Not all parts of Christ Church are presently accessible to wheelchair users, but the college has introduced a number of measures to support visitors with disabilities, and further improvements are being actively planned and programmed. If we can assist further, please contact Alex Oakes, the College’s Conference & Events Administrator (01865 276174). An ‘Access to Christ Church’ leaflet is available and may be downloaded from the Christ Church website at www.chch.ox.ac.uk.

PARKING AND DROP-OFF

Badge holder designated parking is available in Oriel Square (4 spaces) and St Aldate’s (3 spaces).

Festival goers with limited ambulant ability may be dropped off and picked up from the entrance to the marquee, accessed via the cobbled road, 75 yards to the south of Tom Gate, or at Tom Gate for events taking place in the Music Room, Festival Rooms 1 & 2, the McKenna Room, Hall and the Cathedral. These are strictly drop-off/pick-up points only. Vehicles must park elsewhere as there is no parking available on site.

ENTRANCES, QUADS AND GARDENS

The principal access to the Festival is via the War Memorial Garden. There is ramped access to the college in the War Memorial Garden, leading to the level going of the Broad Walk and the entrance to the Festival Marquee. Please take care crossing the vehicle route that crosses this entrance.

There is ramped access to Tom Quad, from St Aldate’s, via Tom Gate.

Visitors attending events in the Upper Library may enter via Canterbury Gate, which offers sloping access across cobblestones.

Visitors attending events in the Music Room may enter via Tom Gate.

ACCESSIBILITY BY VENUE

Venues within Christ Church:

Cathedral: there is ramped access to and level going throughout the cathedral. Wheelchair user visitors and those with ambulant impairment are recommended to enter the Festival via Tom Gate and use the ramped access in Tom Quad as there are steps in the Cloisters.

Festival Room 1 (first floor): this room is not wheelchair user accessible. It is reached up a flight of a total of 28 steps, with a half-landing.

Festival Room 2 (ground floor): there is ramped and stepped access.

McKenna Room and Hall: these rooms are accessed via a flight of 25 stone steps with a stone balustrade to each side and a large landing. From the top of the steps, there is a further step into the McKenna Room and further two steps into the Ante Hall. These rooms are accessible to wheelchair users by stairclimber and advance notification is desirable. (The stairclimber is not suitable for motorized wheelchairs; if you are unsure whether this is suitable, please ask for further details).

Marquee: there is level going access to the Festival Marquee from the Broad Walk, which can be reached via the War Memorial Garden (as above).

Upper Library: this venue is on the first floor and is not wheelchair user accessible. The steps leading to this room, turning and with a handrail to one side only, may also prove difficult for people with some ambulant infirmities.

Music Room (ground floor): this room is situated in Tom Quad. Festival guests attending events in the Music Room may enter via Tom Gate.

Friend Room: this venue is located in School Quad and is approached by cobbled access and a flight of steps.

Keene Room: this venue is located in School Quad on the first floor and is not wheelchair user accessible.

BBC Four Film Room (Junior Common Room): this is located in Tom Quad. Wheelchair access by prior arrangement (mobile ramp).

Priory Room: this venue is located in the cloisters. It is not wheelchair user accessible.

Venues not within Christ Church:

Newman Rooms: this is on the west side of St Aldate’s opposite the Festival main entrance. There is level going, partly cobbled access, from St Aldate’s via Rose Place.

Blackwell: Wheelchair access available to all floors.

Bodleian Library (Convocation House): can be accessed through a side door by prior arrangement – please call 01865 277224 in advance of this event.

Maison Francaise: A ramp is available into this venue for wheelchair users by prior arrangement – please call 01865 274220 in advance of this event.

Town Hall (Main Hall): Located on the first floor, with level access from St Aldate’s and a large lift serving the first floor.

Town Hall (Long Room): Level access from St Aldate’s. Located on the lower ground floor, and there is a platform wheelchair lift.

Town Hall (Assembly Room): Located on the first floor, with level access from St Aldate’s and a large lift serving the first floor.

Corpus Christi College: Level access is via the main gate on Merton Street. The gate will be opened by prior arrangement – please call 01865 276700. Please request ground floor accommodation if you are staying at Corpus Christi College for the Festival Creative Writing Course.

ACCESSIBLE TOILET

There is an accessible toilet in Tom Quad (beneath the Hall) and in the Masters’ Garden near to the Festival Marquee. Please ask a Festival volunteer or college custodian for directions.

INDUCTION LOOPS

Induction loops for hearing aid users are provided in sections of the Festival Marquee and the Newman Room. Festival Room II also has an induction loop.

ASSISTANCE DOGS are welcome.

PATHS AND LIGHTING

Christ Church comprises buildings from several centuries, built in different styles and therefore not necessarily built in accordance with contemporary building norms. Of course, buildings are maintained to a good standard, but please note that a level walking surface may not be encountered everywhere. Festival goers are asked to take care at all times.

The college maintains levels of lighting appropriate to the environment of a historic academic institution and lighting levels are variable. Please take appropriate care.

DISABILITY EQUALITY SCHEME

Christ Church is publishing a Disability Equality Scheme and wishes to take into account the views of visitors, members and staff, whether with or without disabilities. Comments and suggestions are welcomed.

FIRE SAFETY EVACUATION

One of the main reasons for limits on the number of wheelchair users at a given event is safe evacuation in case of fire or other emergency. Evac-chairs are provided and duty volunteers or college staff are trained to assist. A fire safety briefing for all Festival goers is provided at the start of each event.