Accessibility
FORWARDS Presents: Lorde 2026 - Accessibility Information
If you have any queries or need this information in another format please contact accessibility@teamlove.org or call 0117 941 1611
We are thrilled to share that FORWARDS Festival has been awarded the Silver award by the Attitude is Everything Live Events Access Charter. We are dedicated to creating a site and overall experience that strives to continually improve for our Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent customers.
The following information provides details about the festival's bookable accessible provisions. If you have any questions that have not been answered below, please contact accessibility@teamlove.org or call 0117 941 1611. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 5 working days.
Please register to use any of the following accessible facilities:
- Personal Assistant Ticket Scheme
- Viewing Platforms
- Accessible Parking
- Accessible Toilets
- Diverse Sensory Calm Space
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Give Vision Headsets
- Lowered Bars
How to Register for the Accessible Facilities
To register for any of the above provisions:
1. Purchase your ticket via our website.
2. Complete the Accessible Facilities Request Form and upload the required supporting evidence (see below for the link to the application form and the list of supporting documents).
Once submitted, we will respond within 5 working days to confirm whether your application has been approved.
Please note that submitting the form alone does not automatically guarantee eligibility to use the accessible facilities. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact us before purchasing your ticket at accessibility@teamlove.org.
If you require the application form in an alternative format, please email accessibility@teamlove.org or call 0117 941 1611.
Supporting Documents
To apply to use the Accessibility Facilities, you must provide at least one of the following documents dated within the last 12 months (or valid at the time of the event):
- Front page of a DLA letter or PIP letter
- Evidence of being registered as Severely Sight Impaired (blind)
- Recognised Assistance Dog ID card
- Valid Nimbus Access Card
- Armed Forces Independent Disability Payment documentation
- War Disablement Pension documentation
*Please note that we accept other forms of documentation to access facilities outside the Personal Assistant Ticket Scheme.
Click here to go to the Accessibility Application Form
The deadline for applications is the 31st July 2026.
Access Facilities
Once you have read through the information below, if you have any questions, please email us at accessibility@teamlove.org or call 0117 941 1611. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 5 working days.
Festival Site Information
The concert will take place at the Forwards Festival site on the Bristol Downs. The site is a large, open parkland area that is generally level; however, because it is naturally grassed, there may be gentle slopes and some uneven ground, including ruts and bumps. During wet weather, the grass surface can become muddy or slippery, which may impact wheelchair access.
The Downs is an exposed site with very limited natural shade; most stages are outdoors, so there is little shelter from rain or sun. As this is an outdoor event running from day to evening, we recommend checking the weather forecast in advance and coming prepared. Conditions may change throughout the day, and temperatures often drop later in the evening.
Personal Assistant / (PA) Ticket Scheme
If you need the support of a Personal Assistant (PA) in order to attend the festival, you can apply to use the PA Ticket Scheme, which includes an additional ticket for your PA at no extra cost.
To be eligible for the Personal Assistant Ticket Scheme, you must supply at least one of the documents from the ‘Supporting Documents’ list. It must be dated within the past 12 months or include a valid date that covers the event. You will also need to provide a form of photo ID along with your supporting documentation.
PA Tickets can be collected from the Accessibility Box Office on the day of the event. PA’s must be present with the person they are accompanying for the ticket to be issued.
PLEASE NOTE: All individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Therefore, if the person applying for a PA is under 18, their PA must be over 18.
PA Ticket Scheme Terms and Conditions:
- Only customers that would be unable to attend the festival without the support of a PA should apply for the scheme.
- PA tickets are provided on the basis that the PA is willing and able to assist the access customer throughout their entire day at the festival, this includes getting to and from the festival site.
- A PA must be able to perform all duties as required by the access customer, including assistance during an evacuation or other emergency.
- PA Tickets can be collected from the Accessibility Box Office on the day of the event. PA’s must be present with the person they are accompanying for the ticket to be issued.
