ACCESS GUIDE

2023
CONTENTS
Welcome 2
Changes for 2023 3
Before you Arrive 4
Access Drop Off and Parking 4
Where to Collect your Passes 6
Complaints and Feedback 9
Accessible Information 9
Disabled Access Campsite and Campervan 9
District X and Arena 10
The Access Team 12
Notes to the Personal Assistant 13
Accessible Viewing Platform Terms and Conditions 14
BSL Schedule 16
Being Green at Download 17
Access Map 23
Full Map 24
Arena Map 25
District X and Campsite Map 26
Useful Non–Essential Information 27
From one PA to Another 29

1
WELCOME
Hello, my name is Katie; I am the Accessibility Manager at Download Festival 2023. The team and I are
delighted to have so many Access customers attend this year's festival.
Lots of hard work, planning and preparation goes into organising this event, and we have made changes to
accommodate all the extra customers joining us to celebrate the 20th Anniversary.
We create these shows so that people come together and share the same passion for music as we do, and
we hope you all have a fantastic weekend.
Please take the time to read this guide. With so many new changes, returning customers may be using
different entrances than in previous years.
It is important to remember to share this with your Companion and PAs – please forward it on.
Please ensure you have your confirmation email of everything you have been approved for either on
your phone or printed out and a screenshot of your QR code, as the signal can be temperamental.
We cater for a wide range of Disabilities and would like to take the opportunity to remind all our guests
that not all disabilities are visible. Please be courteous towards your fellow Downloaders.

All customers are approved on a case-by-case basis and documentation must be reviewed to be approved
for access.
Please do not pass judgement on other customers who may have different requirements than yourself.

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CHANGES FOR 2023
• The Download Village (remaining completely on hard standing – as in 2022) has been re-named:
District X.
We are saying hello to not one but two new stages – The Doghouse is now in a Big Top.
There is a Comedy & Podcast stage – The Side Splitter. Both stages have Accessible Viewing Platforms
and Accessible Toilets, which can be accessed for customers who have been pre-approved using the
relevant accessibility wristbands.

• We have a mobile number for the on-site Access Team this is operation 24 hours, if you need us, please
call us on 075 461 144 86 (we accept texts for customers who cannot make phone calls due to access
requirements).

• We have an additional Changing Place Unit located at the Main Stage Viewing Platform.

• We have increased the Accessible Campsites from 2 to 5 campsites across the site. We have Campsite
A, B and C as our tent campsites, and Campsite D and E is for campervans.
New camps have been introduced to accommodate the 82% increase in access customer attendance.

• There is now a dedicated Access Entrance into the Arena. Access customers can use this to avoid the
crowds at the Main Entrance.

• The location of the Main Stage Access Viewing Platform has moved. It is now situated on the left side of
the Arena, as opposed to the right like in previous years. Additionally, there will be a hard-standing path
from the Accessible Entrance to the platform.

• The Accessible Buggy is returning – this will predominantly be a luggage service, see page … for details

• Day customers have a new car park and entrance – see page … for details

• The Access Guide will be available on the Download App this year. This guide contains details of all
accessible infrastructure and facilities on site.

• This year Download is cashless; you can pay by card or with apps such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
OPENING & CLOSING TIMES
Please note these times are approximate and may change due to the nature of live events.

Area Opens Closes

Campsite & Village Wednesday @ 12 pm Monday @ 12 pm
Arena Thursday @ 12 pm After Headline Act
Friday @ 12 pm
Saturday @ 10 am
Sunday @ 10 am

Please Note: You will not be permitted onto the site any earlier than the published time; facilities are
limited outside the event and may not be suitable for waiting for access customers.

ACCESS PARKING & DROP OFF PASSES

Parking and drop-off car passes are sent from noreplycarpass@festivalrepublic.com. If you haven't
received your pass by Monday 5th June by 5 pm, then please check your junk/spam folder before emailing
us at access@downloadfestival.co.uk
Any customer found duplicating or abusing the pass system may be evicted from the festival.
Camping Customers
Customers arriving to park or being dropped off with Weekend Camping Tickets will be using the Disabled
Access Camping Car Park, which you can get to via The Purple Gate.
We only allocate one vehicle pass per Access customer; everyone else in your party must purchase a public
car park vehicle pass; there are no exceptions. The closest public car park to The Disabled Access Camping
Car Park is the West Car Park (for camping customers).

