ACCESSIBILITY

Please download our 2024 Social Story for further information regarding access and your experience at the Port Fairy Folk Festival.

SOCIAL STORY DOWNLOAD HERE

Port Fairy Folk Festival aims to be an accessible festival for all. 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:Dedicated 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 appropriate permit will be directed to these parks by volunteers who will be in attendance (See map).
• Transport:
• 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.
• Warrnambool/Port Fairy Bus Service
  The Festival offers an accessible bus service between Warrnambool and the Festival and also Gum Tree Caravan Park and the Festival. Timetables will be posted here when available.
• Music Shuttle Bus
  We provide a Music Shuttle Bus to assist with access to the outer venues in the Village. The bus leaves the Gardens Oval every 45m minutes between 6:30pm and 11:30pm Friday; 8:30am to 12:30am Saturday and Sunday; and 8:00am until 2:00pm on Monday. The last bus leaves the Festival Arena Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 12:00 midnight. The Music Shuttle Bus is a low floor bus with access for wheelchair users. The bus service requests a gold coin donation. See map for the Music Shuttle Bus route.
• Accessible Entry: There is a fast-track accessible entry at front gate to the arena. 

At the festival

• Maps:You can view the town map here, and the arena map 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.

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. Friends of The Festival Volunteers are available to assist with torches as supplemental light as necessary. 

Assistive Devices

• Hearing loop:The River stage (Stage 1) and Pyipgil Gundidj (Stage 5) in the main Arena have a radio frequency transmitted hearing induction loop system, providing those with hearing aids a superior sound experience. Those who wish to utilise the loop will need to pick up a receiver from the Festival Information Stall. This service is provided by Word of Mouth.
• Mobility Charging Station:This service is provided at Performer Reception. Friends of the Festival 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 & Onsite Assistance

• Companion Card holders are welcome. Once you have purchased your ticket, email or post a copy of your companion card, along with your name and phone number and your ticket reference number, and we will process the companion ticket at no charge.
• 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.
• Friends of The Festival Volunteers are available throughout the Arena and Village to assist with access solutions. They can be identified by their blue Friends Of The Festival T-shirts.

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. Clearly marked drinking stations are provided for assistance animals. 

Communication

• All our website information can be accessed in large-text format.
• We provide a Festival Information Stall on site where visitors can access one-on-one support from our volunteers who will provide all necessary communication guidance.
• Our staff are happy to assist with access solutions via email or telephone.
• Our subscriber newsletters can be viewed in large text format and include alt text captions for visual content.

Notice of Temporary Disruption of Services

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for people with disabilities (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.

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