Accessibility & Inclusion Statement.

The Paranormal Festival is committed to creating welcoming, inclusive and accessible events and experiences.

We want as many people as reasonably possible to be able to enjoy our events, participate in activities and access the information and services we provide.

The Paranormal Festival is an events brand operated by Gatherstone Ltd and may host different types of events at different venues and locations over time.

This Statement is therefore intentionally broad and applies across The Paranormal Festival brand rather than to one particular festival, venue, date or event format.

Our events may include:

• • festivals and conventions
  • exhibitions and expos
  • talks and panels
  • workshops
  • screenings
  • live entertainment
  • performances
  • meet-and-greets
  • paranormal-themed activities and experiences
  • social and networking events
  • online or hybrid events
  • other related events and experiences

Accessibility arrangements may differ between events because venues, buildings, activities and event formats vary.

The Paranormal Festival is operated by Gatherstone Ltd.

Gatherstone Ltd
Company Number: 17465110
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: 66 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NA, United Kingdom

References to “The Paranormal Festival”, “we”, “us” or “our” mean Gatherstone Ltd when operating The Paranormal Festival.

We aim to provide our services in accordance with applicable equality law, including the Equality Act 2010.

Service providers have an anticipatory duty to consider barriers disabled people may face rather than waiting until an individual encounters a problem. The duty can involve reasonable changes to policies or practices, addressing physical barriers and providing appropriate auxiliary aids. What is reasonable depends on the circumstances.

We therefore aim to consider accessibility during the planning of our events and not solely when an attendee contacts us with a request.

The Paranormal Festival may operate events in a wide variety of locations.

These could include:

• • modern event venues
  • historic buildings
  • listed buildings
  • theatres
  • cinemas
  • hotels
  • civic buildings
  • exhibition spaces
  • outdoor locations
  • heritage venues
  • unusual or atmospheric locations
  • other temporary or permanent event spaces

The accessibility of each venue may therefore differ.

A feature available at one Paranormal Festival event should not automatically be assumed to be available at every event.

We will seek to provide event-specific accessibility information where appropriate so attendees can make informed decisions before booking and attending.

Accessibility is one of the factors we consider when selecting and planning venues.

Depending on the event, we may consider matters such as:

• • step-free access
  • accessible entrances
  • lifts
  • accessible toilets
  • accessible seating
  • internal routes
  • door widths
  • flooring and surfaces
  • distances between event areas
  • parking and drop-off arrangements
  • public transport
  • lighting
  • acoustics
  • evacuation arrangements
  • assistance-dog access
  • quiet or lower-stimulation spaces where feasible
  • other relevant accessibility features

Not every venue will be capable of providing every accessibility feature.

Where a physical feature creates a substantial disadvantage, applicable equality law requires consideration of reasonable steps to avoid that disadvantage, including potentially altering or removing a feature or providing a reasonable alternative means of access.

Some Paranormal Festival events may deliberately take place in historic, heritage or unusual buildings because their history and character form part of the event experience.

Older buildings may contain features such as:

• • steps
  • narrow doorways
  • uneven flooring
  • historic staircases
  • restricted spaces
  • multiple levels
  • limited lift access
  • older layouts

Historic status does not mean accessibility can simply be disregarded.

Where physical alterations are limited or impracticable, we will consider what reasonable alternative arrangements may be possible.

The appropriate solution will depend on the venue and circumstances of the particular event.

Where relevant, individual event information may explain matters such as:

• • accessible entrances
  • step-free access
  • lifts
  • accessible toilets
  • seating
  • accessible viewing areas
  • parking
  • drop-off points
  • public transport
  • distances within the venue
  • assistance dogs
  • personal-assistant or companion arrangements
  • sensory considerations
  • specific inaccessible areas
  • other important venue information

We aim to avoid making accessibility claims that we have not verified.

If you need information that is not published, please contact us.

We will consider reasonable adjustments for disabled attendees where appropriate.

Depending on the circumstances, an adjustment could potentially involve:

• • changing the way a service is provided
  • providing information in an alternative format
  • adapting an admission or queuing process
  • providing an alternative route
  • making reasonable seating arrangements
  • providing additional assistance
  • using an auxiliary aid
  • adjusting a procedure
  • providing an alternative way to access an activity or service

What constitutes a reasonable adjustment depends on the circumstances, including whether it would effectively address the disadvantage, its practicality, cost, disruption and the resources available.

We will consider requests individually where necessary rather than assuming that one solution will be appropriate for everyone.

Where we are legally required to provide a reasonable adjustment, we will not charge a disabled person for the cost of providing that adjustment.

The Equality Act duty expressly prevents service providers from requiring disabled people to pay the cost of reasonable adjustments they are required to make.

If you have an accessibility requirement, we encourage you to contact us.

Where possible, contacting us before the event gives us more time to:

• • understand what you require
  • speak with the venue where necessary
  • consider available adjustments
  • make arrangements
  • provide useful information before you travel

However, we recognise that not every requirement will be known or communicated in advance.

We will still seek to assist appropriately where a request is made at an event.

