ACCESSIBLE ORANGE WARSAW FESTIVAL

  Orange Warsaw Festival is one of the best-adjusted music festivals for people with disabilities in Poland. Our priority is to make the festival a friendly place for everyone and a safe space for experiencing positive emotions. We have introduced a number of facilities aimed at people with various disabilities, intended to facilitate moving around the area and taking advantage of festival attractions.   Audio-leaflets about the OWF General information about the festival, in the form of audio-leaflets, is included below.
Easy to read and understand texts about the festival  

Prepared accessibilities in brief:

 

  • N Ticket, which entitles the holder to bring a support person,
  • Priority Services Point, where you can exchange your ticket for a festival wristband, receive support and essential practical information,
  • priority, widened entry gates to the festival grounds,
  • assisted transport near the festival site, i.e. from the gates of the Służewiec Racecourse to the Priority Services Point at the OWF entrance,
  • "Kiss & Ride" option and the possibility of purchasing an N parking ticket,
  • over 2,400 square metres of hard-surfaced area to facilitate movement around the OWF grounds, including ramps and raised platforms,
  • platforms, featuring: ramps, an induction loop, seating, and access to power sockets,
  • assistance from trained Volunteers,
  • induction loops at the Priority Services Point and at the stage platforms,
  • Auracast system near stage platforms,
  • PJM sign language interpreters and selected staff members with a basic knowledge of PJM and AAC,
  • haptic (vibrating) backpacks combined with bone conduction headphones, available for loan at the Priority Services Point,
  • audio description of all main stage concerts and a festival radio channel, launched fifteen minutes before each concert,
  • accessible toilets for people with disabilities.
 

Contact

If you have any questions, choose one of the topics on the tabs above. If you haven’t found an answer to your question, please contact [email protected] and/or [email protected] You can also call, write a message or send a video message in PJM to the number: 604 432 911.

N category tickets and documents

You can buy the N ticket at Fantix.pl and eBilet.pl.   Tickets are also available at the box office on the festival grounds.   You can purchase a two-day pass or single-day tickets.   The N pass and single-day N tickets may be purchased by persons with a significant degree of disability, as well as persons with any degree of disability who use a wheelchair. The degree of disability must be confirmed by a certificate issued by the County Disability Assessment Team or a valid Disabled Person's ID Card (together with a document confirming identity).   All rules regarding the use of the N Ticket can be found in the file below (download begins upon clicking the link): RULES TICKET N (PDF file)   Please remember to bring a document confirming your entitlement to use N Tickets and passes (eg. a disability certificate, Disabled Person's ID Card). The N Ticket and N Pass entitle the holder to enter the festival grounds with one accompanying person for the entire duration of the festival. At the OWF entrance, both you and your companion will each receive a separate wristband.   See templates of documents listed above (pdf file)   Please note: persons purchasing an N Ticket or N Pass may also make use of Orange customer discounts, just like all other festival guests.   Unfortunately, the VIP zone is not currently architecturally accessible (its location on the second floor of the building excludes wheelchair users from reaching it independently, as there are no lifts in the building). For this reason, OWF organisers do not sell N VIP Tickets.

About the Festival

The festival grounds open at 15:00 and close at 02:30. Orange Warsaw Festival takes place at the Służewiec Racecourse.   The programme is available in the file below (download begins upon clicking the link): Programme (PDF)

 

Getting to the Festival

You can get there by public transport, car, or bicycle. Basic information about getting to the festival is described in the easy-read text below:  

By car

There is a car park for people with disabilities close to the festival entrance. If you wish to use it, you must purchase an N parking ticket. Upon entering the festival grounds, please show security staff your N Ticket and N parking ticket. Parking tickets for people with disabilities are available to purchase at (link opens in a new window) Fantix.  

Kiss & Ride

There is a "Kiss and Ride" option available – allowing you to be dropped off close to the festival entrance and the Priority Services Point. If you wish to use this option, please show your N Ticket or N Pass to the security staff at the main gate of the Racecourse.   If you are travelling to OWF by car or using the "Kiss and Ride" option, head towards the side gate of the Służewiec Racecourse on Wyścigowa Street. Upon entry, please show your N-category ticket to the security staff.  

