Lancaster Jazz Festival
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Access

At Lancaster Jazz Festival we are constantly striving to improve our accessibility. 

If you encounter any issues or know how we can improve please get in touch. Producing events in multiple venues throughout a historic city centre does offer up multiple challenges and we are doing the best we can to try and ensure everyone can access our events.

​Please contact us in advance if you have any questions or require any assistance, we will always be happy to help in any way we can. We will get back to you within 5 working days.
Email the Festival Team
​This page is designed to inform everyone who comes to Lancaster Jazz Festival what we can offer customers who may have particular requirements. We are constantly working with our venues to try and improve our facilities and will continue to update this page.
Last update: 19 June 2019
Download this page as a .pdf
Download the large print, text only festival programme
The 2019 Audio Described Programme will be available soon
View our Festival Map
Shows the location of all Disabled parking bays in Lancaster, accessible toilets, and a step free route between our major venues.​
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Specific Venue Information 

Ashton Hall
A large Grade 2 listed historic meeting hall tucked away on the first floor of Lancaster Town Hall.
Currently there is no Step free access due to a major fault with the lift. It is our understanding that Lancaster City Council are continuing to work with their contractors to resolve the situation as quickly, and as urgently, as possible. We will endeavour to keep you updated with any progress on the repairs.
Download this info at a .pdf
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​Access
Getting to Ashton Hall
The nearest designated disabled parking bay is on George Street, approximately 10 meters away.
Taxis can pick-up/drop-off immediately in-front of the George Street entrance.
The nearest taxi rank is in Dalton Square, 220 meters away.
Blue badge holders can park down the side of the Town Hall on the driveway (through the gates on the left-hand side of the Town Hall from Dalton Square). This is immediately next to the step-free access entrance.

Into Ashton Hall
Venue is on 1st floor.
There is currently no step-free access available due to a major fault with the lift. It is our understanding that Lancaster City Council are continuing to work with their contractors to resolve the situation as quickly, and as urgently, as possible. We will endeavour to keep you updated with any progress on the repairs. 
Main entrance is on George Street. There are 5 steps up at the entrance (no handrail) followed by 26 steps split as follows:
- 7 steps to 1st landing, handrail both sides
- 3 steps to 2nd landing, no handrail
- 16 steps to venue level, handrail both sides 
People with disabilities can access the venue early, just mention to Box Office staff when purchasing your ticket or speak to Festival Volunteers outside of the venue.

Inside Ashton Hall
There is no accessible viewing area in this venue due to restricted sight-lines for the entire audience and the nature of the event. The best view will likely be towards the back of the auditorium. Festival Staff/Volunteers will endeavour to find good accessible seats on arrival or on request.
 
Smoking
The smoking area is located outside either entrance.
 
Accessibility for performers
The stage is very high and does not have ramped access. As yet there is no accessible toilet backstage.
 
Services and facilities
Accessible toilet
This is located on the same level as the auditorium near to the lift. It is available for all to use.

Accessible bar
The bar is on the same level as the rest of the venue but does not have a lowered bar. We will provide a bartender if required with at seat service. Please talk to Front of House Staff/Volunteers on arrival.
 
Personal assistants
Essential companions, personal assistants, support workers and carers of people with disabilities get in free to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event. If the event is ticketed, please mention that you require a PA ticket.
 
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and fresh drinking water will be available on request.
 
Strobe lighting
No strobe lighting will be used at any Lancaster Jazz Festival event.
 
Medicines
If you need to bring medicines, food and drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. We don’t have any medical equipment at our venues.
 
Contact details for all access enquires
For further information about this venue please contact the venue directly at 01524 582000
The Gallery, The Dukes
A small gallery space just off the main bar. Our VIP space.
Step free access available.
Download this info as a .pdf
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Access
Getting to The Gallery, The Dukes
The nearest designated disabled parking bay is at Moor Mills Car Park, 100 meters away. Although a car park space can be reserved (subject to availability) next to the entrance ramp by calling The Dukes Box Office in advance, 01524 598500.
Taxis can pick-up/drop-off immediately in front of The Dukes. There is a dropped kerb to the left of the main entrance off the cobbled side street.
The nearest taxi rank is at Dalton Square, 130 meters away.
 
