Accessibility & Inclusion at Swanage Fish & Food Festival

At the Swanage Fish & Food Festival, accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable experience for all visitors, regardless of mobility or additional needs.

Following extreme weather in 2023, the festival moved from Prince Albert Gardens to Sandpit Field. While initially a necessary safety decision, the move highlighted significant accessibility benefits, and Sandpit Field is now the permanent home of the Swanage Fish & Food Festival.

Sandpit Field offers a flat, open layout that improves wheelchair access and overall visitor safety. Its spacious design also allows for quieter areas, giving those who may feel overwhelmed by crowds or noise the opportunity to relax and enjoy the festival, with views across Swanage Bay.

Located between De Moulham Road and Shore Road, the site features five wheelchair-friendly pedestrian entrances, along with a single vehicle access point used only for festival operations. The flat terrain makes it easier for all visitors to move around comfortably and safely.

The festival layout has been carefully planned with accessibility in mind. Key areas such as the Information Tent and Music Marquee are positioned at the top of the field, while food stalls, artisan traders, the Little Fishes children’s area, and chef demonstrations are arranged around the perimeter. A large central space with picnic tables provides an accessible place for visitors to sit, eat, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Accessible facilities are available throughout the site. Temporary toilets include two accessible units on the festival field, and additional public toilets can be found along Shore Road towards the town centre. First aid services are available all weekend, located near the Shore Road entrance, ensuring support is always close at hand.

Parking information: While there is no public parking on-site, several nearby car parks serve the Swanage Fish & Food Festival, including the Main Beach Car Park on Victoria Avenue (BH19 1PW), North Beach Car Park on Bonfields Avenue, and Broad Road Car Park above Prince Albert Gardens.

We continue to review and improve accessibility at the Swanage Fish & Food Festival each year, helping to ensure our event remains inclusive, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone.