Thu 27 Oct 2022 - Appetite

A Victorian Welcome to Christmas!

Appetite wants to make their Victorian Welcome to Christmas event accessible to everyone. Here are some of the things we’ve put in place:

Still got some queries after viewing our page? You can ask us any other questions in advance by emailing askus@appetite.org.uk or calling 01782 381373

Planning your visit

There will be an Appetite HQ in a gazebo located on Tontine Square. Head here to get directions or find out more about access provisions
There will also be First Aiders and Security at the event, so you’ll be in plenty of safe hands. If you require their assistance, please speak to any of our Stewards
There’ll be Access Stewards in green scarves throughout the event available for assistance. Event Stewards in blue scarves will also be able to provide information and locate an Access Steward should you need one
There will be professional event photography and filming taking place during to help capture and promote the event with partners. If for any reason you don’t want to appear in official event photography or film, please notify a member of the crew immediately. Our events take place in public spaces and are attended by many who will take photos. We are not in control of all photography or filming at the event, only official event photographers

What is a Social Story?

A Social Story is a series of short descriptions of a situation, event or activity which provide all the key information about what to expect in that situation. Social Stories are particularly useful for anyone with Autistic Spectrum Disorder as they help them to understand social situations whilst keeping them safe. Please find the Social Story for A Victorian Welcome to Christmas here.

Facilities

All performances are wheelchair accessible. There are small, removeable ramps at the Watch the Birdie! performance. These can be temporarily removed to allow wheelchair access
As event take place outdoors it is relaxed. You are free to come and go as you like and you don’t need to be quiet
We have additional access support on individual shows including audio described and BSL interpreted performances. See below to find out more info or head to the Appetite HQ for more details on the day
A number of benches and backed seats will be available in performance areas. Just ask a steward for one if you can’t see them
Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available at Hanley Bus Station, Potteries Centre and Tesco Extra
Noise cancelling headphones will be available from our Appetite HQ. You can sign these out and return them once you have used them
Parking is located at the Tesco Extra, John Street and Birch Terrace
Blue Badge parking can be found at Albion Street (4 spaces), Birch Terrace (9 spaces), Glass Street On-street parking (11 spaces) and Pall Mall (14 spaces)

Triggers

Watch the Birdie!

A flash is used when taking the photo. The photographer will check with you, but please just ask for ‘No Flash’ if you prefer

Audio Described performances

A number of performances will include live Audio Description. To use audio description, simply head to the Appetite HQ gazebo outside Lloyds Bank, or the show being audio described, and ask for a kit. An Access Steward will then accompany you to your chosen performance and introduce you to the Audio Describer who will provide instructions on how to participate. You’ll need to make sure to hand the kit back to the steward when you have finished.

The performances that include live Audio Description are:

Professor Jon’s Flea Circus – 5.10pm to 5.30pm at Tontine Square

Van Buren’s Victorian Wonders – 6.30pm to 7pm at Tontine Square

Corvus Angelicus – 7.30pm to 8pm at Tontine Square (this is a roaming performance)