Activate are committed to making Inside Out Dorset accessible, and to championing change in the arts through our approach to access and inclusion. We understand disability through the Social Model and we believe that it is our collective responsibility – with our partners and collaborators – to make our work and our spaces as accessible as we possibly can.
We aim to do this by removing and/or reducing barriers to participation for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, and by ensuring that everyone – no matter their age, ability, gender identity, sexuality, or cultural background – can engage meaningfully with our festival programme if they wish to.
In everything we do, we have just two rules. Anything is possible. And everyone’s invited.
Take a look at our Visual Story for the festival.
The events will take place at Christchurch Quay which has tarmacked paths and grass lawn areas which are accessible by wheelchairs and buggies.
There will be a Changing Places toilet available on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September.
There will be a relaxed hour on Monday 15 September, 10-11am.
Read our full Access Guide for Christchurch below.
The events will take place at Summerhouse Hill which has access via tarmacked paths. It is a meadow with grass and uneven surfaces. There is a path which is accessible by wheelchairs and buggies.
There is a Changing Places toilet available at the nearby Quedam Shopping Centre.
There will be a tactile table on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September.
There will be a relaxed hour on Sunday 14 September, 10am-11am.
Idiòfona (Corfe Castle grounds) – As part of Heritage Open Days Corfe Castle will be free to visit on 20 and 21 September. The area where Idiòfona will be performed is accessible. There is a Changing Places toilet located in the National Trust Castle View Visitors Centre on East Street. On 21 September the performance at 1.30pm will be Audio Described.
WE FEAR Episode V: Leviathan (Sandy Hill Arts) – The road access to Sandy Hill Arts is on a slight incline but the site is, by and large fairly flat and even. There is a bridge across Corfe railway station to the centre but wheelchair access has to be via Corfe village. Blue badge owners are free to park anywhere that doesn’t obstruct others. There is a Changing Places toilet located in the National Trust Castle View Visitors Centre on East Street.
Poi (Corfe Castle Village Hall) – This event will take place in the car park of the Village Hall. The ground is hard standing and fairly level. There is a Changing Places toilet located in the National Trust Castle View Visitors Centre on East Street. On 21 September the performance at 12pm will be Audio Described.
Arrels (St. Edward’s Church) – This event will take place in the churchyard of St. Edward’s Church. There is a mix of stone pathways and grass. There is a ramp at one entrance to the churchyard. There is a Changing Places toilet located in the National Trust Castle View Visitors Centre on East Street.
Consequences (North Castle Field) – As part of Heritage Open Days Corfe Castle will be free to visit on 20 and 21 September. There is a dedicated accessible viewing area opposite the National Trust car park to experience this artwork. There is a Changing Places toilet located in the National Trust Castle View Visitors Centre on East Street. There will be a tactile table on 20 and 21 September.
There will be an audio description of the following events available on Sunday 21 September:
Poi by Cie D’es Tro, 12pm
Idiòfona by Joan Català, 1.30pm
We Fear (Episode V: Leviathan) by Eva Marichalar-Freixa and Jordi Duran i Roldós, working with Dorsetborn theatre, 4.15pm
Please email access@activateperformingarts.org.uk for details of the meeting point and to book your place.
The Canopy seed pods will be located within the forest and our suggested route is an out and back route totalling 2km from the Visitor Centre. There are stops to rest and listen along the route. The route has some gentle inclines, and the surface is made of compacted earth which can be rough at times but is accessible by wheelchairs and buggies.
Tramper mobility scooters are available from the Visitor Centre.
There is a Changing Places toilet and Accessible toilets on site.
Free parking for vehicles exempt from road tax due to disability reasons (registration required).
There will be a touch tour available with the company at 10am on Sunday 21 September, booking required (Each ticket includes +1 free PA/Carer.) To find out more please contact Jen Walke-Myles on 07961 196567 / email jewalke@gmail.com
The parade route is wheelchair accessible and approximately 1km long.
The finale takes place on the beach with an accessible viewing area on the Esplanade.
There is a Changing Places toilet located in the Weymouth Beach Control Office. There will be an Audio Description on 20 September.
