Accessibility

We are continually aiming to improve access to Byron Writers Festival and enhance the experience of patrons of all abilities. Please contact us on [email protected] if you require any further information or advice in regards to the below.

Auslan Interpretation

Selected sessions from the main program will be Auslan interpreted. These will be noted on our festival program webpage and at the Info Booth at the festival.

Patrons can also bring their own interpreters on a free carer’s pass to the festival and request a seat in the front row of sessions as required.

• 8:45am Family Ties (38)
• 10:15am The Art of Writing Crime (40)
• 12:45pm Writing Pain (52)
• 2:00pm How We Love (105)
• 4:15pm Love, Sex & Autism (68)

Assisted listening

Assisted listening is available in Acacia and Hakea marquees. It’s simple, easy and free. Stream audio to your smartphone via the Listen Everywhere app. 

1. Download the free LISTEN EVERYWHERE app, available on Apple App Store, Google Play and for Android.
2. Join the venue’s wireless network by scanning the QR code onsite.
3. Open the app and enjoy listening via hearing aids or headphones.

Wheelchair accessibility at the festival

The Festival site is located at Bangalow Showground. The terrain is largely flat and grassy, but there are sections with trees, and natural inclines that can become more difficult to navigate in a wheelchair after periods of rain. We advise to use a wheelchair with large wheels if possible.

There are wheelchair accessible toilets at the festival site.

Seating

Festival marquees have allocated seating for wheelchairs. Please make yourself known to the marquee supervisor and you will be ushered to an accessible seat.

Festival feature events and satellite events take place in various venues across the Northern Rivers. If you require a wheelchair accessible seat at any of our feature or satellite events, please call the office on (02) 6685 5115 or email [email protected] to make the necessary arrangements.

Parking

Dedicated accessible parking is available. A drop-off / pick-up zone is located close to the festival entrance. Our parking volunteers can assist and direct you accordingly. Please clearly display your disability parking permit.

Parking at Bangalow Showground is $5 per day. You will need to purchase a parking pass along with your ticket to the festival. The car park opens at 7.30am each day.

Accessible parking at feature events and satellite events is dependent on council parking regulations in and around the selected venue.

Companion cards

Byron Writers Festival is a participant of the National Companion Card scheme, offering patrons with disability who hold a current companion card a second ticket for their accompanying companion at no charge.

When you arrive, please make your way to the festival box office and present your National Companion Card, along with your festival ticket, to our friendly staff. You will be allocated a corresponding complimentary pass for your companion. There is a limit of one companion pass per person per day. For further information please visit the NSW government companion card webpage.

Assistance animals

Assistance animals are welcome at the festival site. If you are blind or have low vision and want to attend an event at Byron Writers Festival, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT can provide you with free training on how to travel safely from any location to your event at the festival. Call 1800 804 805 to discuss your travel needs.