It’s been a while since I wrote about live music, so what better way to start again than by giving you the lowdown on my first festival experience at BST Hyde Park. This festival was the main reason for our trip to London, as we really wanted to see Kings of Leon headline the event. People thought we were mad as we had seen them three times already a few months before, but we still really wanted to go and it was completely worth it.
Booking Tickets
Booking accessible tickets for events can often be a nightmare resulting in being stuck on hold for hours and failing to grab the limited accessible tickets. However, we managed to get two accessible tickets for BST Hyde Park pretty easily.
The website was also very good and had lots of accessibility information about the booking process, PA tickets, blue badge parking, viewing platform, access facilities, and more. It’s clear to see why BST Hyde Park was awarded the Silver Level of the Charter of Best Practice by Attitude is Everything.
I booked two tickets, one of which was a personal assistant pass, provided free of charge, for the viewing platform at The Great Oak Stage (Main Stage). These tickets meant we had access to a reserved place on the viewing platform and the right to use the accessible toilets.
Arriving at BST Hyde Park
After booking tickets we made plans to meet up with my friend and fellow blogger, Hannah and her friend, Megan at the event as we were both going to be on the viewing platform. We’ve been friends for a while now, but this was our first time meeting, and what better way to do that than by going to a music festival, especially as we are both massive live music fans.
So on the day of the festival, we arranged to meet outside the National History Museum and spend a few hours before the festival started at 3pm.
London was in the midst of a heatwave, so we tried to stay out of the sun as much as possible. We headed in the direction of Hyde Park and bought some drinks and ice lollies from a little café called Will to Win just outside the park. We then escaped the sun and enjoyed our cold goodies in the shade of some trees. Bliss!
We then slowly made our way into the park and found the accessible entrance, which was signposted. The staff were also very helpful and guided us in the right direction.
Accessible Entrance at BST Hyde Park
The accessible entrance had no queues there was no one else apart from the four of us. The staff checked our tickets and let us through. It was great to be able to get through security quickly and easily. Zero hassles or fuss.
Once inside the grounds of the festival, I couldn’t believe how spacious and clean it was. It also helped that the weather was amazing so the ground was dry and mud-free. Woohoo!
Accessible Viewing Platform at BST Hyde Park
What can I say about the viewing platform at the Great Oak Stage? Apart from that, it was the best blooming viewing platform I’ve ever been on. Legit!
It was huge and also pretty close to the stage, giving us a great, unrestricted view the entire time.
There was staff on the platform at all times and also bar service, so if we wanted any drinks, we just had to grab their attention or wait for them to come around at different intervals. This was perfect, especially for people who would possibly struggle to and from the bar.
There was a slight drama when an unattended bag was discovered on the viewing platform just a few feet from where we were sitting. The staff asked us to move to the other end of the platform until the sniffer dog had arrived and the bag was removed.
We were then allowed back to our original seats and it turned out the bag wasn’t suspicious, it had just been left by someone on the platform by mistake. Panic over.
Below the raised platform was the ground-level viewing area, which was for disabled people who wanted to stand for the event. This area had seats as well for people who could only stand for short periods or needed a less crowded area. As this was the ground-level viewing area, views of the stage were restricted by crowds standing in front.
BST Hyde Park Disabled Access Facilities
Accessible Toilets
One of my concerns about going to a festival has always been whether there will be accessible toilets and what state they’ll be in. I really didn’t have to worry about this, as BST Hyde Park had it under control.
The accessible toilets located in the viewing platform area were fantastic and very clean. There were several cabin-style toilets in a row, each very wide with everything I would need, including grab rails, an emergency cord, space for turning my wheelchair and a mirror to check myself out.
Changing Places
If that wasn’t amazing enough there was also a changing places unit with a bed and hoist located beside the accessible toilets. This was amazing to see and use.
BST Hyde Park was really impressing me with its accessibility. I also liked that stewards were manning the accessible toilet area as it prevented any misuse from happening.
