Encounter Accessibility and Diversity
Encounter Festival is a free cultural event that takes place every September.
We aim to create an inclusive environment and are committed to ensuring that all people find the festival a safe environment where diversity is embraced. We understand that when planning your journey, accessibility will be foremost in your thoughts which is why we are committed to removing barriers to access.
We are taking positive action to ensure that everyone can attend, participate in and enjoy the festival experience. We would love to hear from you about your experiences and ideas for Encounter Festival and we invite you to send your specific questions or suggestions to us by emailing info@lancsencounter.co.uk.
The Festival Sites
Performances take place in:
- The Harris
- The MET
- Preston Bus Station
- The Flag Market
- Winckley Square
Many of our shows will be outdoors on Preston Flag Market and Winckley Square.
If you need further information on access needs please email info@lancsencounter.co.uk.
Accessible parking and drop-off points
Lists of Council disabled parking can be found by visiting the following:
- Blue badge car parking in Preston: Preston City Council - Blue Badge parking
- Preston Bus Station disabled parking: Lancashire County Council - Preston Bus Station car park.
Lists of private disabled parking can be found by visiting Parkopedia - Parking in Preston.
Tickets
More information for Encounter Festival 2024 tickets coming soon.
Changing Places toilets
A Changing Places wash room and toilet is available throughout the Encounter weekend at Preston Bus Station.
The toilet includes a hoist and changing benches and is available free of charge for people who have a Radar key.
Quiet Spaces
Preston City Centre can be a busy environment, but there are some spaces that are quieter. The festival offers a designated Quiet Space located in the Guild Hall.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance Dogs (and all dogs) are welcome in all areas of the festival site. We remind all doggie parents to make sure that you have everything you need to pick up after your pets.
Access Statement
Encounter Festival is committed to developing our access and inclusion offer across the programme. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our events and have taken the following steps to welcome wider audience participation.
We work with artists and local specialist organisations to provide pre-show relaxed tours to enable familiarisation for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as neurodiverse adults.
We programme artists and performers who integrate BSL and Touch Tours into their shows.
Our performance spaces are wheel-chair accessible and guide dogs are welcome. We reserve priority viewing areas, where our friendly festival stewards are on hand to assist.
We offer Easy-Read documents and distribute them ahead of time along with our invitations.
We are developing relationships with local disabled people's organisations and groups and will continue to collaborate with them to provide relevant, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences.
If you have specific accessibility requests, suggestions, or concerns, please contact us at info@lancsencounter.co.uk so that we can work together to meet your needs.