Please ensure that you have filled in the form on your parking pass, and it is displayed clearly on your
windscreen; this allows us to reach you in case of an issue with your vehicle during the event.

Travel updates will be available via social media and the website. Please check your journey before setting
off for the festival.
Campsite A & B
Access customers will be permitted to drive their vehicles into Campsite A and B to unload.
Once unloaded, you must return your car to the Disabled Access Car Park, where it will remain for the
duration of the festival.
There will be a one-way system to keep traffic moving through the campsite.
Please follow the instructions of the traffic marshals who are looking out for the safety of everyone and the
smooth running of the movement of traffic.

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This is only permitted for the access customer; friends will need to go straight to the West Car Park and
make their own way. Wheelbarrows will be available for friends and family staying with you.
Campsite C
Access customers will be permitted to drive their vehicles to the top of Campsite A, and unload. Help will
be available to transport your belongings the short distance to Campsite C.
Once unloaded, you will need to return your car to the Disabled Access Car Park, where it will remain for
the duration of the festival.
There will be a one-way system to keep traffic moving through the campsite. Please follow the instructions
of the traffic marshals who are looking out for the safety of everyone and the smooth running of the
movement of traffic.

STRICTLY NO CARS CAN REMAIN ON THE CAMPSITE, SO ONCE YOU HAVE UNLOADED, WE
ASK YOU SWIFTLY TO PARK YOUR CAR IN THE ACCESSIBLE PARKING AREA.
Day/Weekend Arena Only Customers – Non-Campers
Customers being dropped off with Day Tickets will be using the Disabled Access Pick-up and Drop-off Car
Park, which you can get to via Blue Gate.
Customers arriving to park with Day Tickets will be using the Disabled Access Car Park, please follow signs
to Day (South) Car Park and let traffic marshals know you are an Accessible Customer.
We only allocate one vehicle pass per Access customer; everyone else in your party must purchase a public
car park vehicle pass; there are no exceptions.
The closest public car park is the South Car Park (for day customers) which you can get to following signs to
Day (South) Car Park.
Any customers found to be duplicating passes, may be evicted from the festival.

Please ensure that you have filled in the form on your parking pass and that it is displayed clearly on your
windscreen; this allows us to reach you in case of an issue with your vehicle during the event.

Travel updates will be available via social media and the website. Please check your journey before setting
off for the festival.

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WHERE TO COLLECT YOUR ACCESS PASSES
Please read the below information; it is very important!!
PA tickets and Access wristbands must be collected at the festival. Access Customers must ensure they
have ID when collecting their passes.
If you do not have a photo ID, we can accept a recent utility bill which must include your name and
address.

If you are a Day Ticket Holder or Weekend Arena Access Customer and you are being
Dropped Off or Parking in the Accessible Day Car Park:
When you have parked your vehicle, please make your way to the check-in that is located inside the South
Box Office.
Do not proceed into the Arena until you have collected your passes – Companion tickets can only be
collected from the box office.

If you are a Day Ticket Holder or Weekend Arena Access Customer and you are Arriving by
Public Transport or Other:
Please head to Access Campsite A. You will be asked to present your tickets, ID and access QR code.
Please do not follow the crowds to the arena entrance, as you need to collect your passes.
PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED INTO THE ARENA UNTIL YOU HAVE COLLECTED YOUR ACCREDITATION.

If you are a 5-day/4-day Access Customer who is collecting a PA ticket and you are staying
in a General Campsite, and you are Arriving by Public Transport or Other:
Please head to the West Box Office (Closest to the Transport Hub) and let staff know that you are an
Access Customer and you need to collect your passes.

If you are a 5-day/4-day Access Customer who is collecting a PA ticket and you are staying
in Eco/Green, Quiet/Yellow, Blue or Black Campsite, and you are Parking in the Public Car
Park:
Please head to the West Box Office (Closest to the West Public Car Park) and let staff know that you are an
Access Customer and you need to collect your passes.

