ACCESS

Parking and drop-off

Blue Badge parking is available in the Civic Centre and Sandyford Square car parks.

Car Park address: Sandyford Square (Civic Centre) Car Park, Hancock St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8PB

The Civic Centre car park is accessed through the traffic barrier beside the Sandyford Square car park. All parking spaces are offered on a first come, first served basis and charged at the same rates as normal pay and display parking.

For more information about car parks, parking charges and where to charge an electric vehicle visit the Newcastle City Council website.

Pick up and drop off for those with access needs is in the Civic Centre car park. There is a wheelchair accessible route from the car park around the building to Ceremonial Way - see a video of the route here. It is approx 100 meters from the car park to the Civic Centre entrance using this route.

The Civic Centre festival site is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Please note, there will be some uneven surfaces outdoors.

At the festival

Many of the Stay and Play workshops and performances will take place on the grass in the Civic Centre Gardens.

NOVUM staff and volunteers will be there to direct you

Guide dogs and other assistance dogs are welcome.

Chill out space

We know the buzz of a festival is what appeals to many but it can be a challenge for others.

  • There will be a sensory chill out space available inside the Civic Centre.

  • It will be signposted and NOVUM staff and volunteers will be able to direct you to it.

Special thanks to Percy Hedley and The Glasshouse for their support in fitting out the Chill Out Space

There are accessible toilets in the Civic Centre, please look out for signs directing you to them. NOVUM staff and volunteers will also be on hand to help with directions.

TOILETS

There is a Changing Places toilet in the Civic Centre, or find nearby Changing Places toilets.

banqueting hall

  • There is a designated area for wheelchair users near the stage, to ensure a great view of the performance.

  • If you use a wheelchair, you don’t have to use this area but it’s available to you.

  • Staff and volunteers can direct you, answer questions and offer assistance

  • “Triple Threat” on Sunday 11 August will be British Sign Language Interpreted.

MUSIC PERFORMANCES IN THE BANQUETING HALL WILL CONTAIN FLASHING LIGHTS, HAZE AND USE OF STROBE.

  • The Banqueting Hall is an unreserved, standing venue.

Council chamber

The Council Chamber is on the first floor of the Civic Centre. This floor can be accessed by stairs or a lift.

  • The building is old and the route via the lift is more complicated than using the stairs - there will be signs to show the route, and staff and volunteers there to direct you.

  • The Council Chamber is an unreserved, seated venue.

  • Wheelchair users may sit in their wheelchair, with their party, in the back row of the space.

  • Wheelchair users may also transfer out of their wheelchair to sit on a seat in the back row of the venue, if they prefer.