Into The Gallery, The Dukes
The Gallery can be accessed from The Dukes main entrance which has 4 steps up, followed by 2 further steps up (with handrail on the right-hand side).
There is step-free access available via a ramp – go down the cobbled alley to the left of the main entrance and then turn right. Please ring the doorbell by the ramp and a member of Dukes staff will open the doors.
 
Inside The Gallery, The Dukes
There is an accessible viewing area located towards the front right-hand side of the space towards the speakers area.

Smoking 
Smoking is permitted outside the ramped entrance.
 
Accessibility for performers
The performance area is on the same level as the rest of the venue. There are no backstage facilities at this venue.
 
Services and facilities 
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets are available on the same level of the venue. A RADAR key is required. Staff at the Box Office have a key if required.
 
Accessible bar
The bar is step free although doesn’t have a lowered bar, however all events at The Dukes Gallery feature free drinks in the venue.
 
Personal assistants
Essential companions, personal assistants, support workers and carers of people with disabilities get in free to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event. If the event is ticketed, please mention that you require a PA ticket.
 
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and fresh drinking water will be available on request.
 
Strobe lighting
No strobe lighting will be used at any Lancaster Jazz Festival event.
 
Medicines
If you need to bring medicines, food and drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. We don’t have any medical equipment at our venues.
 
Contact details for all access enquires
For further information about this venue please contact The Dukes, info@dukes-lancaster.org, 01524 598500
The Gregson Centre
Restaurant and bar with several function rooms across three floors.
Step free access is available.
Download this info as a .pdf
Picture
Access
​Getting to The Gregson Centre
The nearest designated disabled parking bay is immediately outside the main entrance.
Taxis can pick-up/drop-off immediately in-front of the main entrance on Moor Gate. There is a dropped kerb on the street corner to the left of main entrance.
Blue badge holders can park both immediately outside the venue’s main entrance and in the neighbouring streets.
 
Into Gregson Centre
Venue is split over 3 floors.
Main entrance is on Moor Gate. There are 3 steps up at the entrance (handrail on right hand side) to get to the ground floor. Every other floor is accessible via lift.
Step-free access is via a second entrance approximately 10 meters to the right of the main entrance.
 
Inside The Gregson Centre
There is no accessible viewing area in this venue due to the small audience area. Venue staff/volunteers will endeavour to find seats with good slight-lines to the stage on arrival or on request.
 
Smoking
The smoking area is located outside the main entrance.
 
Accessibility for performers
The performance areas on the top floor are on the same level as the auditorium. There is a stage in the main hall though this can be removed if agreed in advance with the promoter. There are no backstage facilities at this venue.
 
Services and facilities
Accessible toilet
This is located on the ground floor near the main entrance. It is available for all to use.
 
Accessible bar
The bar is on the same level as the rest of the venue but does not have a lowered bar. A bartender will be provided if required with table service. Please talk to Front of House Staff/Volunteers on arrival.
 
Personal assistants 
Essential companions, personal assistants, support workers and carers of people with disabilities get in free to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event. If the event is ticketed, please mention that you require a PA ticket.
 
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and fresh drinking water will be available on request.
 
Strobe lighting
No strobe lighting will be used.
 
Medicines
If you need to bring medicines, food and drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. There is no medical equipment at the venue.
 
Contact details for all access enquires
For further information about this venue please contact the venue directly at gregsoncentre@hotmail.co.uk, 01524 849959
The Hall
A ground floor café bar in a converted drill hall.
Step free access available.
Download this info as a .pdf
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Access
Getting to The Hall
The nearest designated disabled parking bay is at Church Street, 150 meters away.
Taxis can pick-up/drop-off immediately in-front of the venue on China Street however, the nearest dropped kerb is on the junction of Church Street, 150 meters away from the venue entrance.
The nearest taxi rank is at Lancaster Bus Station, 250 meters away.
 
Into The Hall
Venue is on ground floor.
Main entrance is on China Street. There is 1 step up at the entrance with no handrail.
Step-free access is via The Roastery entrance, to the right-hand side of the main entrance. Festival Staff/Volunteers will be outside the venue to direct.
Doors will not be closed between performance and will be open during normal café opening times. Therefore, the venue can be accessed at any time before the performance.
 