If you are a 5-day/4-day Access Customer who is collecting a PA ticket and you are staying
in Purple, Red or Orange Campsite, and you are Parking in the Public Car Park:
Please head to the East Box Office (Closest to the East and North Public Car Park) and let staff know that
you are an Access Customer and you need to collect your passes.

If you are an Access Customer and you are staying in General Campervans:
If you have a General Campervan ticket, your envelope with all your passes will be available to collect from
the General Campervan Box Office.

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If you are a RIP Package Access Customer:
If you have a RIP package, your wristband will be available to collect from your RIP check-in point.

Access Campsites:
Campsites have been pre-allocated, which can be found in the Campsite Allocation email from the Download
Access Team (accesscampsiteallocation@festivalrepublic.com). It can also be found on your Access QR code
email.

If you are an Access Customer and you are staying in the Access Campsite A:
You will collect everything from the accessible check-in located inside Campsite A.

If you are an Access Customer and you are staying in the Access Campsite B:
You will collect everything from the accessible check-in located inside Campsite B.

If you are an Access Customer and you are staying in the Access Campsite C:
You will collect everything from the accessible check-in located inside Campsite A before heading to
Campsite C.

If you are an Access Customer and you have an Access Campsite Campervan D Pass:
Please follow the instructions on your Vehicle pass. Head to the Hub within Campsite D to collect your
passes.
All caravans are subject to search. While your campervan is being searched, please take this opportunity to
collect you event and access accreditation from the campervan wristband exchange. (Opening hours 8am-
midnight) within Campsite D to collect your passes.

If you are an Access Customer and you have an Access Campsite Campervan E Pass:
Please follow the instructions on your Vehicle pass – enter through Green Gate.
All caravans are subject to search. While your campervan is being searched, please take this opportunity to
collect your event and access accreditation from the campervan wristband exchange within Campsite E to
collect your passes (Opening hours 8am-midnight).

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 If you are an Access Customer in the Arena and have not collected
any passes, please make your way to the Main Stage Viewing
Platform when the Arena opens on Thursday and ask to speak to
Orange Dave.
Please also have your QR Code ready.

(Image: Download Dog Posing with one of our helpful volunteers)

8
COMPLAINTS AND FEEDBACK
We will be holding a Campsite Reps Meeting on Friday 9th, at 13.30 in the Charging Tent in Campsite A to
allow customers to relay feedback directly to the Access Team, with a follow-up/summarising meeting
Sunday, 11th June, at 11.30 am.
We will always try to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, so please give us live feedback.
Any problems please tell a member of the Access Team (based in Campsite A), the Campsite Manager or
the Arena Manager on the platforms – Orange Dave.
If your complaint is about a member of staff, then try to note the following information:

• What colour was their tabard (Hi-VIS)?

• What number was on their tabard?
• Where were you/what is around you?

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
DISABLED ACCESS CAMPSITE AND CAMPERVAN FIELD
On-site Mobile: For any urgent issues while you are at Download, there is a mobile number - 075 461 144
86. This is in operation 24 hours a day throughout the duration of the event.
Charging Tents: There is a charging tent in each campsite; this is reserved for customers that need to
charge auxiliary aids. Please ensure you unplug your aid once fully charged so others may use the sockets.
Changing Places Unit: There will be a Changing Place (CP) Unit in Campsite A and Campsite D. We have also
introduced a new Changing Place Unit to the Main Stage Viewing Platform.
The CP Unit will contain a sanitary bin, sink, hoist and changing table.
Access to the CP Unit in Campsite A and Arena will be provided by the Mobiloo attendants.
Access to the CP Unit in Campsite D will require a standard key which is collectable from the campsite hub.
Toilets: Wheelchair-accessible toilets are provided in every campsite field, cleaned daily, and restocked
multiple times a day. If you have any issues, please contact a member of staff.
Toilets will have a sanitary bin for all sanitary waste – please refrain from putting discarded sanitary
products into the toilet.
Look out for the signage on the outside of the toilet to identify which units have sanitary bins.
Accessible Buggy: The accessible buggy is returning.

