Accessibility
We, at Underneath the Stars festival, are committed to providing top notch, quality entertainment that is accessible for all. We believe that there should be no barriers to having fun in the great outdoors.
We have even been awarded Silver Level in the Charter of Best Practice for improving deaf and disabled people’s access to music and live events. The scheme is accredited by Attitude is Everything.
“We are delighted to welcome Underneath the Stars onto the Charter of Best Practice at silver. The festival has shown a clear commitment to welcoming Deaf and disabled customers including providing an accessible campsite with accessible showers, toilet and water points, a mobile Changing Places Unit for customers who cannot use standard accessible toilets and clear and comprehensive web information and signage onsite.
We are really impressed by the work Underneath the Stars has done to date and look forward to them pushing for gold on the Charter.”
Paul Hawkins, Festivals and Volunteering Manager
About
Underneath the Stars Festival takes place on a beautiful green field site which is a working dairy farm in the mighty county of Yorkshire.
Weather conditions will affect the overall state of the ground. It is important for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments to be aware that the main terrain at the festival is uneven cut grass, with some temporary trackway in certain areas. This is uneven and not smooth. In the event of mud, efforts will be made to keep the whole site as accessible as possible. We must stress that there are very few even areas and any equipment required to aid mobility must be able to cope with ‘off road’ conditions. You may wish to use or hire something suitable rather than using your regular equipment to enjoy all areas of the festival.
One of the great things about UTSf is the size: we’re big enough for you to feel part of a special festival community in a large field but small enough that moving around the site is doable for most of our guests. The distance from the Accessible Campsite to the furthest destination in the arena is 250 metres. Blue Badge parking is a little further at 350 metres. Click here for the Access Requirements Form.
This means that music, stalls, food, workshops, immersive street theatre and crafts are never far away.
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Main Arena
Most of the entertainment is in the Main Arena under 2 large big tops; the workshop tent is in the Satelite Field in a smaller marquee.
Our plans for 2024 will unfold over the forthcoming months.
Whatever the plan you will never be far away from the action.
Sound & Lighting Production
There will be NO “Strobe lighting” at the festival.
There will be flashing lights and sometimes lights shining directly on the audience.
The sound system is excellent and best enjoyed in a central point if you have a hearing impairment.
Activities
Family activities and workshops are in the main event arena and also in the Satellite field which is adjacent to the accessible campsite and the main entrance for all ticket holders.
The craft, stalls and makers market are situated in the Main arena.
Food & Drink
Food stalls are situated at the top of the main arena and a covered central area with picnic tables is provided. All caterers ensure that their menus and service is accessible to all and cater for a range of food intolerances.
The bar is in a large tent with seating and chairs and there are also other drink vendors in the catering area.
Accessible Camping
Accessible camping is situated next to the Main Arena. This does have great benefits, it is very close. You can hear the music on the stage very clearly throughout the day and evening. If you require peace and quiet, you will need ear defenders or may wish to camp in general camping. Accessible camping is a very popular choice for our customers who are entitled to a PA ticket and accessible camping. We do have finite capacity and it always fills up very quickly.
Please choose accessible camping then go to the Access Requirements Form and submit including uploading any required documentation.
Conversely, should you need to have a quieter pitch, we can reserve a spot on the outer edge of general camping.
You can camp in the accessible camping area with other members of your party, subject to availability.
We can accommodate tents/trailer tents/caravans and motorhomes. The price is the same as in general camping and based on the size of pitch you require. This is booked along with your tickets in the booking section.
We can arrange help with putting up tents and awnings. Please let us know on the ARF.
You can park next to your tent in accessible camping which is super handy!
Glamping can be booked separately and put up in accessible camping, should you prefer this to their regular spots in the Glamping field. Please ensure our glamping partner is aware of this prior to the event.
Accessibile Parking
Parking is available for blue badge holders and people who may need that facility. It is located approx. 100 metres from the Main Arena. Click here for the Access Requirements Form.
Some of you will be parking next to your camping pitch.
Taxis can drop off and pick up in the Accessible Parking area, closest to the Main Arena for returning guests, or right next to your camping pitch, subject to ground conditions.
Accessible Parking can be booked through our Access Requirements Form here.
Toilets
Clearly signed, accessible, regularly cleaned, plastic toilet units. Accessible camping has a number of the larger plastic toilet units and a AccessoLoo shower/change pod which can be accessed in a wheelchair. There is a hoist, but you should bring your own slings.
Guidance/support on the use of the AccessoLoo is available, but your own PAs must provide any help with personal care you need.
Click here for the Access Requirements Form.
Assistance Dogs
Registered Assistance dogs only are incredibly welcome on site! Water bowls can be provided and will be signposted.
Please get in touch for further information.
Sign Language
We do not yet have hearing loops or British Sign Language available.
Do please let us know, if this is a service that you would be interested in.
Carrying items
We are happy to help carry chairs from the accessible campsite and blue badge parking area. Please let us know if you require support with this. Click here for the Access Requirements Form.
Small umbrellas are permitted but no gazebos, parasols or tents in the main arena, unless with prior permission. Any personal belongings must be taken away from the arena each night.
Stewards
Stewards are positioned throughout the festival site and will assist where they can if necessary. All stewards will receive training on diversity and inclusion.
There is also a dedicated team of stewards placed in the accessible camp site between the hours of 8am and midnight.
Medical Services
Medical services will be on site in the first aid/welfare tent in the Satellite Field throughout the festival.
We have an ambulance and a 4×4 response vehicle on site.
If you have additional requirements around charging equipment/use of medical devices/medication storage or specific questions relating to a medical need please contact Moira on access@underthestarsfest.co.uk to discuss. We will endeavour to meet your individual needs, whatever they may be.
ACCESS & safeguarding officer
Moira Fitzsimmons-Holling is our Access and Safeguarding Officer. She is available to answer any questions you may have and can be contacted via access@underthestarsfest.co.uk.
Alternatively you can call on 01226 767872 to speak to a member of our friendly team.
Tickets
An amount of complimentary tickets are available for Personal Assistants. This is to allow individuals who would not be able to attend our event without bringing a personal assistant to be able to attend.
Firstly, purchase your festival tickets, camping and car parking. Check out as usual. Please then complete the Access Requirements Form to apply for the complimentary personal assistant ticket.
You will be contacted by a member of the Access team via email to confirm that your PA ticket and any accessibility requests have been accepted. You must fulfil the criteria for a PA ticket, Accessible camping and accessible car parking.
Please then fill in the Access Requirements Form and include your Booking Number.
Arrival Guide
Site Opening Times Thursday 5pm for those with Thursday upgrades Friday 9am through to Monday at 12 noon.
Arriving on site:
Your paperwork will make it clear which area the stewards will need to direct you to.
Moira and the team will be available to ensure you are welcomed and settled in. Please give your estimated time of arrival to Moira.
You will need your paperwork to present at the box office or the accessible campsite to obtain your wristbands. We may post out wristbands but will contact you before the event to confirm this.