Inside The Hall
There is an accessible viewing area located to the front right of the performance space. This will be stewarded, and Front of House Staff/Volunteers can lead you to it. There are great sight lines to the performance area (it’s practically in the performance space due to the small area of the venue).
If the venue is extremely busy and the accessible viewing area is full then Festival Staff/Volunteers will endeavour to find seats with good sightlines to the stage on arrival or on request.
 
Smoking
The smoking area is located outside of either entrance.
 
Accessibility for performers
The performance area is on the same level as the rest of the venue. There are no backstage facilities at this venue.
 
 
Services and facilities
Accessible toilet
This is located down the corridor to the right of the performance area. It is for all to use. There is step free access to it.
 
Accessible bar
The bar is accessible via step-free access but does not have a lowered bar. However, we will provide a bartender if required with at seat service.
 
Personal assistants
Essential companions, personal assistants, support workers and carers of people with disabilities get in free to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event. If the event is ticketed, please mention that you require a PA ticket.
 
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and fresh drinking water will be available on request.
 
Strobe lighting
No strobe lighting will be used at any Lancaster Jazz Festival event.
 
Medicines
If you need to bring medicines, food and drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. We don’t have any medical equipment at our venues.
 
Contact details for all access enquires
For further information about this venue please contact the venue directly at 01524 65470.
Lancaster Brewery
A large, ground-floor beer hall located on Lancaster Leisure Park.
Step free access throughout.
Download this info as a .pdf
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Access
Getting to Lancaster Brewery
The nearest designated disabled parking bay is at immediately outside the venue, 10 meters away. When arriving at Lancaster Leisure Park drive past the main car park, following the road round the back of the buildings.
Taxis can pick-up/drop-off at the same place. There is a dropped kerb to the left of the parking area.
 
Into Lancaster Brewery
Venue is on ground floor.
There are no steps at the entrance or anywhere in the venue.
People with disabilities can access the venue early, just mention to Box Office staff when purchasing your ticket or speak to Festival Volunteers outside of the venue.
 
Inside Lancaster Brewery.
There is an accessible viewing area located towards the front, right of the venue towards the stage. This will be stewarded, and Front of House Staff/Volunteers can lead you to it. There are great sight lines to the stage.
 
Smoking
The smoking area is located in the beer garden (the door to the left of the venue), it has step free access.
 
Accessibility for performers
The performance area is on the same level as the rest of the venue. There are no backstage facilities at this venue.
 
Services and facilities
Accessible toilet
This is located through the door to the right of the bar. It is available for all to use. There is step free access to it.
 
Accessible bar
The bar is accessible via step-free access but does not have a lowered bar. However, we will provide a bartender if required with at seat service.
 
Personal assistants
Essential companions, personal assistants, support workers and carers of people with disabilities get in free to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event. If the event is ticketed, please mention that you require a PA ticket.
 
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and fresh drinking water will be available on request.
 
Strobe lighting
No strobe lighting will be used at any Lancaster Jazz Festival event.
 
Medicines
If you need to bring medicines, food and drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. We don’t have any medical equipment at our venues.
 
Contact details for all access enquires
For further information about this venue please contact the venue directly at 01524 848537.
Printroom & The Storey Auditorium (The Festival Hub)
A small café with adjoining small black-box theatre in a converted art college.
Step free access available.
Download this info as a .pdf
Picture
Access
Getting to Printroom & The Storey Auditorium
The nearest designated disabled parking bay is at Dallas Road Car Park, 180 meters away. However Blue Badge holders can park around Lancaster Castle behind the venue.
Taxis can pick-up/drop-off on Castle Hill in front of the Merchant’s pub. There is a dropped kerb on the corner by the Storey. 10 meters away from the venues step-free entrance.
 
Into Printroom & The Storey Auditorium
Venue is on the ground floor.
Main entrance is on Meeting House Lane where there is a lift to the Ground Floor (main entrance slightly below this level by 4 steps).
Step-free access is via the Castle Hill entrance. Up the road towards Lancaster Castle, to the right of the main entrance.
People with disabilities can access The Storey Auditorium early, just mention to Festival Volunteers outside of the venue.
 