On foot, by bike or scooter

You can get to the festival on foot, by bicycle, or by any other means of transport. There is a bicycle park close to the festival entry gates on the Puławska Street side. Wheelchair users with electric drives or other attachments may leave their equipment at the Priority Services Point. Other mobility aids for people with disabilities may also be stored there safely.  

Public transport

The nearest group of stops (bus and tram) called "WYŚCIGI" is at the intersection of Puławska and Rzymowskiego streets. The distance from these stops to the festival gates is approximately 1,000 meters. The route includes audible and non-audible pedestrian crossings with lowered curbs and driveways.   The nearest metro stops are METRO URSYNÓW and METRO SŁUŻEW. You can also read about the availability of public transport in Warsaw on the website of Warsaw Public Transport Komunikacja Bez Barrier.   A description of the accessibility of our recommended routes to the festival from Warsaw railway stations and airports is available in the PDF file (click the link to begin download): PDF FILE.   If you need additional information - contact us: [email protected].  

Assisted transport

If, due to your condition (e.g. an injury, pregnancy, or disability), you need support with transport along the stretch between:
  • the main entrance gate to the Służewiec Racecourse (Wyścigowa Avenue),
  • the Priority Services Point (Priority Service Point), located at the festival gates,
please let us know.   This route is approximately 700 metres long, and the journey may be made more difficult by the condition of the pavements or festival crowds. You will find volunteers at the main gate and at the Priority Service Point. Simply approach them and let them know you need assisted transport. You can also call or text: 604 432 911. Assisted transport is provided by a vehicle accessible to wheelchair users.

Priority Service Point (POP)

Holders of an N Ticket or N Pass, upon entering the Racecourse grounds, should make their way to the Priority Services Point, abbreviated as Priority Service Point. It is a white tent marked with a sign, located approximately 100 metres before the festival gates.   At the Priority Services Point, documents confirming entitlement to purchase an N Ticket or N Pass are verified, after which tickets are exchanged for festival wristbands. Everything takes place without queuing. You will also receive an additional wristband granting access to the accessibility zones. The Priority Service Point's trained team will answer all questions about the access tools available at the festival. Here you can also:
  • receive one-to-one support/assistance,
  • be directed to the festival entry gates.
  The Priority Service Point has access to PJM sign language interpreters, an induction loop, and radio receivers for audio description. An accessible toilet is located nearby. At the Priority Service Point, you can also borrow haptic (vibrating) backpacks, with or without bone conduction headphones. Staff will show you how to use them. You may also leave your electric drive or other wheelchair attachment, wheelchair, or other mobility equipment at the Priority Service Point.   Priority Servis Point opening hours: 29 May (Friday) 13:00–01:30 30 May (Saturday) 14:00–01:30

One-On-One support

If you are attending the festival without a companion, you can count on support from an individual assistant. Assistance is provided by volunteers who receive training before each edition of the festival.   If you wish, you may notify us in advance of your need for assistance. Write to: [email protected] or call: 604 432 911.   Please note: volunteers trained to provide assistance can be identified by their T-shirts reading "Wolontariusz Fundacji Orange" and their lanyards. They can always be found in the accessibility zones and at the Priority Services Point.

Festival entry

Persons entitled to use accessibility provisions may use the dedicated, widened entry gates. The priority gates are marked with a wheelchair pictogram. Volunteers stationed there can assist you when passing through the gates.

Audiodescription

All concerts on the main stage, Orange Stage, are audio-described. Audio description is available on the radio frequency 91.5 FM. A portable radio or a radio app on a smartphone is all you need to access it. If you do not have the equipment needed to access audio description, please visit the Priority Services Point, where you can borrow a portable radio. Please bring your own headphones.

Toilets

Accessible toilets are located throughout the festival site – within toilet blocks marked on the festival maps. Additional accessible toilets are also available:
  • at the Orange Stage, next to the accessibility zone,
  • at the Warsaw Stage, next to the accessibility zone,
  • near the Priority Services Point,
  • on the ground floor of Tribune Building No. 2, where Silent Disco is held, for example.

