Down At The Abbey is a music festival in the spectacular setting of the Reading Abbey ruins. We are committed to making sure every single person has the best time possible at our festival.
If you have any questions about Access at the festival, please email us at info@heavypop.co.uk or by telephone on 0118 327 2050. We will try to respond to all email enquiries within 5 working days.
Terrain / Site Description
The festival is located in medieval abbey ruins, so some ground can uneven. Mostly the site is surprisingly flat and accessible from gravel tracks. The Acoustic Stage and Food Areas are very flat, with some abbey walls around. The Main Stage area is mostly grass and is sloped on a shallow incline towards the river and smoking area.
Personal Assistants
We are proud to offer free tickets for Personal Assistants.
To apply for one, please purchase your ticket and email us at info@heavypop.co.uk with your ticket confirmation number.
Getting Here
Link to Getting Here Page
Distances (approximate):
- Entrance > Acoustic Stage – 50 metres
- Entrance > Festival Bar – 75 metres
- Entrance > Main Stage – 125 metres
- Entrance > Accessible Toilets – 150 metres
Viewing Areas
The Main Stage has a viewing area at the front of the main space, with a direct site line of the stage. There will be a steward on hand to allow you access. The Acoustic Stage is much smaller and does not have a specific viewing area.
Accessible Toilets
We will have use of the disabled toilets at the five star The Forbury Roseate Hotel, which a one minute from the Festival entrance.
Quiet Areas
There are no specific Quiet Areas on the site, but the First Aid Tent next to the Acoustic Stage can be used if required.
Hearing Loops
We currently do not offer an auditory enhancement or assistance such as British Sign Language.
Assistance Dogs
We welcome assistance dogs. Please inform us ahead of the event so we can prepare staff to receive you and your dog.
Strobe Lighting
Some performances may use strobe lighting or hazers (smoke machine). If this is an issue, let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you, or let a member of staff know on arrival.