Inside Printroom & The Storey Auditorium
There is an accessible viewing area located to the front of the Auditorium. This will be stewarded, and Front of House Staff/Volunteers can lead you to it. There are great sight lines to the stage.
There is an accessible viewing area located to the front left of the Printroom. This will be stewarded, and Front of House Staff/Volunteers can lead you to it. There are great sight lines to the stage.
 
Smoking
The smoking area is located in the beer garden, opposite the Printroom bar. There are no steps to access.
 
Accessibility for performers
The performance area is not raised and is on the same level as the rest of the venue. Accessible toilet is available backstage.
 
Services and facilities
Accessible toilet
This is located on the corridor from the Castle Hill entrance. It requires a RADAR key (available from behind the bar). There is step free access to it.
 
Accessible bar
The bar is accessible via step-free access but does not have a lowered bar. However, we will provide a bartender if required with at seat service.
 
Personal assistants
Essential companions, personal assistants, support workers and carers of people with disabilities get in free to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event. If the event is ticketed, please mention that you require a PA ticket.
 
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and fresh drinking water will be available on request.
 
Strobe lighting
No strobe lighting will be used at any Lancaster Jazz Festival event.
 
Medicines
If you need to bring medicines, food and drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. We don’t have any medical equipment at our venues.
 
Contact details for all access enquires
For further information about this venue please contact the venue directly at 01524 582226
The Round, The Dukes
A 200 seat Round Theatre split over 2 levels at The Dukes. Our Headline space.
Step free access available to the ground floor.
Download this info as a .pdf
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Access
Getting to The Round, The Dukes
The nearest designated disabled parking bay is at Moor Mills Car Park, 60 meters away. Although a car park space can be reserved (subject to availability) round the back of The Dukes by calling The Dukes Box Office in advance, 01524 598500.
Please note that the entrance to The Round is separate from The Dukes main entrance – it is approximately 40 meters up the road towards the Golden Lion pub.
Taxis can pick-up/drop-off immediately in front of The Dukes main entrance. There is a dropped kerb to the left of the main entrance off the cobbled side street.
The nearest taxi rank is at Dalton Square, 130 meters away.
 
Into The Round, The Dukes
The Round entrance is completely step free.
People with disabilities can access the venue early, just mention to Box Office staff when purchasing your ticket or speak to Festival Volunteers outside of the venue.
 
Inside The Round, The Dukes
The entire ground floor level is completely step free. The balcony level seating/standing area is only accessible by a flight of stairs, followed by a further 4 steps up and 2 down.
All front room seats in The Round offer great views of the stage and can be reserved for those who require viewing areas.
 
Smoking
Smoking is permitted outside The Round entrance.
 
Accessibility for performers
The performance area is on the same level as the rest of the venue. There are good accessible backstage facilities including an accessible toilet.
 
Services and facilities
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets are available on the same level of the venue. Available for all to use.
 
Accessible bar
The bar is step free with lowered section to the right hand side.
 
Personal assistants
Essential companions, personal assistants, support workers and carers of people with disabilities get in free to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event. If the event is ticketed, please mention that you require a PA ticket.
 
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and fresh drinking water will be available on request.
 
Strobe lighting
No strobe lighting will be used at any Lancaster Jazz Festival event.
 
Medicines
If you need to bring medicines, food and drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. We don’t have any medical equipment at our venues.
 
Contact details for all access enquires
For further information about this venue please contact The Dukes, info@dukes-lancaster.org, 01524 598500
Sun Square
Our main space set in a Georgian city centre square.
Step free access available.
Download this info as a .pdf
Picture
Access 
Getting to Sun Square
The nearest designated disabled parking bay is at Church Street, 100 meters away.
Taxis can pick-up/drop-off at Sun Square, but please don’t park here – it’s a narrow street and we need to keep it clear for emergency access. There will be a small ramp off the cobbled street over the kerb into Sun Square.
The nearest taxi rank is at Lancaster Bus Station, 180 meters away.
 
Into Sun Square
Venue is an open town square set off Sun Street, a cobbled street. 2 steps down surround the majority of the square (no handrail) after a kerb, but a temporary ramp will be installed from Sun Street.
 
Inside Sun Square
There is an accessible viewing area located towards the front right-hand side of the space towards the stage. This will be stewarded, and Front of House Staff/Volunteers can lead you to it. There are great sight lines to the stage.
 
