one of the following documents:

• Front page of entitlement letter for standard or enhanced rate PIP

• Front page of DLA letter (no specific rate required)
• Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required)
• Evidence that registered severely sight impaired (blind)
• Recognised Assistance Dog ID card CredAbility Access Card (with +1)
• War Disablement Pension letter

All our tickets are available on our ticketing page. Add a free ‘Personal Assistant – Application Only’ ticket to your basket and follow the instructions from there. One of our team members will then be in contact regarding your documentation. Further information will be provided closer to the event but if you have any questions in the meantime, please email ContactUs@chippfolk.co.uk.

Dogs

Assistance dogs are the only dogs permitted inside indoor venues. While dogs are welcome on both campsites and in outdoor areas around town, including Island Park. We ask that the identified area of the family events be treated as an indoor space and only bring assistance dogs into this area. This is due to the number of young children in the area.

Most indoor spaces maintain a strict assistance dogs only policy to ensure accessibility, safety, and comfort for all visitors. Assistance dogs must always remain clearly identifiable, and their handlers should ensure they are well behaved and under control during their visit.

Distances

10–15 minutes to walk from Westmead campsite to Island Park

5-6 minutes to walk from Monkton Campsite to Island Park

5 – 7 minutes to walk from Island Park to the Cause

10-12 minutes’ walk from Island park to St Pauls