Accessibility Policy
The Oval Bandstand & Lawns
At The Oval Bandstand & Lawns we are committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming and respectful environment for all visitors.
We aim to make our venue and events as accessible as reasonably possible and are committed to treating all guests fairly, with dignity and respect, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
As an outdoor venue, some surfaces and access routes may occasionally be affected by weather conditions. We will always seek to minimise barriers and provide assistance where reasonably possible.
Before purchasing tickets, guests should carefully review all event information and Terms & Conditions published on our ticketing platform and website. If you have any questions regarding accessibility or the suitability of an event for your individual requirements, please contact our team before attending.
Concession & Accessibility Tickets
If you have booked a discounted concession or complimentary carer ticket, we may request reasonable supporting documentation to confirm eligibility for the selected ticket type.
This may include:
- PIP award documentation
- DLA documentation
- Attendance Allowance documentation
- Access Card
- Visual impairment registration documentation
- Other equivalent supporting evidence
Our aim is to ensure the process remains respectful, proportionate, confidential and accessible.
If you have any concerns regarding documentation requirements, please contact our team in advance and we will do our best to assist.
Seating
Most outdoor seating areas at The Oval are step free and wheelchair accessible.
Guests using wheelchairs are welcome to choose where they would like to sit. Where necessary, our team can assist by removing chairs to create suitable wheelchair spaces so guests may remain seated with members of their party.
For more information on seating, please refer to the relevant event listing or contact our team directly.
If you require additional assistance, we recommend contacting us in advance where possible.
Step-free Access
Most areas of the outdoor amphitheatre feature flat or gently sloping access routes and terraces.
The lower area surrounding the bandstand, commonly used as a dance floor or standing area during events, is also step free.
Please note:
- The bandstand stage itself is not currently wheelchair accessible.
- The Oval Pavilion has step-free access.
- Space for larger motorised mobility scooters or wheelchairs may be limited during busy events.
- Wheelchair hire is not available onsite.
Accessible Toilet Facilities
An accessible toilet is available within The Oval Pavilion and is accessible via step-free routes.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Assistance dogs must remain under control, supervised and on a lead or harness at all times whilst onsite.
Venue staff may make reasonable and proportionate enquiries where necessary to establish whether a dog is an assistance dog. This may include asking whether the dog is required due to a disability and what assistance the dog has been trained to provide.
For the safety, comfort and welfare of all guests, any dog behaving aggressively, persistently barking, causing disruption, or posing a health and safety risk may be required to leave the venue. The Oval Bandstand & Lawns reserves the right to make reasonable operational and safety decisions in relation to all animals attending events, while ensuring compliance with its obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
The Oval Bandstand & Lawns permits pet dogs at selected outdoor events only. Dogs are not permitted at certain event types including, but not limited to:
- Outdoor cinema screenings
- Theatre performances
- Wrestling events
The Oval Bandstand & Lawns reserves the right to determine which events are suitable for pet dogs based on capacity, audience safety, the nature of the performance and overall event environment.
Restrictions on pet dogs at certain events, including outdoor cinema, theatre and high-volume performances, are in place to minimise noise disruption, maintain clear sightlines and support the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all guests.
For the welfare of animals, pet dogs are not permitted at events involving loud sound effects, pyrotechnics or high crowd density.
Guests should carefully review the individual event listing prior to booking. Events will clearly state whether they are dog friendly or operate a no dogs policy.
Emotional support animals, therapy animals, comfort animals and companion pets are not automatically treated as assistance dogs for the purposes of venue access. However, The Oval Bandstand & Lawns recognises its obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and will consider reasonable adjustments and individual circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Pet dogs may only attend events where expressly permitted within the individual event listing and Terms & Conditions.
Guests should carefully review the individual event listing and Terms & Conditions prior to booking to confirm whether pet dogs are permitted at that specific event.
Staff Training
Core staff and event team members undertake customer care, diversity and disability awareness training.
Our team will always seek to assist guests respectfully and appropriately. If there is anything we can reasonably do to support your visit, please contact us in advance.
Carer Tickets
Free carer tickets are intended for guests who require significant assistance or support to attend and enjoy an event safely and comfortably.
The guest requiring support must hold a valid event ticket. One complimentary carer ticket may be provided where eligibility requirements are met.
Guests requesting a complimentary carer ticket may be asked to provide reasonable supporting documentation, including one of the following:
- PIP or DLA documentation
- Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance documentation
- Access Card with companion symbol
- Visual impairment registration documentation
- Supporting NHS or professional documentation where appropriate
Please note that Blue Badges alone are not accepted as eligibility evidence for complimentary carer tickets, as they relate primarily to parking and mobility provisions rather than attendance support requirements
Guests requiring an additional carer due to substantial support needs should contact us in advance of the event. Additional supporting documentation may be requested.
All documentation provided will be handled respectfully and in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection obligations.
Contacting Us
If you have any accessibility questions or would like to discuss specific requirements before attending an event, please contact The Oval Bandstand & Lawns team in advance and we will do our best to assist.