Access at Creamfields South
At Creamfields we aim to create an event that’s truly accessible for all. Creamfields has a dedicated Access Team working all year round to constantly improve the experience for Access customers, and can be found at the festival itself ready to help our access customers.
Applying for Access
In order to provide the best possible experience, we ask that everyone who wishes to use the access facilities at Creamfields complete and submit an Access Requirements Form prior to arriving on-site.
Access Requirements Form
Our 2023 Access Application Form is now Open please click HERE to fill out the form
Please note we do not sell ‘disabled or accessible tickets’, so you will need to purchase a standard ticket in advance before applying.
Required Documentation
When applying for access at Creamfields we ask that you provide one of the following forms of documentation which will act as evidence of your requirements. Without this documentation we will be unable to grant you access or provide complimentary PA Tickets.
Please note: If you are on the Festival Republic access database (i.e. have previously applied and had an application approved within the last three years) you may not need to re-supply documentation.
Accepted Forms of Documentation
- DLA (Care and / or mobility)
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
- A Medical Professionals letter (to be reviewed case by case)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Disablement Pension
- D/deaf or blind registration
- The Nimbus Access Card
- Blue Badge (Permitted for parking requests only)
If you do not have one of the forms of documentation listed above, please contact us and we’ll be able to advise further. Alternatively, if you do have required documentation but are unable to include it in your application, please state you will forward it to us (by email or post) in the ‘Additional Notes’ box on the form.
All submitted documentation is kept strictly confidential and securely destroyed after processing.
Access Database
Whilst submitting your application form, you can choose to join Festival Republic’s Access Database. By doing so, once accepted a first time, you will not need to resubmit documentation for a further three years and will automatically be pre-approved for access at our festivals.
Please note: Once approved we will only retain your name and email address. We will never use your information for any other purposes (unless specifically stated) or share this with any third parties.
Timeline
We aim to process all applications within 4 weeks of customers submitting an Access Requirements Form; however, due to demand, this is not always possible.
Once your application has been approved we will send a confirmation email, detailing the facilities you have requested access to, and confirming your PA Ticket (if applicable).
Nearer the event successful applicants will also be sent an email containing a downloadable Access Guide.
Access Guide
Everyone who successfully applies for access at Creamfields will be sent an Access Guide (via email) 1 week prior to the event, including detailed access information.
The access guide will include:
- Arrival Information
- Site Changes and Updates
- Access Maps (including route distances, charging points, accessible toilet and platform locations and more)
- Opening Times
- Access Facilities and more
- We recommend saving a copy of the Access Guide for your own reference (once available). No hard copies will be available on-site.
A downloadable copy of the Access Guide will also be available here nearer the event.
Companion / Personal Assistant (PA) Ticket
If a customer is unable to attend Creamfields without the support from a Companion/PA then we will provide an additional ticket at no extra cost.
You can apply for a Companion/PA Ticket when completing your Access Application Form.
Please note: You do not need to purchase a Companion/PA Ticket, however Access Customers will need to purchase a ticket for themselves before applying. We are unable to refund tickets purchased for Companion/PAs.
Companion/PA tickets are provided with the understanding that the PA is willing and able to assist the access customer throughout their entire stay at the festival. The Companion/PA must be able to perform all requirements as needed by the access customer, and must provide assistance to the access customer during an evacuation or other emergency.
Companion/PA Tickets must be applied for via the Access Requirements Form, and can only be approved by members of the Access Team.
Arena Facilities
Accessible viewing platforms, areas and toilets are provided within the Arena at Creamfields Festival at certain stages. These are controlled by a wristband system, and managed by the Access Arena Manager. To ensure they run smoothly, each location has its own team of stewards and security.
Accessible Viewing Platforms and Areas
All platforms have ramp access, wheelchair accessible toilets and charging points. Most of our viewing areas have either standard or accessible toilets, and the locations and details of these will be provided in the access guide. Limited seating is also available at each platform, however access customers are welcome to bring their own (where space allows).
As platforms/areas have a limited capacity these are strictly for access customers, plus one (1) companion.
We operate our platforms/areas on a first come, first served basis and, whilst we try to ensure that we have sufficient space for everyone, demand varies by artist and at times there may be a wait.
Accessible Toilets
Wheelchair accessible and standard toilets are located at all of our viewing platforms and most of our viewing areas.
Access Campsite
If attending Creamfields for the weekend, Access Customers can apply (via our Access Requirements Form) to stay in our Access Campsite containing additional Access facilities. By positioning these facilities in one campsite we can ensure that they are serviced, cleaned and maintained regularly.
