Accessibility

We use derelict, undiscovered and temporary sites for our events, which means some areas may not be fully accessible. But by working with accessibility advisors, with every venue we transform, we do all we can to ensure safe access to as much of the festival as possible for anyone with disabilities.
Please do contact us at hello@hiddendoorarts.org if you have any questions or would like to discuss access with a member of the team.

Volunteer Accessibility

Our volunteers are crucial to the success of Hidden Door during set-up and takedown days in addition to festival delivery. At Hidden Door, we strive to ensure anyone who wishes to volunteer with us can get involved, regardless of their accessibility requirements.
This year, we have a volunteer room which has step-free access and as part of the induction process, we delivered an online volunteer induction for anyone unable to attend the site.

Our 2023 venue The Complex, located within the former Scottish Widows HQ on Dalkeith Road was built in the 1970s. The site has been vacant for a number of years and, in addition to areas not meeting current accessibility standards, the lifts and toilets are no longer operational.

Step-free access

We always consider step-free access when exploring how we might use the spaces we short-list for our festival sites. We’re proud that at this year’s Hidden Door, the below spaces offer step-free access:

Ground floor (Step-free access via Dalkeith Road entrance):
Limbo Bar
Induction Zone (Carbon Copy)
Hill, Forest, Garden & Wasteland Environments
Spoken Word stage / Late night Club space
Visual art
Accessible toilet

Basement floor (Step-free access via Holyrood Park Road entrance):
Cabaret Stage & Bar (Mezzanine)
Tinderbox Room to Play / Makers Market (Saturday)
Seabed Environment
Visual art
Box office
Food court
Outside bar
Portaloos (Two of which are accessible)

Sub-basement (No step-free access):
The Holocene Environment and Loading Bay stage are located in the sub-basement of the building which does not have an easily accessible step-free entrance. There is a road leading to the Loading Bay but due to the gradient it is unsuitable for use as an access point.

Assistance on site

We understand some people may require additional assistance whilst on-site in order to fully enjoy the festival. Our friendly Stewards are located throughout the site wearing hi-vis vests and are on hand to provide assistance when required.

Moving around the site

Our team has included indicative times for moving around the site to help you plan your festival. The Box Office is centrally located near the main site entrance.
Box Office > Food court/Outside bar/Portaloos = 1 minute
Box Office > Tinderbox Orchestra Room = 1 minute
Box Office > Cabaret Stage & Bar (Mezzanine) = 2 minutes
Box Office > Seabed Environment = 3 minutes
Box Office > Start of Environments = 4 minutes (via Dalkeith Road)
Box Office > Accessible toilet (not portaloo) = 4 minutes (via Dalkeith Road)
Box Office > Spoken Word/Club space = 7 minutes (Via Dalkeith Road)

Tickets

We welcome people to explore the site for free daily from 1pm-5pm. Tickets are required for access to the internal spaces from 5pm whilst the external spaces remain free until they close down at 10pm. Concession tickets are available to purchase.

Carer access

There is no need to purchase a separate festival ticket for a carer attending with you. Please let the Box Office team know so they can issue a wristband

Noise

We have a selection of ear defenders available from the Box Office (3 pairs for adults and 2 pairs for children). You will be asked to sign when taking these so please return these to the Box Office before leaving the festival. We have also identified a number of quiet areas, away from audio equipment, throughout the site.