Please click on the following link to submit an Access Application for Camp Bestival Dorset 2024: Accessible Facilities Application
If you have any questions about our new application form or need assistance to complete an access application for the festival, please contact our Accessibility Manager, Amy, by emailing dorsetaccess@campbestival.net.
Applications for customers with weekend tickets will close on Thursday 4th July 2024 (three weeks before the festival).
Customers with day tickets can apply for PA Passes and Accessible Parking until Thursday 25th July 2024 (one day before the festival).
We cannot guarantee that late applications will be received or processed.
What tickets do I need to buy?
If you are eligible to apply for a PA pass, you need to buy age-appropriate tickets for everyone in your group except the Personal Assistant or designated companion, then apply for PA passes when applications open.
Please click on the link below to read the PA Pass FAQ sheet with accepted evidence:
If you plan to apply for space on the Access Campsite, you need to buy General Weekend Camping Tickets.
Please click on the link below to read the Access Campsite Information sheet with a list of our facilities.
Do I need to buy a vehicle pass?
If you're approved for Access Camping, you're entitled to one free space in the Access Car Park. You must purchase a Car Park Pass for any additional vehicles.
If you are a Blue Badge holder staying on any other campsite, staff can direct you to an accessible space in the car pack closest to your campsite on arrival.
If you plan to apply for space on the Access Campsite with a Campervan or Caravan, you do not need to buy a standard live-in vehicle pass. Customers approved for access camping will be sent a link to buy the concession rate Access Campervan/Caravan Pass.
Are there any upgrades available?
If you plan to stay in Hospitality or Backstage Camping, you need to buy age-appropriate tickets for everyone in your group except the Personal Assistant or designated companion, then apply for PA passes when applications open.
If you are approved for a PA pass, you will be sent a link to upgrade the free PA pass to a Backstage or Hospitality ticket at a concession rate.
PA pass holders can purchase a concession rate upgrade to Paradise Garden, and can request a link to buy the PA upgrade by emailing our Accessibility Manager.
What is the festival site like?
Camp Bestival Dorset takes place in the grounds of Lulworth Castle.
There are some hard standing gravel pathways in the main arena, and the main stage viewing platform can be accessed from a hard standing pathway.
Most of the festival activity takes place outdoors in fields. The site is on farmland with undulating ground, some walkways are uneven and the site is hilly in places; the steepest inclines are in the general car parking and general camping fields.
There are some hilly areas in the main arena (Magic Meadow and Wild Tribe), and some areas where pathways are on softer ground (Dingly Dell).
The ground conditions are weather dependent, in very dry conditions the ground and grass may be dusty and compacted, after heavy rainfall the grass may become muddy in places. There are some areas of site where trackway or wood chipping can be laid if the ground becomes soft or slippery after heavy rain.
The dedicated walking route from the Access Campsite to the main arena leads from the campsite through a paved car park and onto a flat, tarmacked road, across an area of short grass with an incline and then through Castle Courtyard, which is also paved.
There is also a shuttle bus from the access campsite to the main arena, which stops at the taxi pick up point by Castle Courtyard and runs throughout arena opening hours.
What other Access Facilities can I apply for?
Viewing Platforms
There is a viewing platform by the Castle Stage and a second viewing platform in Big Top. Both platforms have charging points and accessible toilets.
Viewing platforms have a 1+1 policy, to ensure there is space for those who need it most.
The person named on the access application will receive a viewing platform wristband, and the PA or one other person from your group can accompany them (with a Viewing Platform wristband or PA pass).
Where possible, we will try to accommodate larger groups in the areas in front of the platforms. At times when the platforms are full, customers may have to queue.
Accessible Arena Toilets
Accessible toilets throughout the arena will be on a coded lock.
Please complete an application form to request the code, which will be sent via email before the festival.
Bringing an Assistance Dog or ESA to Camp Bestival
Camp Bestival welcomes Assistance Dogs and ESA’s.
We require all customers who plan to bring an Assistance Dog or ESA to the festival to complete an Accessible Facilities Application form by the required deadline and upload relevant evidence to support the application.
To ensure that Assistance Dogs and ESAs are able to fulfil their role, we request that all Assistance Dogs and ESAs at the festival wear a jacket or harness that clearly identifies them as a service animal or support animal, even if they would not usually do so.
Please click on the following link to read our Assistance Dog and ESA Policy for more information: ASSISTANCE DOG AND ESA POLICY
What other access facilities are available?
Performance Interpreting
D/deaf customers can find more information about BSL Performance Interpretation at Camp Bestival by clicking the link below.
BSL PERFORMANCE INTERPRETATION
Sensory Chill Out and Quiet Spaces
We have a sensory area and quiet space in the main arena, including a sensory chill out tent staffed by Diverse UK. This will be marked on the Accessible Facilities Map.
You do not need a pass or wristband to use this facility, it is available to anyone who needs time out from the busy festival environment.
The 2023 Accessible Facilities Map is here: MAP
Our 2023 Accessible Facilities Information Pack is here: INFO
Please note, the Access Campsite location and the general site layout will remain the same for 2024. Updated festival maps will be on our website in the week of the festival and on the Camp Bestival app.
An updated Accessible Facilities Information Pack will be on our website in the week of the festival and will also be sent via email to all access customers in advance of the festival.
