Venue Accessibility
Damnation Festival takes place at Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC Arena) which is a predominantly level venue with generally good wheelchair access throughout the main event spaces. The large, open-plan layout allows reasonable movement around the venue, with ramps provided where there are changes in level. Accessible toilet facilities are available, and lift access is available to the upstairs Cantina area. Some routes within the venue include narrower doorways, ramps or changes in level, and the venue can become busy during peak periods, so attendees with particular mobility requirements are encouraged to contact us in advance if they have any concerns about accessing specific areas.
For Damnation Festival, dedicated accessible viewing platforms are provided in each of the three main performance rooms. These offer raised or protected viewing areas with seating and space for wheelchair users. Additional seating is also provided close to the viewing platforms for customers who may not use a wheelchair but who are unable to stand comfortably for prolonged periods. Our 2025 accessibility audit identified the viewing platforms and additional seating provision as particular strengths, with good sightlines and strong demand throughout the weekend.
Access to the viewing platforms is dynamic rather than individually reserved or allocated to particular customers in advance. This allows attendees to move between stages and use the platforms according to their needs throughout the day. For most performances, we expect this to allow people to come and go freely. However, for bands where demand is particularly high, a platform may reach its safe capacity. If this happens, access will temporarily operate on a one-in, one-out basis until space becomes available. We therefore cannot guarantee access to a particular viewing platform for every performance, particularly for the most popular bands.
The venue has accessible toilet provision, although facilities are limited relative to the overall size and capacity of the site. Damnation continues to review whether additional accessible toilet provision can be provided for the festival.
We recognise that accessibility needs are not limited to wheelchair use and may include mobility difficulties, chronic health conditions, sensory impairments, neurodivergence and other visible or non-visible disabilities. If you have an access requirement that is not covered by the information above, please contact the festival in advance so that we can discuss what support may be available.
Camping Chairs and Personal Seating
We understand that some attendees may find prolonged standing difficult and may therefore consider bringing a camping chair or other portable seating into the venue. Unfortunately, personal camping chairs cannot be permitted within the main festival areas.
Damnation can become very busy, and lighting levels are deliberately low during performances. Freestanding chairs placed within general circulation areas could therefore create a significant trip hazard, particularly where other attendees may not see them clearly within a crowded or darkened room. There is also a risk that somebody tripping over a chair could fall onto the person using it, potentially causing particular harm to someone who already has mobility difficulties, pain, balance problems or another physical vulnerability.
For these reasons, Damnation provides designated seating in and around the accessible viewing areas rather than allowing personal chairs to be positioned throughout the venue. This enables us to offer seating for people who need it while ensuring that its location, spacing and management remain safe for both the person using the seat and those moving around them.
Personal Assistant (PA) / Carer Ticket Policy
At Damnation Festival, we are committed to making the festival as accessible as possible and to supporting disabled customers who require assistance in order to attend safely and meaningfully.
A Personal Assistant (PA) or carer ticket is provided free of charge where a disabled person would be unable to attend the festival without the support of another person. This policy explains how we assess and allocate PA tickets, and what is expected of both the ticket holder and their PA.
What is a PA / carer ticket?
A PA or carer ticket exists to enable access. It is intended for customers who require personal assistance related to mobility, communication, sensory regulation, personal care, safety, or similar support needs during the festival.
PA tickets are not companion tickets, discounted tickets, or general goodwill tickets. They are provided specifically where a support need exists.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for a PA ticket if you cannot attend the festival independently and require another person to provide support in order to attend.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Physical or mobility impairments
Sensory impairments
Neurodivergent conditions
Long-term health conditions
Mental health conditions where support is required for safe attendance
Fluctuating or non-visible disabilities
We recognise that not all disabilities are visible and that support needs vary from person to person.
How to request a PA ticket
All customers requesting a PA ticket must first purchase a standard festival ticket.
You will then be asked to complete the Access Request Form below telling us about your access needs and whether you require a PA to attend safely.
As part of this process, we ask for evidence of support need. This allows us to allocate PA tickets fairly and ensure availability for those who need them most.
Please note that once a decision is made we will no longer store any personal details you send via attachment to protect your privacy.
Accepted evidence
We accept any one of the following forms of evidence:
A valid Nimbus Access Card or Digital Access Pass showing PA support is required
A Blue Badge
A Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or Attendance Allowance letter
A letter or document from a medical professional, support worker, or recognised support service
An education, workplace, or care access plan
We do not require diagnostic details. Supporting evidence is used only to help us understand and confirm your access and support requirements.
If you do not have standard documentation, you may still submit an access request. In these cases, we may ask for a short written explanation of your support needs, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
How decisions are made
Access requests are reviewed by a small designated team to ensure consistency and fairness.
PA tickets are allocated based on:
Whether a PA is necessary for access
The information provided in your access request
Our approach
We aim to balance fairness, sustainability, and trust. Introducing a structured process helps us ensure that PA tickets remain available for those who require them as an access adjustment, while continuing to treat all customers with respect and understanding.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for a PA ticket, or if your situation is complex, we encourage you to contact us. We are always happy to discuss individual circumstances and work with you where possible.