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Weston Pride Accessibility
Accessibility starts with a focused mindset that if everyone is welcome to attend the event, then everyone should be able to attend the event, and that this will be the responsibility of everyone involved in the planning, organising, and delivery of the event – including all stall holders as well as volunteers.
Taking what works for other Pride events around the region the following should apply:
Staff
All volunteers, organisers and Volunteer Access Champions will be clearly identifiable – especially those who know BSL.
Volunteer Access Champions will be positioned at each gate – these will restrict access to the park during set-up and will direct participants and answer questions etc once the event is open. Access Champions are Weston Pride Volunteers who will be easily identifiable by their lanyards/Hi-Viz vests etc and will include volunteers who understand BSL.
Stallholders
All stall holders will be required to take responsibility for ensuring their stalls are accessible, free from trip hazards, any loose storage (containers/packing etc to be alongside the stall and not in any walkway areas). Pop-up banners etc must not obstruct entrances or create any kind of trip hazard for those with visual impairments etc. Similarly, there must be no guide ropes used. Any stall selling refreshments must use non-glass drink containers and have a lowered counter section for access. There must be no strobe lights or loud music in individual stalls.
Bars will have a lowered counter section for ease of access. A variety of drinks will be available.
We are committed to accessibility at Weston Pride and each year we will work to improve our provisions to make Weston Pride Day accessible for all.
Parking
There will be a limited number of Disabled Parking Spaces in the vicinity of Grove Park as well as a raised viewing platform. These facilities are reserved so please apply for a ticket in advance – you may be asked questions about your disability, Blue Badge for parking etc.
If you have any specific access needs, concerns or requirements, please contact the organisers direct.
Toliets
There is a toilet block with accessible toilet accessed by Radar Key.
Wheelchair Friendly
Grove Park has tarmac paths around and across the park with a central Bandstand. In between are grass areas with memorial gardens and a sensory garden. The park begins fairly flat and rises gradually towards the rear. Please be aware that the grass areas can become slippery and/or muddy when wet. Hard matting will be positioned for access across the grass areas at certain points.
Charging for wheelchairs and other mobility devices will be available – please see the information signs at each main entrance.
Medical & Welfare
Refreshments will be available but please bring any medication that you may require during the event
There will be an ambulance on site in case of emergencies.
There will be a Welfare tent area with a calm/chill out space and also an additional Sensory Calm Space to provide a safe space for those on the Autistic Spectrum needing to recalibrate from sensory overload.
Pets
Guide dogs and Working Dogs are welcome – water dishes will be provided - but we advise anyone with a pet dog not to bring them as the event is likely to become very noisy and crowded and is therefore not suitable for pets.
Lighting
There will be no strobe lighting at Weston Pride Day main event in Grove Park. However some of the after Pride parties may have strobe/disco lighting so please check each venue you are thinking of attending.
Other Features
Wooden benches and additional seating is available throughout the park.
There are areas of shade under the various tress, however the majority of the park is open and can become very hot and noisy.
There will also be a Family area for those with younger children.
Accessible Routes
Weston Pride will be held in Grove Park and the Pride March will assemble in Princess Royal Square (opposite the Grand Pier) and then all will march via the High Street to Grove Park.
The route consists mostly of pedestrianised areas and there will be supervised/assisted crossings where roads need to be crossed. There are frequent ramped access points to pavements and the route has been checked by two volunteers in powered wheelchairs.