Buggy Stops

• Transport hub
• Village
• Campsites A, B, C & E

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This service is for access customers and their PA only, this operates as a luggage service. Please be aware at
busy times there may be a wait. Members of the access teams party are not permitted to use the buggy.
There will be an impromptu service for customers who are unable to make their own way to the village
from campsite E. Please let the campsite manager know when you require this service, and we will get to
you as soon we can.
Please be aware at busy times there may be a wait. Members of the access team’s party are not permitted
to use the buggy with the exception of PAs.
Info Hub: We will have an information hub in Campsite A.
Opening hours

Day Morning Afternoon

Wednesday 8 am – 1pm 5pm – 8pm
Thursday 8 am – 1pm 5pm – 8pm
Friday 8 am – 1pm 5pm – 8pm
Saturday 8 am – 1pm 5pm – 8pm
Sunday 8 am – 1pm 5pm – 8pm

Assistance Dogs: Please be aware that there are some assistant dogs on site (subject to approval by the
access team).
Food Vendors: Campsite A and C will have a food vendor located at Church Tower. Campsite B can use the
food vendors located at RIP.
On the app, you can now search for dietary-specific food traders (gluten-free and all available vendors will
be highlighted across the site).
Please be aware that due to the limitations of food vendors not all serving points are accessible however,
staff have been briefed to make additional allowances to accommodate access requirements.

District X
Cinema Screen: The cinema screen will show films with subtitles.
Charge Points: The Doghouse Stage Viewing Platform and The Side Splitter Stage will have charge points
for mobility aids. If the stage is closed, please speak to a steward or member of security.
Toilets: Wheelchair-accessible toilets can be found at both the Accessible Viewing Platforms and at
Medical.
Please note District X (the village) is not available to Day and Weekend Arena Ticket holders.

ARENA
Queue Lane:
There is a dedicated Arena Entrance for our Access customers.
Arena Entrance
Please enter via Gate A displaying the Wheelchair symbol.
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 Merch Stand
There will be a lowered counter at the Merch Superstore in the Village.
There will be an accessible lane at the merch stands in the Arena which can be identified by the wheelchair
symbol above the serving point.
Bars
There will be a lowered serving counter at each Main Bar, they can be identified by the wheelchair symbol
above the serving point.
To use, show security on the lane your accessibility wristband.
Please see the map in this guide for your Arena facilities.
Chairs: Access customers can bring chairs into the Arena and onto the platforms, space permitting.
Toilets: All toilets are located at the Accessible Viewing Platforms at each stage in the Arena.
These are a mixture of standard and wheelchair-accessible toilets and some urinals (urinals only at Main
Stage).
Please be mindful of hidden disabilities when queuing.
Bags and Searching: All festival-goers’ safety is paramount. The restriction of bag sizes reflects this, and we
ask that you please respect this.
However, as a registered access customer, we will monitor bag sizes as we know you might need to carry
additional items such as warmer clothing, medical equipment and medication, food for specific dietary
requirements etc.
Ensure you use the Access Entrance into the Arena, showing your Access wristband to security.
Searches for prohibited items will still be taking place.
Performance Interpreting: We have a dedicated Performance Interpreting team offering a service for our
D/deaf audience. If you would like to speak to them at the event, please visit them at the Information point
in the Arena.
The schedule can be found on page 16.
It can also be found on the App.

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THE ACCESS TEAM
The Access Team, (Katie, Carla, Lucas, Izzy, and Leila) have all been working in head office planning for the
festival.
We encourage our customers to report any issues, big or small, while at the festival, we are always
available for a chat, and where possible, we will try and find solutions to problems.
Campsite Manager: We have Campsite Managers on duty from Wednesday – Monday, providing cover 24
hours a day. Please do not hesitate to ask them any questions or advice on anything you are unsure of and
report any issues to them – big or small.
Campsite Stewards: We have campsite stewards roaming the campsite. During busier arrival times, the
helpers may be assisting other customers, so please be patient.
Please note they are there to assist the Accessible Customers where required. They are not there to erect
tents or carry additional party members' luggage or beer! Please be mindful and respectful of this.
Campsite Security: Security is based at the campsite 24 hours a day. They are easily identifiable by the
coloured, numbered tabards they wear. If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask them.
Platform Manager: Dave, also known as Orange Dave, is back this year, ensuring that the Arena is running
smoothly. At every Disabled Platform in the Arena, we will have a team of security and stewards. If you
require any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask them.