The Access Campsite is located as close to the Arena as possible, staffed 24 hours, and is where our Access Team are based.
Campsite facilities include:
- Wheelchair accessible toilets and showers
- A Changing Places Unit featuring a changing bed, a toilet, sink and a hoist. Please be aware that access customers must bring their own sling. (This unit is not for sleeping.)
- Standard toilets and showers
- Drinking water points and accessible sink
- Waste-disposal point
- Electrical points for charging wheelchairs or mobility scooters
- Fridge for secure medication storage
- Campsite hub and information (where our Access Team are based)
Group Size
As well as you and your PA, we also allow up to two friends to camp with you in the Access Campsite (a maximum of 4 people including you). You must register the number of your group during the application process so that they are issued with the appropriate wristbands to access the Access Campsite.
Gold and Other Campsites
If you are an access customer staying in any of our public or upgraded campsites, please notify the Access team in your application. We are still able to provide a PA ticket at no additional charge that will allow the PA to remain with you in these campsites, however these PA tickets will not cover any concessions that come with the upgrades (such as complimentary food or drinks).
We will not be able to replicate the same facilities as we do in our Accessible campsite, so there may be fewer or no accessible showers or toilets in these campsites. There will be longer distances to walk into the Arena and Village from these campsites.
Travel
We strongly advise planning your journey before leaving for the festival. Specific travel information will be sent out via email to Access customers prior to the event.
If driving please be wary that road restrictions directing traffic to specific car parks (including our Access Car Park) will be in place during the event. Please follow the temporary road signs, rather than sat nav near Hylands Park.
For those travelling by public transport, please refer to the Travel Section of this website for more information.
Access Car Park
Creamfields has a dedicated Access Car Park located close to the Access Check-In and Campsite. If you require use of this car park you will need to apply for Access Parking (via the Access Requirements Form)
Please note: Blue Badge Holders must register with the Access Team to get an Access Parking Pass.
Access parking is free of charge, but only when applied for in advance.
Parking in the accessible car park is limited, so friends and family arriving in separate vehicles will not be able to use this car park. Instead we recommend they use one of our other car parks by purchasing a Parking Pass.
Drop Off Pass
If you are being dropped off at / picked up from Creamfields, you can apply for a Drop Off Pass through our Access Requirements Form. This will allow entry into the Access Car Park and Campsite.
Other Information
Temporary Impairments
Please note that our Access facilities are unable to cater for people with temporary impairments such as broken bones, recovery from surgery, healing injuries or pregnant women.
If you have a temporary impairment, please be aware that there will be a lot of walking at Creamfields and chairs are not allowed into the festival arena.
Effect Lighting
Smoke machines, strobe lights, lasers, fireworks and other effects may be in use at this event. Anyone affected by these should bear this in mind.
Medication
If you need to bring medication with you, we recommend bringing a copy of your doctor’s letter or prescription. Please keep medication in its original boxes and only bring enough for your stay. There will also be a fridge available if you require cold storage for your medication. Please do not be offended if security question the medication you are bringing into the Festival, it is their job to ensure the safety and security of all customers
Medical and Welfare
Medical and Welfare Facilities are available 24 hours and can be located in the Arena / Campsites (clearly signposted). Doctors, paramedics, first aiders and fully equipped ambulances are based at all our medical facilities, along with contacts for local pharmacies and emergency dentists.
Security and Stewards
Security and Stewards are on hand in the Arena and in the Campsites.
They have been briefed to offer information, help and support. If you are unwell or require assistance, please approach a member of the Security and Stewarding Team who are clearly identifiable by their numbered tabards/shirts.
In the instance of a site evacuation please ensure that your PA is aware that they are your main point of assistance in an emergency evacuation. Security and stewards located near the viewing platform will assist in moving everybody to a place of safety.
Ground Conditions / Weather
Creamfields South is an outdoor event taking place at Hylands Park, Chelmsford on a mixture of grass, gravel and hard standing pathways. The Access Campsite, the Main Arena and Village is situated entirely on grass.
It is important to be aware that during inclement weather some parts of the site may be muddy, water-logged or dusty, and may be difficult to navigate around.
The majority of our Access Viewing Platforms/Areas are uncovered so please dress appropriately, and for all weather conditions.
Contact Info Access
If you require further assistance or information that cannot be found on the website, please contact the Access Team via:
Email: access@creamfieldssouth.com
Post: Access Team, Festival Republic, 30 St John Street, London, EC1M 4AY
Office opening times are: 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Please note: we aim to respond to all email enquiries within two working days, however this may take longer during busy times.