ACCESSIBILITY

Port Fairy Folk Festival aims to be an accessible festival. Below we have provided information that will be helpful in planning and attending our festival. If you have any concerns, questions or feedback regarding access, please contact us at the appropriate email below.

Patrons– [email protected]

Performers – [email protected]

Getting There

Parking

Accessible parking is located in Campbell Street at the front gate of the Festival Arena, within the blocked off portion of the road. Those with an Accessible Parking Permit will be directed to these parks by volunteers at the road closure points.

V/line Service

V/line operates trains and buses to Port Fairy from Melbourne, Ballarat, Ararat and Mt Gambier. Transit South West also operate buses from Warrnambool to Port Fairy.

Folkie Bus Service

The Festival offers a bus service from Warrnambool to Port Fairy, stopping at Koroit and Gum Tree Caravan Park. Details are available here: https://portfairyfolkfestival.com/travel/

Shuttle Bus

The Festival offers an accessible low-floor shuttle bus service around the town. More information is available here: https://portfairyfolkfestival.com/travel/

Accessible Entry

There is a fast track accessible entry at the ticket exchange when you arrive to exchange your ticket for a wristband. And also at the front gatet to the arena.

At the festival

Maps

You can view festival, town and accessibility maps here.

Toilets

Accessible toilets are located within the Festival Arena and in the township of Port Fairy (see map).

Site and Venues

The Arena is a level grassed area with large walkways between venues. The only venue with a 2nd floor (The Pavilion) has a motorised single seat elevator.

All venues, with the exception of Fiddlers’ Green are under cover.

Dining areas in the Arena are under cover and trestle style tables and chairs are provided.

Access ramps are provided for performers at all stages within the Arena.

Venues in the town have access ramps and handrailing for both performers and audience members

Emergency Services

First Aid services are located inside the Festival’s Campbell Street entrance, along with Victoria Police and CFA. The Port Fairy hospital is situated in Villiers Street and is available for urgent treatment on the weekend.

Social Story

Please download our Social Story for further information regarding access and your experience at the Port Fairy Folk Festival.

Lighting

Strobe lights

We generally don’t use strobe lighting during performances. In the rare occurrence that strobe lighting is involved as part of a performance, written warnings will be prominently displayed at venue entrances.

House Lights

House lighting is employed in all venues for maximum visibility during periods of audience movement. House lighting will be dimmed immediately prior to commencement of performances. Volunteers are available to assist as necessary.

Assistive Devices

Mobility Charging Station

This service is provided at Performer Reception. Volunteers and PFFF staff are available to assist you between 8:30am and 1:00am. Secure overnight lockup is available for charging mobility devices.

Visibility Screens

Large format screens are provided in our larger venues to improve visibility of performances.

Companion Cards

Companion Card holders who purchase a ticket will be provided with a complimentary ticket for their companion/carer.To obtain this, visit Moshtix, select the dropdown option titled ‘Accessibility/Companion Card Enquiry’, add your companion card details to the box titled ‘tell us a bit more info’ and include your order confirmation email, the full name of your companion and your companion card number.

Onsite Assistance

We provide a Festival information stall on site where visitors can access one-on-one support from our friendly volunteers. There are also two wheelchairs at the Festival Information stall available for borrowing throughout the day.

Volunteers are available throughout the Arena and Village to assist with access solutions. They can be identified by their yellow volunteer T-shirts.

Our staff are happy to assist with access solutions prior to the festival via email or telephone or in-person during the festival.

Assistance Animals

Assistance animals are welcome, including Guide Dogs, Seeing Eye Dogs, Lions Hearing Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs and Physical Disability Service Dogs. The animals should be wearing a harness, lead or a coat identifying them as assistance animals.

Notice of Temporary Disruption of Services

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for people with access requirements (including, but not limited to, on-site facilities, accessible parking, and volunteer assistance), we will make public announcements at all stages, and provide written information on our website.