(Image: Download Dog Posing with the Access Team and Attitude is Everything after receiving the Gold
Award in 2018)

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NOTES TO THE PERSONAL ASSISTANT
Please make sure you pass this Access Guide on to Personal Assistant!
Welcome to the festival. We want to highlight a few points to help you enjoy your festival experience as a
PA.

You are attending the festival to accompany and assist the person who chose you as their PA. Should it
become apparent you are not carrying out this role; we have the right to eject you from the festival.

What is expected of a PA:

• It is important you are willing and able to assist and help with the required needs of the person who
chose you as their PA throughout the festival.
• You need to be available and able to help them in an evacuation or emergency.

Tips for an enjoyable experience:

• Familiarise yourself with the facilities and meet the Access Team.
• If you encounter any problems, you can contact the Access Team, who will try to assist.
• Check the weather beforehand and wear appropriate clothing.

Some information and advice from one PA to another and what you might need from a PA perspective
can be found on page 29.

(Image: Download Dog posing with some of our Access Customers in Campsite A)

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ACCESSIBLE VIEWING PLATFORM INFORMATION
Accompanying someone on the Access Viewing Platform

We are bringing back the viewing platform + 1 lanyards.

The lanyard will allow access customers who have been approved for the Viewing Platform to swap their +
1 accompanying them as many times as needed throughout the weekend, without having to exchange
wristbands.

Please note that the platform is on a first-come first served basis. We do not reserve seats and it is
prohibited for customers to use personal belongings to do so.

In the instance of an access customer requiring a seat, we will use all seats available.

All customers who have been approved for the viewing platform qualify for + 1 to accompany them.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Platforms operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
• If the platforms become full, we operate a one-in, one-out policy.
• Access to the viewing platform is strictly controlled. You need to apply in advance.
• PAs are welcome to use available seating; however, please vacate if a disabled customer requires a
seat or you are asked to do so by a steward.
• There is a lanyard system in operation for PAs/plus ones. To accompany someone on the platform
both an access wristband and the lanyard must be worn.
• Smoking is not permitted. This includes e-cigarettes or vapes.
• Some viewing platforms have power points for charging electric wheelchairs/medical equipment
only. Please ask staff for details.
• Staff reserve the right to ask customers to leave the platform.
• The use of the platform implies acceptance of these conditions

Strobe Lighting, Special Effects and Fireworks may be used in performances.

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(Image: BSL Performing on Mainstage Viewing Platform)

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16
 Being Green at Download

CARBON EMISSIONS
Climate change requires urgent action. We are already seeing the effects take place, with coral reefs dying,
flash floods, and severe droughts. We can no longer ignore the damaging effects we’re contributing to our
planet. However instead of worrying about the future, we can start making it better by working together!
Download has signed up to Festival Vision 2025; we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions by
50% by 2030. We measure the carbon emissions of the festival every year and have set annual targets to
reduce our emissions.

SINGLE USE PLASTIC

As part of our commitment to reduce our reliance on plastic, single use plastics have been banned from
being sold or served in the arena since 2009. Here’s what we’ve put in place to reduce single use plastic at
Download:
• All serve wear from our traders is compostable.
• All water and soft drinks are served in cans, or paper cups.
• We do not provide bottled water as standard to crew or in our dressing rooms. Instead, we provide
water stations back of house to enable reusable bottles to be refilled.
• Look out for our Pepsi Max soft drink outlets, where you can avoid plastic bottles or cans
completely.

Here’s how you can help towards removing single-use plastic at the festival:
• Please remember to bring your own refillable bottle, everywhere you go!
There are plenty of refill at the arena water stations and campsite. Don’t worry if you forgot to bring one,
they are also available for sale in the merch stalls.
• Please remember your reusable coffee cups!
Coffee stalls are not allowed to provide plastic coffee lids; while some will provide compostable lids, others
have opted for no lids. Most drinks will be decanted into paper cups or served in a can so we can manage

17
the plastic and can disposal responsibly. If you require a lid then we recommend you bring your own cup
with lid.

