*An audio version of the accessibility guide for Radio 1's Big Weekend 2024 will be added here shortly*
At ±«Óãtv Radio 1 Big Weekend we aim to create an event that is accessible for all customers.
We have a dedicated Accessibility Team working to assist customers with accessible requirements. This may include D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent customers and those with long-term physical or mental health conditions. Members of this team will be present on site throughout the event.
Applications for Accessible Facilities at Radio 1 Big Weekend have now closed.
This year we are excited to be partnering with Nimbus Disability and The Access Card, one of the largest disability accreditation organisations in the UK.
Essential Companion Tickets
If your Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Pass Digital Access Pass indicates the essential companion requirement, we will automatically provide you with an essential companion ticket at no additional cost.
Do not purchase a ticket for your essential companion as this cannot be refunded.
The essential companion must be willing and able to perform all requirements as needed by the accessibility customer and must provide assistance to the customer during the unlikely event of an evacuation or other emergency.
Please note that essential companion tickets are free but are only available to customers who have purchased a ticket. If the customer with accessible requirements is a child of 15 years or under, they must be accompanied by an adult who has purchased a ticket. If the child also requires an essential companion, this will be indicated on their Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.
If the essential companion wishes to bring a child/children to Radio 1 Big Weekend, then the child/children must have a valid ticket (unless aged 2 or under) and must be accompanied by another adult who has purchased a ticket.
The essential companion ticket will be collected once you arrive to Radio 1 Big Weekend. More details about this will be available in the Accessibility Guide.
Arena Facilities
Access to accessible facilities will be determined by the requirements indicated on your Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.
Once approved a detailed Accessibility Guide will be emailed out to you nearer to the event with Important Information regarding locations of facilities and more.
Accessible Viewing Areas
There are various accessible viewing areas available within the arena.
Raised Viewing Platform
Please note that applications for the raised viewing platform have closed. The raised viewing platform is at full capacity.
The raised viewing platform is available for wheelchair users and those with restricted mobility. Access to the platform will be approved in accordance with the requirements indicated on your (Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.)
Only the approved customer and their essential companion or a +1 will have access to the raised viewing platform in order to accommodate as many customers as possible. Please speak to the stewards on the platform if you wish to swap your +1 for another friend.
All raised viewing platforms have ramped access, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and charging points. There will be a bar at the main stage viewing platform.
A limited amount of fold out chairs will be available at each platform. If you have been approved for this facility you may bring your own chair. Please make sure you note this on your accessible facilities application form.
Raised viewing platforms may get busy, please note that these are operated on a first come first served basis.
Please note that raised viewing platforms are not covered so please dress for all weather conditions.
Ground Level Viewing Area
Please note that applications for the ground level viewing area have closed. The ground level viewing area is at full capacity.
A dedicated ground level viewing area will be available to those who need a less crowded area and/or the option of sitting for short periods of time. Please note that this area will be on grass.
Access to the ground level viewing area will be approved in accordance with the requirements indicated on your Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.
Customers may be accompanied on the ground floor viewing area by an essential companion or +1 if required.
Please speak to the stewards in the ground level viewing area if you wish to swap your +1 for another friend.
Limited seating is available in the ground level viewing area, and it is operated on a first come first served basis.
If you have been approved for this facility you may bring your own chair. Please make sure you note this on your accessible facilities application form.
Accessible Toilets
Wheelchair-accessible and standard toilets for accessible customers are located across the arena. All toilet locations will be shown on the site map and in the Accessibility Guide that you will receive before the event.
Changing Places Unit
A changing places unit will be provided which includes a height adjustable bed with hoist, sink and toilet. Please note, hoist slings will not be provided so please bring your own if required. The location of the changing places unit will be outlined in the Accessibility Guide.
Accessible Entrance
We will provide a dedicated entrance lane for customers with accessibility requirements to access the arena.
Quiet Space
There will be a quiet space located within the arena. The aim of this space is to provide a safe, low-level stimulation and recalibration zone for any customers with accessibility requirements who need to use it.
