Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park has been awarded gold status for Attitude is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice.
It is recognition of the event’s long-term commitment to inclusivity and access for deaf and disabled people.
Earlier this year, the event won in the categories of Customer Service and Ticketing Without Barriers (Venue/Event) at the 2019 Outstanding Attitude Awards.
AEG Presents has partnered with Attitude Is Everything, which works to improve access to live music for deaf and disabled people. The charity’s Charter of Best Practice goes beyond the legal obligations set out in the Equality Act in order to set out a framework that provides a truly fair and equal service.
AEG Presents initiatives at BST include three accessible viewing areas over two stages, British Sign Language interpreters for all acts on The Great Oak Stage, accessible toilets at every toilet block, hearing induction loops and a dedicated access hub and entrance.
All pre-event information is available in audio and easy read versions and there is a dedicated access customer service team available all year via email and phone. AEG Presents will also introduce guided tours for those requiring additional assistance navigating the site.
Accessibility works best when it something that all staff members engage in, from a senior level to frontline staff
Paul Hawkins
Paul Hawkins, Attitude is Everything’s festivals and volunteering manager, said: “We’ve been working with AEG and BST Hyde Park for over five years and have been impressed by how the festival have developed their access over this time. Accessibility works best when it something that all staff members engage in, from a senior level to frontline staff, and this is certainly the case with Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park.
“We have been particularly impressed with how the festival has engaged with staff training around access, provided fantastic customer service on the ground and implemented our Charter recommendations, as well as the clear ambition to be as accessible as they can possibly be. AEG has been a fantastic company to work with and we are confident that, even with the gold award, they will continue to raise the bar for access to ensure all customers have the best experience possible at the shows.”
Alun Mainwaring, head of events and filming at The Royal Parks, said: 'We are very proud of this achievement, there is a huge amount of planning and preparation that both AEG Presents and The Royal Parks put into ensuring British Summer Time Hyde Park is inclusive and enjoyed by all. London's Royal Parks fulfil an important function as public amenities for everyone, it is very important that the events we host follow this ethos. This Gold Status shows that this hard work has been recognised.'
Jenny Hamada, senior event manager at AEG Presents, said: “Making sure our events are open to all is a top priority of ours, and we believe it truly sets us apart from our competitors. Recognition from Attitude is Everything, who we’ve worked with for many years, is a heartening sign that these efforts are making a real difference.”
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