PA Scheme Supporting Documents
To qualify for a PA ticket, you must be able to provide at least one of the following documents dated within the last 12 months (or valid at the time of the event):
- Front page of a Middle or Higher Rate DLA letter or PIP letter
- Evidence of being registered as Severely Sight Impaired (blind)
- Recognised Assistance Dog ID card
- Valid Nimbus Access Card showing a +1 requirement
- Armed Forces Independent Disability Payment documentation
- War Disablement Pension documentation
- A specialist medical consultant’s letter confirming the need for additional assistance at events.
You must also provide a photo ID with your supporting documents.
Viewing Platforms
Please note: Space on the viewing platform is limited. Once this is at capacity we will not be able to continue accepting applications for this facility. We recommend that customers complete the access form as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
There will be a raised viewing platform at this event. Customers who have been issued a viewing platform pass may take one accompanying person/ PA with them onto the platform. Access to the platform will be managed by our team. Limited seating will be available on the Viewing platform for Access Customers plus their PA’s / companions.
There will be wheelchair-accessible and standard toilets at all viewing platforms.
Viewing Platforms – Ground-Level Areas
There will be designated ground-level viewing areas in front of the raised viewing platform. This space is for customers who do not require access to the raised platform, but who need to be in a space away from the main crowd.
Limited Seating is available in the ground-level area; however, customers may also choose to stand.
Viewing Platforms Rules of Use
Use of the platform implies acceptance of the following conditions.
- Platforms operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The raised viewing platforms are for customers with reduced mobility who require seating to enjoy the performances. They are not dance platforms. Customers who want to stand or dance may be asked to sit down or moved to the ground-level areas.
- Smoking is not permitted on the viewing platform or within the ground-level area. This includes vapes and e-cigarettes.
- Umbrellas cannot be used on the viewing platform or within the ground-level area.
Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
Wheelchair-accessible toilets will be available at all toilet blocks and at the viewing platform. These are locked to prevent misuse by people who do not need them. If you need to use these toilets, please complete the access application form.
Accessoloo
Accessoloo is an on-site changing facility with a toilet, hoist, and changing table that will be joining us. Please bring your own sling if you wish to use the hoist.
Induction Loops
An induction loop will be installed at the Accessibility Box Office & Information Tent.
British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreters
We will be working with Deaf Events UK again this year. If you require this service, please complete the access application form as soon as possible so we can provide a customer-led, inclusive service. For further information, please email accessibility@teamlove.org.
Assistance Dogs
We welcome registered assistance dogs on site. They will need to be accredited with one of the following organisations:
- Assistance Dogs UK
- Assistance Dogs International
- Guide Dogs UK
A designated area for toileting and drinking will be provided. Please indicate on your application form if you plan to bring an assistance dog. Please note you will be asked to provide evidence of assistance dog training.
Diverse Sensory Calm Space
We have an on-site Sensory Calm Space provided by Diverse UK. They provide a safe, low-level stimulation and recalibration zone for those on the Autistic Spectrum, who are neurodiverse or for those who need a place to have a moment of calm, rather than having to leave the festival. For more information, please check out their website here.
Accessible Parking/Drop Off
We have a limited number of accessible parking spaces near the festival. To reserve an accessible parking space you must hold a Valid Blue Badge. Alternatively there will be a drop off point which does not require a Blue Badge.
Strobes
Please note that strobe effects will be used at this event. However, there will not be any specific announcements prior to their use.
Medical & Welfare Services
There will be onsite Medical and Welfare Tents with trained staff.
Prescribed Medications Policy
If you take any medication regularly and need to bring it with you, you are not required to fill in the Access Form. Please make sure it is brought in the original packaging and that you have a copy of your prescription and your ID. Only bring enough medication for the event and for personal use.
If you have queries regarding bringing prescription medication, please refer to the FAQ’s on the website or contact enquiries@teamlove.org.
Temporary Impairments
Please note that the access facilities are for customers with permanent disabilities. Temporary conditions, such as pregnancy or recent injuries, such as broken bones or recent surgeries, will not be eligible.
Mystery Shopper Tickets
Forwards Festival takes accessibility seriously, so a few Mystery Shopper tickets will be available to disabled customers. These tickets are designed to gather feedback on the festival's accessibility from the perspective of our disabled attendees. For more information, please visit the AIE website here.
If you have any queries, or need any assistance, please contact accessibility@teamlove.org or call 0117 941 1611