If you request an adjustment, we may ask for enough information to understand:

• • the barrier you may experience
  • the adjustment you are requesting
  • what would help you access the event

We do not need unnecessary details about a person's medical history simply to consider an accessibility request.

Where information concerning health or disability is provided to us, it will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection law.

Mobility arrangements will depend on the particular venue.

Where relevant, event-specific information may explain:

• • whether the main entrance is step-free
  • whether an alternative accessible entrance is available
  • whether lifts are available
  • which floors are accessible
  • whether accessible toilets are available
  • whether any activities take place in areas without step-free access

We will not describe a venue as fully accessible unless that description can reasonably be supported.

If you use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or walking aid and require more detailed information about a particular event, please contact us.

Where accessible toilets are available at a venue, we will seek to identify this in event-specific accessibility information where appropriate.

Facilities differ between venues.

If the availability or location of an accessible toilet is important to your attendance, please check the relevant event information or contact us before attending.

Different events may involve:

• • seated talks
  • standing areas
  • unreserved seating
  • reserved seating
  • mixed standing and seating
  • workshops
  • movement between rooms

Where reasonably possible, we will consider seating-related adjustments for attendees who require them because of disability or another accessibility need.

This could include appropriate consideration of:

• • wheelchair spaces
  • seating where prolonged standing creates a barrier
  • access to an aisle or exit
  • proximity to facilities
  • another reasonable seating requirement

Arrangements will depend on the venue and event layout.

Some events may involve queues for:

• • entry
  • talks
  • activities
  • meet-and-greets
  • food and drink
  • particular rooms

We recognise that standing or waiting in a conventional queue may create a substantial barrier for some disabled attendees.

Where appropriate, we will consider reasonable alternatives or adjustments.

These will depend on the event, venue, capacity and individual circumstances.

Some attendees may require the support of another person in order to access an event.

Where an event operates a Personal Assistant, Essential Companion or Carer ticket arrangement, details will be provided in the relevant event information.

Arrangements may differ between events.

Where such support forms part of a reasonable adjustment, we will consider our obligations under applicable equality law.

We will not assume that every disabled attendee requires a companion, nor that every person requesting an adjustment has identical needs.

We welcome recognised assistance dogs in accordance with applicable law, subject to legitimate safety requirements associated with a particular environment or activity.

We will seek to work with attendees where an event contains an area or activity presenting a genuine safety concern.

Attendees are welcome to contact us before an event if they would like information about:

• • venue layout
  • relief areas where known
  • crowded spaces
  • loud activities
  • other practical considerations

Depending on the venue and event, accessibility arrangements may potentially include:

• • hearing-loop facilities
  • appropriate seating
  • written information
  • captions where available
  • other communication support

Not every event or venue will automatically have the same facilities.

If you require a particular communication adjustment, please contact us so that we can consider what is reasonable and practicable.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission's current Code specifically recognises that different deaf and hearing-impaired attendees can have different requirements and that one solution, such as BSL interpretation, will not necessarily address every person's access needs.

Where appropriate, we will consider reasonable adjustments for blind and visually impaired attendees.

Depending on the circumstances, this could involve:

• • accessible digital information
  • verbal directions
  • assistance navigating the venue
  • appropriate seating
  • alternative-format information
  • other reasonable support

Availability will depend on the particular event and requirement.

We recognise that busy events can present barriers for some neurodivergent attendees and people with sensory sensitivities.

Depending on the event, factors may include:

• • crowds
  • queues
  • amplified sound
  • music
  • sudden noises
  • flashing or changing lighting
  • dark environments
  • projections
  • unusual sensory experiences
  • busy exhibition areas
  • interactive paranormal activities

Where relevant and reasonably possible, we will seek to provide information in advance about significant sensory features.

Where a quiet or lower-stimulation area is available, this may be identified in event information.

We will not advertise a dedicated quiet space unless one is actually being provided.

Some events may use:

• • stage lighting
  • theatrical lighting
  • darkness or low lighting
  • amplified sound
  • music
  • projections
  • smoke, haze or other permitted theatrical effects
  • sudden sounds
  • paranormal-themed effects

Where an event contains significant effects that attendees should know about, we will seek to provide appropriate information or warnings.

If you have a particular sensitivity and need more information before attending, please contact us.

Not all disabilities or access requirements are visible.

Attendees will not be expected to “look disabled” in order for an accessibility request to be considered.

Our team should approach requests respectfully and consider the actual barrier or adjustment required.

We recognise that large, busy or unfamiliar events may create additional barriers for some people.

Where a disability gives rise to an accessibility requirement, we will consider reasonable adjustments in accordance with applicable law.

Our staff are not a substitute for medical or mental-health professionals, and an event environment cannot be guaranteed to be suitable for every individual.

We aim to make important event information reasonably accessible.

Where appropriate and reasonably practicable, we may be able to provide information in an alternative format.

If you have difficulty accessing important information from our website or event materials, please contact us and tell us what format or adjustment would help.

We aim to make The Paranormal Festival website usable by as wide a range of people as reasonably possible.

