Accessibility Guide
Accessibility is crucial at our event to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate fully and celebrate their identity. By prioritising accessibility, we hope to create a welcoming environment that reflects the values and spirit of Exeter Pride; embracing diversity and promoting equality.
Here’s a summary of the ways we’re supporting visitors, but keep reading to learn more and get advice ahead of the big day!
Accessible Venues
Sign Language Interpreters
Assistive Listening Devices
Visual Aids
Quiet Spaces
Inclusive Toilets
Transport to Exeter Pride
Both nearby train stations Exeter St David’s and Exeter St Davids are fully accessible with lift access and Assistance can be booked through Great Western Railway.
All the buses outside central station, the high street, and the bus station are accessible, and bus stop pavements wide and level.
The March
The march route is completely flat tarmac and approximately 1 KM long. The march can be a crowded and very noisy with fire engine sirens, drums and other music. There is an accessible bus being provided for anyone who would find it helpful. There is space for 2 wheelchairs on the bus as well as other seating. Bus spaces can be booked by emailing info@exeterpride.co.uk or by speaking to the info point at St Sidwell Centre on the day at the start of the march.
Northernhay Gardens
The march leads into Northernhay Gardens. Although it is a flat tarmac path it is up a steep slope which would be difficult for manual wheelchairs and some mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs.
There is a less steep alternative route into Northernhay via Northernhay Place, which can be found via a path next to Boots in the High Street and is marked on the map.
There are tarmac paths throughout the marketplace and the grassed areas are flat and smooth although they can become muddy in wet weather. Most of the grass to the main areas will be covered by rubber matting including an accessible viewing area with chairs available for seating You can book seating for yourself and your guests by emailing info@exeterpride.co.uk or by asking at the info stall in Northernhay Gardens
There will be a disability zone where people can hang out and meet other people with disabilities and neurodivergences, which is located behind the monument in Northernhay Gardens. There will be comfy seating, ear plugs and eye masks available for everyone needing a break!
There are three disabled toilets, one by the stage, and 2 near the first aid tent near the Northernhay Place entrance.
There is also a Changing Places Toilet with a hoist and adult sized bench available in Princesshay Shopping Centre between 7am-7pm, which is marked on the map.
Exeter Phoenix
Some of our workshops and our Trans and Non-Binary Zone will be taking place in Exeter Phoenix. The access from Gandy Street via Queen Street is very steep, but the building can also be accessed via less steep flat path via the High Street or Rougemont Gardens.
The building is accessible via a ramp on the outside leading through automatic doors into the building. The ground floor is completely accessible and there is a lift to the first floor. There isn’t any raised seating in the auditorium and chairs will be provided.
The Studio 74 cinema is accessible and there are wheelchair spaces available (The seating for the films is unreserved so if you want to use this space please contact the Phoenix beforehand to reserve it).
There are three disabled toilets in the building, two on the ground floor and one on the first floor. A map that shows where the ramp, toilets and access to mezzanine level can be found here. (If you could add it in here please Issie)
There will be a workshop between 2:30pm – 4:30pm in Studio 1 run by Reach Out, offering activities, performances and a sing-and-sign choir. It’s open to all LGBTQ+ people with physical and learning disabilities, mental health issues and neurodivergences. You will also be able to charge mobility devices such as electric wheelchairs or other assistive devices during this workshop.
You can find all the details at https://out-there-exeter.com/reachout.html
Exeter Central Library
The Family Zone and banner-making workshop this year is held in Exeter Central Library.
The front entrance to the library can be accessed via a gentle slope from the high street. There are 5 free disabled parking spaces with 2 hour parking restrictions in front of the library. The back entrance can be accessed via a flat path from Northernhay Gardens.
There are two disabled toilets on the third floor though the most spacious one is the junior section. The Rougemont Room is on the second floor with an accessible lift. There are push buttons on all doors.
BSL Interpreters
There will also be 2 BSL interpreters available between 1-5pm if you need signing support at either our performances or workshops. If you do, please email entertainment@exeterpride.co.uk including which workshops or performances you’d like support for. Or alternatively head to the Exeter Pride info stall near the monument in Northernhay Gardens and ask to book.
Due to having a limited number of interpreters, we will be assigning them on a first come first served basic, so please email ahead of the day to guarantee signing support.
Assistance from Stewards
We will have stewards available on the day to help you with your accessibility needs for example:
Help give information on accessibility at Exeter Pride
To guide you to the bus for the march or to the more accessible entrance to Northernhay Gardens
To guide you to around places in Northernhay Gardens or Exeter Phoenix
To provide support by sitting with you or checking in with you during the day.
To help you trouble shoot accessibility issues e.g. if you find there aren’t enough chairs in the disability viewing platforms by the stages
To book BSL interpreter support at the info desk.
Our volunteers are not able to provide personal care such as help with eating and drinking or toileting needs, or medical related help. If you need medical assistance please go to our first aid station shown on the map.
If you would like us to meet you at a particular place and time, please email us beforehand and we will arrange for a steward to meet you. For assistance on the day come to our info stall in Northernhay Gardens.