Food & Drink
Dedicated accessible lanes will be available at each main bar. This section of the bar will have a lowered counter and bypasses the main queuing system. Large print menus will be available at the bars.
Food concessions will all have large print menus available. Staff are briefed and committed to assisting customers who need extra assistance.
Medication
Refrigerated medication storage is available in the arena. Customers who require this must submit an Accessible Facilities Application Form.
We recommend bringing a copy of your doctor’s letter or prescription. Please keep all medication in its original boxes and place in a labelled bag or box.
Deaf Customers
A British Sign Language performance interpreting service will be provided on request by qualified interpreters from Performance Interpreting.
Please make sure you request this service on the Accessible Facilities Application Form.
Customers who have requested the service will be contacted by the interpreting team to get an understanding of which performances they would like covered. Please note, this is not guaranteed and is subject to change.
Full performance interpreting schedules will be included in our Accessible Guide, along with details and the location of our information and welfare service available for Deaf customers at ±«Óãtv Radio 1 Big Weekend.
Hearing Loops
Hearing loops will be installed at the accessible entrance, main stage platform and second stage platform.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs will be approved in accordance with the requirement indicated on your Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.
A spending area will be available for assistance dogs.
Not all dogs are Assistance Dogs. They have been specially trained to provide a service, to behave in crowds, noisy situations and to not soil unless directed to do so.
Travel and Arrival
Specific travel information will be sent out by email to customers with accessibility requirements prior to the event.
Accessible Car Park
±«Óãtv Radio 1 Big Weekend has a dedicated Accessible Car Park located close to the arena entrance. The route from the car park to the arena entrance is mostly hard standing level ground.
This car park has very limited spaces available. Accessible parking passes will be allocated on a first come first served basis
Please note that the accessible car parks are now at full capacity
Drop off Pass
If you are being dropped off at or picked up from ±«Óãtv Radio 1 Big Weekend, please let us know on your Accessible Facilities Application. We will then supply a drop off pass for the dedicated Pick Up and Drop Off zone.
Please note that the accessible drop off is now at full capacity.
Shuttle Service
A shuttle service will be provided from Luton Parkway station. More information about this service will be detailed in the Accessibility Guide.
Please note that the accessible shuttle service is now at full capacity.
Trains
The closest train stations to Stockwood Park are Luton Airport Parkway Station and Luton Railway station. Each train station is roughly 1.5 miles from Stockwood park.
We recommend accessible customers travel to Luton Airport Parkway Station as this station has step free access to all train platforms.
Luton Railway station is a category B3 station. This means there is step free access via lift to platform 5 only (trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands). There will be steps to all other platforms.
Please note that there is steep terrain from both stations to Stockwood Park.
Approval of Application & Accessibility Guide
We aim to process your application within two weeks.
A detailed Accessibility Guide will be sent out about a week prior to the event. This will include a site map with details about the layout and ground conditions, and more details on the performances.
Additional Information
Ground Conditions / Weather
Stockwell Park is an outdoor venue and has some sloping grass areas that are steep in sections. Some grassed areas are large with no solid pathways or hard ground.
It is important to be aware that during wet weather, some parts of the site may be muddy, water-logged, or dusty and may be difficult to navigate around.
Special Effects & Lighting
Some performances may use special effects such as smoke machines, lasers, strobe lights, moving lights, fireworks, and other effects at this event. Be aware that they may be used at any time.
Medical and Welfare
Medical and welfare facilities are available throughout the event.
Doctors, paramedics, first aiders, and fully equipped ambulances are based at the medical centre.
Security and Stewards
In the unlikely event of an emergency or site evacuation, security and stewards are deployed throughout the event. They are briefed to offer information, help, and support.
If you are unwell or require assistances, please approach a member of the Security and Stewarding Team who are clearly identifiable by their numbered tabards/shirts.
Security and stewards will assist in moving everybody to a place of safety.
Contact Information
Contact form:
Telephone: If you require a telephone call, please contact us on the above form to schedule a callback.
Post: Accessibility Team, Festival Republic, 30 St John Street, London, EC1M 4AY
Office opening times: 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.