I really wish more venues and events took a leaf out of the BST Hyde Parks book. I’d be 100% more inclined to attend more events and festivals if they had this standard for the toilets.
Accessible Pathways
When I think of festivals the first thing that comes to mind is mud. Lots and lots of mud. Thankfully, the weather was on our side (maybe a little too much as we were literally melting in the middle of Hyde Park) so the ground was super dry and mud-free. You don’t know how happy this made me feel.
I found wheelchair access to be fantastic around the park and festival as there were flat paths and even the grass was hard and fairly flat. I had zero issues getting around wherever I wanted to go even when we went in search of some food (there were lots of food stalls to choose from). Most people stood or sat on the grass, so the paths were kept reasonably clear and accessible.
The following access facilities were available at BST Hyde Park:
- Charging points for power chairs
- Lowered counters at some bars, merch stands, food stands etc.
- Hearing (induction) loops
- Blue Badge Parking
- Onsite access Manager for all customer access queries
- Quiet space
- A dog spending area for assistance dogs
Live Music
There were three stages full of live music starting from 3:15pm until around 10:30pm. The Great Oak Stage was the main stage where Highly Suspect, Local Natives, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Pixies and of course, Kings of Leon performed.
The highlight of the day was seeing KoL again. As always, they were fantastic and had the whole crowd loving every minute of their two-hour set. You could feel the guys were loving it too.
They have a real soft spot for London and often visit the city so you could feel their genuine excitement to be with us. Being a band for over 20 years they have mastered their live show from their instruments to that insane voice of Calebs. It’s truly something else.
When they first came on stage, the curtain went up and they played at the front with a very basic stage set up, but it was so exciting halfway through their huge hit ‘Walls’ when the curtain dropped and a huge extravagant stage show was revealed. It’s super cool!
There is something quite special about seeing your favourite band perform outdoors. Amazing.
Final thoughts
Did I have a brilliant time at the BST Hyde Park festival? Absolutely. Was I impressed with the accessibility at BST Hyde Park? Without a doubt. Would I go back next year? Hell yeah! I loved everything about BST Hyde Park and I will definitely check out the line-up for next year when it’s announced. It was also lovely to meet Hannah and her friend. We all ended up having a brilliant time. Until next time London.
Have you been to BST Hyde Park? What’s your favourite festival?
Want to know how we travelled to London and where we stayed? Check out the following posts.
Is Travelling First Class On Virgin Trains Wheelchair Accessible
Park Plaza County Hall London | Hotel Review
London Photo Diary
Travelodge Waterloo London | Hotel Review
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4 Responses
Did you go to this gig in the future? Changing places with hoists? I’ve been in hospitals that were less catered for disabled people. That’s exceptional.
I’ve never been to a big festival since I’ve been using a chair so I can’t compare, but wow! And thanks for sharing, Gigs are my bugbear and my love so I appreciate your reviews.
I can certainly relate as I recently had a hospital stay and was surprised by how little they cater for disabled people. It’s shocking. I’m planning on writing about that soon.
This festival was amazing for access. I’m worried its setting the bar too high for any future festivals I attend though that may not have half the facilities BST Hyde Park had.
I’m really glad you enjoy my reviews, Declan. Thank you 🙂
Hi Emma
Thanks for your great write-up. It prompted me to book tickets for me and my wife to see the Cure this summer (July 2018) as we thought festivals would be a no-no for anyone in a wheelchair! However, the BST support team advise me that there is only limited seating for PAs/carers available on a first-come basis, which seems a bit daft – I can hardly stand all day and besides, I would block the view of anyone behind me! I would expect a seat to be available for all non-wheelchair users on a seated viewing platform, as they know the numbers in advance. Based on your experience, how did PAs/carers manage with the seating arrangements? Hope you are still getting out and enjoying your music!
Hi John
Thank you for your lovely comment! I just wanted to let you know that I have replied in more detail to your email. Thanks again and hope to hear from you soon 🙂