• Remember your reusable straw if you require one

Single use plastics have been band from being sold or served in the arena since 2009. Plastic straws will not
be available at the festival. Reusable silicon and metal alternative are a great alternative.

WATERREFILLS
TAP WATER IS FREE. Join the #refillrevolution

Please feel free to refill your bottles at the taps provided.

EVERY CAN COUNTS
We’ve teamed up with Every Can Counts again who will gladly give your finished drink cans a new home.
Cans are infinitely recyclable, so please make sure that you recycle yours! Every Can Counts will be based
in the campsite village and will also be roaming the campsites with their can collection backpacks. Keep an
eye out for the new Download can cage near the Arena Entrance too. Please save your cans for them and
chat with their team to find out about their prize giveaway!

REUSABLE CUPS
It is only possible to use our much-loved Download branded reusable cups once per year at the festival, so
we have taken the decision to not them in use anymore. This is because they need to be used up to
fourteen times to outweigh the environmental impacts of paper cups (Source: The Making Waves Guide to
Reusable Cups at Festivals & Events, RAW Foundation (2018)).

CUP, BOTTLE, & CAN REFUND POINT LOCATIONS

Deposit Refund Points can be found at Bars 1, 3 and 5.
All the bottles sold in the arena contain recycled plastic content.
All paper cups and bottles bought in the arena have a 10p refundable deposit which can be refunded in
cash or on card. The minimum return amount is 5 cups or bottles for 50p return.

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All cans bought in the arena have a deposit of 25p, which will be refunded to you if you bring a minimum of
2 back.
5 x bottles = 50p
5 x cups = 50p
2 x cans = 50p
Visit the refund point before 22:00 on Sunday night to avoid disappointment.
Before returning, empty all contents, no crushed or broken cups, bottles, or cans.

FOUR BIN SYSTEM

We run a four-bin system at the festival, which means every bin station in the campsite and the village will
be formed by the following 3 bins:
COMPOSTABLE
When you buy food from the traders, all packaging your food is served in is compostable; plates, cutlery,
and napkins can all go in the compost bin along with any food scraps.
CANS & BOTTLES
All plastic bottles, clean plastic containers, aluminium cans, and tins can go in here.
CARDBOARD

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All paper and clean and dry cardboard can go in here.
(No used, greasy pizza boxes as these do not recycle)
NOT RECYCLABLE
There should be minimal waste left over for this bin. This includes soft plastic, crisp packets, wet wipes,
chewing gum, greasy pizza boxes and extinguished cigarette butts.
Head over to the campsite AIRs for more info. From Sunday, you will also be able to donate any unopened,
non-perishable food to any AIR location.

RECYCLING REWARDS
Our green team will be handing out clear bags in the campsites and they’re also available to grab at the
recycling points. Take your rubbish to a recycling station to sort for a chance to win some great prizes!

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TAKE YOUR TENTS HOME
Massive thank you to last year’s access campers for leaving your camp so clean and green! So let’s do it
again and say no to single use, take your tents and camping equipment home with you. The majority of
abandoned tents end up being incinerated because it is impossible to recycle or reuse them all. If you have
any broken tents or chairs, please place them in the non-recyclable bin at the recycling points.
Any unopened tins of food can be donated at the AIR Hubs in the campsite.

BIN YOUR BUTTS & VAPES

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Disposable vapes must go in the non-recycling bin. Cigarette butts and vapes are very harmful to the
environment as they release toxins into the ground and are often digested by the birds and deer that live
on the grounds. Every cigarette butt and vape must be picked up by hand, so it’d be awesome if you didn’t
flick your cigarette.

This year Greenpeace are bringing their Eco Marquee to the arena, where you can find out about their
essential work for a green and peaceful future.

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USEFUL NON-ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
We have a helpful video of the Download Arena including access information, it is subtitled and includes an
audio description. If you would like to know more about what to expect at Download, then please click
HERE
The full URL link can be found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL6VYxh8a_U

Packing List
Our campsite reps have kindly provided a very helpful packing list for you all.

