Thumbs Down for Disabled Access at Eisteddfod

21/08/2010

The Eisteddfod of Wales, which organisers describe as “one of the great festivals of the world”, has come under fire for the quality of its disabled access. 

The festival of culture, music and visual arts, which took place from 31 July to 7 August, was described as a “bombsite” by visitor Gareth Baldwin of Torfaen.

The National Eisteddfod of Wales changes location each year and this year's event was held on the site of a former steelworks in Ebbw Vale. 

Gareth visited with his wife and mother-in-law, who is a wheelchair user.  He said that the uneven surface and poor access from the disabled car-park “definitely spoiled the day”. 

Disabled parking for visitors was situated at the far end of the site, from which a minibus was taking people to the main disabled entrance to the event.  Wheelchair users have described the pathways both within the disabled car park and around the disabled entrance as uneven rubble.

The massive traditional festival, which attracts over 160,000 visitors every year, has also had concerns raised over the quality of its disabled access in previous years.  A spokesperson for Disability Wales has expressed disappointment that these issues do not appear to have been addressed.

A spokesperson for the Eistoddfod declined to give a statement until they have consulted Ebbw Vale Council.