Accessibility

The Woodford Folk Festival welcomes people with access needs and we’re constantly working on ways to improve the site and the experience for all. Here are some things that might be useful for you to know, before you arrive:    

• The event is held on a rural property (an old dairy farm) and the terrain is often uneven and/or sloping.    
• The pathways are either dirt or gravelled and during peak periods of the festival the pathways can become very crowded and difficult to negotiate.    
• The festival site is large, and the entertainment precinct area alone is on 50 acres.   
• The accessible amenity blocks provided are clean and sturdy, but basic.   
• During the day, the weather conditions can be extremely hot, and on some evenings, quite cool.  

DAY VISITORS  

We have a designated accessible parking area in the main day car park for day visitors. This day parking area is automatically available for any vehicle bearing a standard Disability Parking Permit – just follow the Accessible Parking  signs once you enter the festival day car park.  

We are aware that some disabilities are of a more temporary nature and if you don’t have an official permit and need to use the Accessible Day Parking   area, we invite you to let us know when you arrive. Just go to the SOLUTIONS lane in the ticketing admissions tent and advise that you need an Accessible Parking Permit   to display in your vehicle.  

*check back closer to the event for a map of our accessibility parking areas*  

CAMPING ON-SITE 

The festival has a designated accessible camping area situated close to the entertainment precinct entrance available for season and overnight campers with disabilities. A small number of camping sites have access to power (for life support equipment only) and all have access to accessible shower and toilet facilities. These camping sites are limited and must be pre-booked using the following form.  

CARERS 

We understand that equal access can sometimes mean being accompanied by a carer. Thus, we offer complimentary carer/companion tickets on an individual-needs basis.  

Check your eligibility here.  

Apply for your companion card ticket here. 

Companion card requests from 22^nd December will need to be processed at the solutions tent on arrival, please ensure you have a current companion card to present to our crew. 

ASSISTANCE ANIMALS 

We also welcome Assistance Animals and encourage you to register your Assistance Animal prior to attending the festival. To help us support you and your Assistance Animal on site, we have an application and registration process for Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and trained Assistance Animals to be allowed onto the festival site. Please pre-booked using the following form.  

STORING OF REFRIGERATED MEDICATION 

Our festival paramedics are able to store your medication in a fridge for the festival duration.  Please complete this form to register.  

Please note:  Whilst every care is taken to ensure medication is kept cold, Woodfordia Inc is not liable for power outages or fluctuation of fridge temperature.  

INSIDE THE FESTIVAL 

Accessible toilets can be found in a central location within the festival village and in the Accessible Camping area in Season Camping.   

FIRE EVENT BUS 

On the evening of the Fire Event (1st Jan), a shuttle bus will transport patrons with access needs and one career to the Amphitheatre. Once you are on site, please book with the Access Support Manager at the Happy Campers Office (office located in Accessible Camping area, opposite amenity block 38) or by completing the below form. Please note that this vehicle is a standard small bus and numbers are limited.    

AUSLAN INTERPRETED EVENTS / PERFORMANCES 

Auslan interpreters will interpret selected events at the festival. Look for the ‘interpreted’ symbol  in the Day Programme Guide.   

For each event/performance:   

• Arrive 10 minutes before the start time.   
• Look for the Interpreter.  
• Ask them to show you the best place to sit, so you can see the Interpreter clearly   
• For  the Welcome Ceremony, ask  Infology  for the best place to sit so you can see the Interpreter. 

NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE  

If you are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people who use a phone, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you.  

• A call through the NRS lets you communicate with a hearing person who is using a phone even if you can’t hear or don’t use your voice.  
• The NRS has specially trained staff called Relay Officers who help with every call.  
• Depending on the type of call, a Relay Officer will change voice to text or text tovoice and AUSLAN to English or English to AUSLAN.  
• Relay officers stay on the line throughout each call to help it go smoothly, but don’t change or get in the way of what is being said.  
• Except for calls made through Video Relay, the NRS is available 24 Hours a day, every day.  
• Depending on your hearing and speech, and equipment you have, you can choose from one or more relay call types.  

24-hour relay call numbers: 

Voice Relay number: 1300 555 727 

TTY number: 133 677 

SMS relay number: 0423 677 767