Platforms

Raised platforms are located at both festival stages – Orange Stage and Warsaw Stage. They allow for comfortable viewing of concerts from a seated position. The platforms are accessed via ramps with handrails and a gradient not exceeding 6%.   On the platforms, you can use an induction loop. QR codes for the Auracast system are also available there.   The platforms offer rest areas and access to power sockets. Volunteers trained to provide assistance can be found on the platforms. Accessible toilets are located nearby.

Induction loop

A portable induction loop is available at the Priority Services Point. Induction loops are also operational on the platforms at the Orange and Warsaw Stages.

Auracast

This year, OWF is trialling the Auracast system. Each stage will have its own separate Auracast broadcast. QR codes are available for download at the Priority Service Point and on the platforms.

Haptic (vibrating) backpacks

Haptic (vibrating) backpacks are available for use at the festival, with or without bone conduction headphones.   Backpacks can be borrowed at the Priority Services Point. Please bring your ID.   At the Priority Service Point, staff will connect the backpack and explain how it works.   This year we are testing this solution. We are supported in this by: the dentsu team, which provides the haptic backpacks and headphones, and the Polish Foundation for the Hard of Hearing, which equips them with a receiver system.

Polish Sign Language Interpreters

During the festival, we work with Polish Sign Language interpreters. They can be found at the Priority Services Point or connected remotely from anywhere on the grounds. Volunteers can help you with this – they can be identified by their T-shirts reading "Wolontariusz Fundacji Orange" and their lanyards. You will find them in the accessibility zones as well as around the festival village. Volunteers do not know PJM, but they are equipped to hold conversations using text-to-speech technology.

Festival town

Part of the Festival Town is situated on pavements and asphalt surfaces. Part is set up on grassed areas. In key locations there are hard-surfaced pathways, allowing you to avoid walking on grass. Kerb ramps are laid out throughout the Festival Village. Unfortunately, not all stalls and food trucks are fully accessible – some have steps or high counters. Nevertheless, all people with disabilities have priority when being served. Should you need assistance, please ask festival staff.

Temporary disability

Persons with a so-called temporary disability – for example, those with a broken leg or using crutches – are not able to purchase an N category ticket or exchange an existing ticket for an N category ticket. However, they may make use of all accessibility provisions. We encourage you to approach volunteers or security staff located outside the entrance gate to the Racecourse, or to head directly to the Priority Services Point, where you will receive support tailored to your needs.

Medicines and medical supplies

If, due to your health condition, you take specialist medication or use medical equipment for administering medication, please report to the Priority Services Point or inform security staff when entering the festival grounds.   Please note: you must carry a medical certificate confirming the necessity of having medication or medical equipment with you.   Bringing your own food or drinks onto the festival grounds is not permitted. If you follow a strictly defined diet, this must be documented with a medical certificate. In such cases, please bring your food or drinks in a manner that does not contravene the festival regulations. The following items, among others, are not permitted on the festival grounds:
  • canned drinks,
  • glass bottles,
  • flasks/thermos containers.
  People with diabetes may bring their own food.

Getting home

If you wish to use assisted transport, please let the volunteers know or make your way to the Priority Services Point.   Please bear in mind that at the end of concerts on the Orange Stage and Warsaw Stage, traffic management changes are introduced daily on the streets around the Racecourse (some streets are closed), and leaving the festival grounds and using public transport may be made more difficult by the crowds.   The festival grounds are accessible to the public until 02:30.

Accessible OWF: partnership

Accessibility work at OWF is coordinated by the Polska bez Barier Foundation in close collaboration with Alter Art Festival, Orange Polska, and the Orange Foundation. We are also supported by: Fundacja Widzialni, the "Katarynka" Foundation for the Development of Audio Description, the Polish Foundation for the Hard of Hearing, ECHO SYSTEM, PJM Interpreters, denstu and the Impact Foundation. Together, we look after the comfort and safety of festival audiences.

Together = better!

We are open to your suggestions and ideas! Let us know how you find OWF's accessibility and whether there is anything we can improve. For over 10 years we have been developing the tools and services we use – we warmly invite you to evaluate them. Send a message or a PJM video vlog to: [email protected] and [email protected]