Accessibility at the Festival

The Big Chill is an outdoor music festival held at Armidale Showgrounds, featuring live music, food and open-air spaces.

This page provides information about accessing and attending the festival, including the site, facilities and available supports. It is designed to help you plan your visit and understand what to expect.

Here are some key things to know before you arrive:

• Outdoor festival on a mostly grassed site, with uneven ground
• Weather may affect ground conditions and mobility
• Loud music, lighting effects and large crowds are expected
• Auslan interpreting and live captioning are not available at this event
• Accessible parking, drop-off and toilets are available
• Accessible viewing platform and quiet spaces are available

Buying Tickets

Tickets are available online through Oztix or on the day at the festival’s two entrances.

Companion Card

The festival supports the Companion Card program.

• Companion tickets must be arranged before purchasing tickets through the ticket provider Oztix: info@oztix.com.au.
• Companion tickets are not issued on the day

Wristbands

• At the entrance you will receive a wristband for entry and exit
• Staff can assist you with putting it on
• To leave and come back, you must show it again at the entrances

What to Bring

You are welcome to bring items that support your comfort and access.

Essentials

• Wristband or ticket
• Valid photo ID
• Cards for payments (no cash accepted)
• Medication and personal supports
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Recommended

• Sun protection (e.g. hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Reusable water bottle
• Comfortable, sturdy shoes
• Portable phone charger

Access and Comfort Items

• Mobility aids or supports
• Fold-up camping chairs, picnic rugs and kids’ trolleys
• Sensory items (e.g. earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones)
• Personal care items

What Not to Bring

To support safety and event operations, some items are not permitted. This helps create a safer and more accessible environment for everyone.

You cannot bring:

• Dangerous items or weapons such as firearms, tools, scissors, explosives, knives, flares, fireworks and laser pointers
• Cans or glass bottles
• Animals other than assistance animals
• Flammable liquid
• Alcohol not bought within the venue or illegal drugs
• Banners and flag sticks
• Compressed gas cannisters and other flammable items
• Offensive or political signage
• Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles
• Whistles, horns, vuvuzelas or megaphones
• Eskies larger than 35 cm height, 20 cm width and 30 cm length

Parking and Drop-Off

• Accessible parking is available for vehicles with a Mobility Parking Permit via Gate B (the accessible entry) on Canambe Street. Security will direct you to parking near the festival entrance
• An accessible drop-off area within the festival site is available via Gate B on Canambe Street
• A pick-up and drop-off point is also located next to the main entrance (Gate A) on the corner of Kennedy St and Dumaresq St. This is for Uber, taxi and private drop-offs
• Accessible parking and drop-off connect to the festival site via concrete pathways

• The main entry is through Showground Gate A at the corner of Kennedy and Dumaresq Streets
• An accessible entry lane is available at the main entry
• For those using the accessible parking or drop-off, there is an accessible entry at Gate B

Site Overview

The festival site is large and open, so moving between areas may take time and energy.

Here’s what to expect across the festival site:

• The festival site is primarily grassed and includes slopes or uneven ground in places
• Key areas are located along step-free routes and kerb ramps on concrete surfaces or temporary flooring in high-traffic areas
• Temporary flooring is installed in high-traffic areas to improve movement across grass and uneven ground
• An accessible ramp is located at the southern end of the Pavilion

Information and Help

• Headquarters (HQ) information booth located next to the merchandise booth
• Staff and volunteers available across the site
• Assistance available for directions and general support

Maps

To support navigation and planning:

• An accessible site map is available online
• A visual story is available online to share information about the festival environment, activities and what to expect on the day
• Maps include key locations such as pathways, toilets, viewing areas, quiet spaces and First Aid

Sunflower Initiative

The festival recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

• Wearing a Sunflower lanyard can let staff know you may need additional support, time or assistance
• Staff and volunteers are available across the site to provide support if needed

Toilets

Accessible toilets are available at:

• Gate A toilet block
• Back of House / First Aid area

These facilities do not use deodorisers.

These facilities are regularly cleaned and odours may be present.

Drinking Water

Water is available across the site to support hydration throughout the event:

• Refill stations are located at the Pavilion, bar, Little Chillers area and food truck area
• Free water stations are also available
• Bringing a reusable water bottle is recommended

Assistance Animals

Assistance animals are welcome at The Big Chill.

• Water bowls and eco-friendly dog waste bags are available at the Event Information booth near Gate A

Food and Drink

• Food vendors are located across the site
• Dietary options vary, and some vendors provide ingredient and allergen information

Accessible Viewing Platform

An accessible viewing platform is available at the main stage inside the Big Top Tent.

• A temporary plastic flooring walkway connects the concrete path to the ramped platform entry
• Space is available for mobility aids
• A range of seating options is provided
• The platform is shaded

Capacity is limited, and access may be managed during peak times.

The Big Chill can be a high sensory environment, particularly during performances and peak periods.

This may include:

• Loud amplified music across multiple stages
• Large crowds and continuous movement
• Lighting and stage effects, including flashing or dynamic lighting
• Environmental factors such as heat, smells from food vendors or crowd density

Quiet Spaces

• A quiet and low-sensory area is available near the bathroom facilities
• This space provides an area to step away from crowds and noise

Warnings

• Content warnings may be provided before performances for lighting effects, smoke, loud sounds or potentially distressing themes
• Warnings will be shared through verbal announcements and on-screen information

First Aid

• First Aid is located next to the Information Tent

Safety

• Ear plugs and masks are available at the Eventi Information booth and the Chill Zone

Emergencies

• Emergency information is shared through verbal announcements and text on video screens
• Staff and volunteers can assist in directing you to accessible evacuation routes and refuge areas

Contact

The Big Chill Festival is managed by Armidale Regional Council.

You can contact us by email: events@armidale.nsw.gov.au

Feedback

We welcome your feedback on access at The Big Chill Festival.

If you experience any barriers, have suggestions or would like to share what worked well, you can contact us by email at events@armidale.nsw.gov.au.

We aim to respond within 5 business days and will work to address any issues as quickly as possible.

The Big Chill Festival is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive festival experience.

We recognise that barriers can exist in environments, systems and communication, and we work to reduce these so people with disability can access information, attend the festival and participate in ways that work for them.