Smoking
Smoking is permitted in the square.
 
Accessibility for performers
The stage is accessible from behind the bar end. Your stage manager will be able to direct. There are no backstage facilities at this venue
 
Services and facilities
Accessible toilet
There is no accessible toilet on site although we are working with local businesses to ensure there is one close by. Details will be announced shortly (at least 1 month before the festival). There will be step free access to it.
 
Accessible bar
The bar is not step free accessible (2 steps up, no handrail), however at seat/table bartender service is available throughout the square.
 
Personal assistants 
Essential companions, personal assistants, support workers and carers of people with disabilities get in free to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event. If the event is ticketed, please mention that you require a PA ticket.
 
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and fresh drinking water will be available on request.
 
Strobe lighting
No strobe lighting will be used at any Lancaster Jazz Festival event.
 
Medicines
If you need to bring medicines, food and drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. We don’t have any medical equipment at our venues.
 
Contact details for all access enquires
For further information about this venue please contact access@lancasterjazz.com
Yorkshire Taps
A local music venue, upstairs at the Yorkshire Taps pub.
No step free access.
Download this info as a .pdf
Picture
Access 
Getting to Yorkshire Taps
The nearest designated disabled parking bay is at Cable Street Car Park, 40 meters away.
Taxis can pick-up/drop-off immediately in front of Yorkshire Taps entrance. There is a dropped kerb immediately in front of the venue at the crossing.
The nearest taxi rank is on Parliament Street, 10 meters away.
 
Into Yorkshire Taps
The main entrance is on Parliament Street, there is no step free access to this venue.
The venue is on the 1st floor.
There are 3 steps up at the main entrance to access the ground floor bar.
Then, 12 further steps up to the 1st floor venue (handrail on left-hand side).
People with disabilities can access the venue early, just mention to Box Office staff when purchasing your ticket or speak to Festival Volunteers outside of the venue.
 
Inside Yorkshire Taps.
There is a reserved, accessible viewing/seating area located towards the front right-hand side of the space towards the stage. This will be stewarded, and Front of House Staff/Volunteers can lead you to it. There are great sight lines to the stage.
 
Smoking
Smoking is permitted in the beer garden (downstairs, 2 steps down from the ground floor bar).
 
Accessibility for performers
The stage is 1 step higher than the rest of the venue. There are no backstage facilities at this venue.
 
Services and facilities
Accessible toilet
There are no accessible toilets at this venue. We are working to locate a nearby accessible toilet and will update this information ASAP.
 
Accessible bar 
There is a bar on the same level as the venue. Front of House staff/volunteers can take orders on behalf of people using the viewing area if requested.
 
Personal assistants
Essential companions, personal assistants, support workers and carers of people with disabilities get in free to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event. If the event is ticketed, please mention that you require a PA ticket.
 
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and fresh drinking water will be available on request.
 
Strobe lighting
No strobe lighting will be used at any Lancaster Jazz Festival event.
 
Medicines
If you need to bring medicines, food and drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. We don’t have any medical equipment at our venues.
 
Contact details for all access enquires
For further information about this venue please contact the venue directly 01524 64679
Icons used on this website
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Wheelchair accessible venue
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Upstairs venue
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Venue has lift
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Accessible toilet at venue
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Distance to nearest accessible toilet from venue
All Lancaster Jazz Festival events
Venue specific information is provided below. The following information applies to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event.
Personal assistants
Essential companions, personal assistants, support workers and career of people with disabilities get in free to every Lancaster Jazz Festival event. If the event is ticketed, please mention this when you book your ticket so that we can adjust capacity as we cannot sell extra tickets if an event is sold out.
 
Assistance dogs
Assistance, hearing and guide dogs are welcome and fresh drinking water will be available on request.
 
Strobe lighting
No strobe lighting will be used at any Lancaster Jazz Festival event.
 
Medicines
If you need to bring medicines, food and drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment you are welcome to do so. We don’t have any medical equipment at our venues.
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Funders & Partners
    • The Team
    • Our History
  • Support Us
    • Membership
    • Jobs & Opportunities
      • Board Recruitment 2019
    • Contact Us
  • Access
  • New website brief