Here at Abertoir we are constantly striving to put on a festival which is accessible and inclusive. On this page you’ll find extensive information you might find useful about the accessibility of our venue, auditoria, facilities and other relevant information.
If there’s anything you’d like to know about the festival or the venue that we haven’t provided here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’ll do our best to answer your query and update this page accordingly. You can get in touch by emailing Nia on nia@abertoir.co.uk, or via our social media pages.
There is also extensive information about the auditorium, the Arts Centre and the broader Aberystwyth University campus on the AccessAble website; including images. The Arts Centre also has its own visitor guide to the building, with extensive images.
Auditorium
Since 2024 Abertoir has moved from the Arts Centre cinema to a larger auditorium at the Arts Centre, Theatr y Werin.
The theatre is on the first floor of the Arts Centre, which can be accessed either by stairs or by lift.
The auditorium has 14 rows of seats, with arm rests between each seat. Its two main entrances enter facing the middle of the auditorium, with steps going up and down to seating, with one row available with no stairs.
There are spaces for two wheelchair users.
Although festival passes and tickets do not specify allocated seating, any seating requirements for accessibility and purposes of comfort can be requested upon booking, and if not requested at the time of booking will, where possible, be accommodated for on the day of the event. We don’t ask for any medical evidence.
The theatre has a hearing loop, which operates using Sennheiser receivers and an infra red system.
Seating in the theatre ranges in width between 430mm and 480mm wide. Each seat is separated by an arm rest.
Other spaces
Some events will take place in other parts of the Arts Centre.
The Great Hall – this is where Simon Boswell’s concert will take place. It’s located on the main level of the Arts Centre. The Great Hall has a Hearing Assistive System. Great Hall seating is 450mm wide (balcony seating 460-490mm wide, but we’re unlikely to use the balconies!). Each seat is separated by an arm rest.
The cinema – we’ll use the cinema as a quiet space during the festival. It’s located on the main level of the Arts Centre. There is a hearing loop. Detailed cinema information can be found below.
The box office, café and the main building entrance are all located on the main level of the Arts Centre. There are two main entrances to the building, one of which is below the main level and accessed via stairs. Access to the upper floor (where you’ll find the bar, theatre foyer, and theatre) is by stairs or by lift.
The cinema
There are 8 rows of seats in the cinema. There is an armrest and cupholder between each seat and at the end of each row.
Seat sizes are 560mm wide for most, except the following seats, which are 535mm wide: A1-2 & 9, C1-3 & 13-15, D1-5 & 13-17, F1 & 17, G1-2 & 14-15, and all of row H (back row). The armrests between seats H3-4 and H7-8 can be moved, creating a larger seating area, if these have not been removed to accommodate wheelchair users.
Row H, the back row, can accommodate up to four wheelchairs, positioned either at the ends of the row, or seats can be removed to make space in the middle of the row.
Additionally, the end of row arms on either side of row H can be opened to allow for easier access to anyone transferring from a wheelchair or other mobility aid.
The cinema has a hearing loop installed for those who use hearing aids, or who wish to use headsets provided by us.
Parking and other information
There is a large car park close to the Arts Centre. There are spaces reserved for blue-badge holders nearest the main entrance, and two additional parking spaces at the rear of the building. Visitors can also be dropped off directly at the main entrance if required.
There is an accessible toilet on the main floor and the upper floor. These are also gender neutral facilities.
Trained guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome in the building and auditoria.
The Arts Centre has its own café. If you have any particular dietary requirements you’d like for us to talk to the café about, please let us know and we will pass on any information to them.
If you require the use of a space for prayer, or other devotion, the Aberystwyth University Faith Space is currently located very near the Arts Centre. Please get in touch and we can help arrange access to this space.
Tickets
If you need to attend the festival with a carer or companion, please get in touch with us or the box office to talk about a carer’s pass or ticket.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre operates the Hynt scheme for those who are members. Hynt is a Wales-based organisation, more information can be found on Hynt.
Film presentation
We do not currently offer descriptive captions (also known as hard of hearing captions) on our in-person screenings unless otherwise stated.
Where audio description is available it will be noted on individual listings, though please note audio description track are very rarely available on pre-release films.
Screenings are presented with the house lights completely off and with standard or slightly louder than average volume.
We compose an extensive content guide for the festival programme each year which will be made available on the website and hard copies available at the event itself.
Location
The Abertoir Local’s Guide
We’ve whipped up some information about the nearby shops and amenities in our “Abertoir Local’s Guide”!
How to get here
Aberystwyth Arts Centre is an approximately 20 minute walk uphill from the town centre. Regular busses run between the main bus station and the Arts Centre, though service is limited at the weekend. If you require the regular use of taxis to and from your accommodation please speak to festival staff, who can help arrange this for you.
Accommodation
We offer an on campus accommodation option, and there are plenty of other options available in and around the town.
If you have any other questions, comments, concerns or enquiries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can email Nia on nia@abertoir.co.uk at any time.