• Tent
• Sleeping bag or Duvets
• Sleeping Mat or Airbed or Camp bed
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Towel
• Tent Poles
• Mallet
• Duct Tape
• Toilet Roll
• Baby Wipes
• Silver Foil Recovery Blanket (to put under your bed/Air Mattress)
• Camp Chairs
• Cooking Equipment - Remember, NO GAS OR GLASS

Medical Specific

• All Medications - Narcotics should be kept in their original packages and have a prescription/letter
from a doctor
• Pain Killers - Prescribed and OTC
• Rescue meds i.e. for diarrhoea, sickness, bites
• Mobility Aides
• Wheelchair and/or Scooter - Remember your charging cables!
• Extra Blankets
• Heat Pads
• Splints, Canes, Walking Sticks
• Stoma Supplies - Always bring more than you think you'll need

Clothes

• Jumper or Hoodie
• Several Pairs of Pants
• Several Pairs of Socks - bring thin ones for hot weather, thicker to wear with boots/Wellies
• Trainers
• Wellies/Boots/Docs
• Flip Flops - for walking around at camp
• Comfy Shoes for Campsite
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 • Warm Weather Clothes
• Cold Weather Clothes
• Wet Weather Clothes
• Pyjamas
• Swimsuit If applicable for showering
• Extra set of clothes, wrapped in a waterproof bag in case your tent floods
• Poncho /Disposable Poncho - It ALWAYS gets cold at night

Personal Care

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste

• Shower Gel
• Shampoo
• Feminine Hygiene products
• More Baby Wipes
• Body Wipes
• Deodorant
• Body Spray
• Makeup
• Face Paint/Glitter

Miscellaneous

• Books
• Games for Camp
• Ear Plugs
• Ear Defenders
• Condoms
• Tissues
• Medic Alert Bracelets etc
• Big Coat

Food & Drink

• Alcohol - There is no limit to the amount of alcohol you can bring into the Campsite as long as it’s
for personal consumption.
• All glass bottles should be decanted into plastic bottles before arriving at site.
• No Alcohol is permitted to be taken into the Arena.
• Small amounts of food and sealed 500ml bottles of soft drinks and water are permitted into the
arena. You may also take in an empty water bottle to fill at the Water Points in the Arena.

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Some Information and advice from one PA to another
Being someone’s festival or gig PA seems, on the surface, to be an easy job and a great way to get a free
pass to an event.
The reality, however, is massively different and can change minute by minute, day by day.

The “Official” guidance for being a PA is:

Someone who can provide all day-to-day care you might need for the duration of the festival, including
being able to safely evacuate the disabled camper in the event of an emergency.

That doesn’t even begin to cover the full responsibilities that come with being a PA. It's exhausting, it can
be hard work and both mentally and physically exhausting.

It’s important to stay sober enough and alert enough to do all of these things. Being physically capable of
assisting your person mentally and physically in all situations.

Being a PA also means putting the disabled customers’ needs ahead of yours at all times: The reality of this
is that you may miss bands when they are unwell, you might end up queuing for food/drink etc, for them
when they can’t do it themselves.
You will have to advocate on their behalf in any and all situations (especially in a medical emergency),
you’ll need to be familiar with them as a person, their disabilities and needs.
You may also be solely responsible for putting up tents and sorting your camping space out.

This can be a lot to take on and you need to think carefully about whether you can completely agree to all
of this before agreeing to be someone else’s only source of 24-hour assistance and support in a
sometimes-challenging environment.

What you might need from a PA

The most important quality in a PA is having someone who knows you, your disabilities, and both yours
and their limitations.

It must be someone you trust implicitly to take care of you throughout the festival and not abandon you
the minute they can - cannot emphasise this enough!

They must be physically able to support you and your needs, they must be able to provide all the personal,
individual care you need or might need.
It’s also important they can keep calm and collected in an emergency.

It’s something to bear in mind, that if a PA is NOT doing their role and it’s brought to the Access Team’s
attention, they can and will be removed from site. They are there to do a job and if they aren’t doing it and
therefore putting you in danger, that won’t be tolerated.

Think very carefully about whom you’re asking to be your total 24-hour support for 5/6 days and make
sure you are confident that they can do everything you need them to.

The last thing anyone wants is to be left without support and assistance, especially in an emergency.

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We look forward to meeting
you at Download Festival

Rock on!

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