This may include consideration of:

• • clear page structure
  • readable text
  • colour contrast
  • keyboard navigation
  • meaningful labels
  • alternative text for meaningful images
  • form usability
  • responsive layouts
  • compatibility with common assistive technologies

Accessibility is an ongoing process, particularly as our website and event information develop.

If you encounter an accessibility problem on our website, please contact us.

We aim for our ticketing and registration processes to be reasonably accessible.

Where ticketing is provided through an independent third-party platform, some aspects of that service may be controlled by that provider.

If an accessibility barrier prevents you from completing a booking, please contact us so that we can consider an appropriate alternative.

Some Paranormal Festival events may include interactive activities.

Certain activities may involve:

• • dark environments
  • confined or unusual spaces
  • standing
  • stairs
  • sensory effects
  • equipment
  • physical movement
  • historic areas

Where an activity has particular accessibility limitations or safety requirements, we will seek to communicate relevant information.

Where reasonably possible, we will consider alternative ways for disabled attendees to participate or experience the activity.

Some parts of a venue may not form part of the event or may be inaccessible for legitimate reasons such as:

• • safety
  • structural limitations
  • venue restrictions
  • fire regulations
  • restricted access
  • operational requirements

An event ticket does not provide access to every area of a venue.

Where an advertised event activity takes place in an inaccessible area, we will consider what reasonable alternative arrangements may be appropriate.

Safety and emergency arrangements vary between venues.

We work with venues and relevant event personnel regarding emergency procedures.

Disabled attendees must not be excluded from an event merely on the basis of assumptions about evacuation.

The current Equality Act Code gives the example of refusing a wheelchair user admission solely because of an assumed fire risk; whether such treatment is lawful depends on the actual evacuation arrangements and whether the response is proportionate.

Where specific assistance or arrangements are reasonably required, we will work with the venue and attendee as appropriate.

Parking arrangements vary considerably between venues.

Some venues may have:

• • dedicated accessible parking
  • nearby public parking
  • drop-off areas
  • Blue Badge spaces
  • limited or no on-site parking

Event-specific information will provide relevant details where available.

Parking facilities operated independently by a venue, council or third-party provider may be subject to their own terms.

Where we provide information about:

• • public transport
  • taxis
  • parking
  • hotels
  • accommodation
  • local facilities

this may include services operated independently of The Paranormal Festival.

We encourage attendees with particular access requirements to confirm suitability directly with the relevant provider.

We will not describe third-party accommodation or transport as accessible unless we have a reasonable basis for doing so.

Vendors and exhibitors are expected to operate their stands in a way that does not unnecessarily create accessibility barriers.

This includes keeping:

• • designated walkways clear
  • accessible routes unobstructed
  • emergency exits clear
  • stock and displays within allocated spaces

Independent Vendors are responsible for the accessibility and lawful provision of their own goods and services.

Where we identify a significant accessibility or safety obstruction, we may require it to be corrected.

Where reasonably practicable, we will consider accessibility when planning:

• • stages
  • talks
  • panels
  • demonstrations
  • workshops
  • performances
  • interactive activities

The appropriate arrangements will depend on the format, venue and circumstances.

Occasionally an accessibility feature may become temporarily unavailable because of circumstances such as:

• • lift failure
  • venue maintenance
  • emergency restrictions
  • equipment failure
  • unexpected building issues

Where we become aware of a material accessibility problem affecting an event, we will seek to:

• • investigate it
  • work with the venue
  • identify a reasonable alternative where possible
  • communicate significant information to affected attendees where appropriate

Accessibility arrangements should, so far as reasonably possible, respect the dignity and independence of disabled attendees.

An alternative arrangement should not automatically be treated as satisfactory simply because it technically provides some form of access.

Current Equality Act guidance recognises that the dignity, inconvenience and anxiety associated with an alternative method of access can be relevant when considering whether it is reasonable.

We aim to ensure that relevant event personnel understand the importance of:

• • accessibility
  • respectful communication
  • reasonable adjustments
  • hidden disabilities
  • not making assumptions about an individual's needs
  • escalating requests appropriately where they cannot resolve them directly

The 2026 Equality Act Code recommends training staff, reviewing accessibility and reasonable adjustments, and ensuring staff understand how to identify and respond to barriers faced by disabled people.

We welcome constructive feedback about accessibility.

Feedback can help us identify:

• • barriers we had not anticipated
  • adjustments that worked well
  • areas that could be improved
  • issues to consider when selecting future venues

Where practical, accessibility learning from one event may be incorporated into the planning of future Paranormal Festival events.

If you believe you experienced an accessibility problem or were treated unfairly in connection with an event, please contact us.

Where possible, provide:

• • the event concerned
  • the date
  • what happened
  • the barrier you experienced
  • any adjustment that had been requested
  • any other information that may help us investigate

We will consider accessibility complaints appropriately and use relevant findings to improve future events where necessary.

Information you provide when requesting an accessibility adjustment may include personal information about disability or health.

We will only seek information that is reasonably relevant to dealing with the request.

Such information will be handled in accordance with The Paranormal Festival Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection law.

Accessibility information will not be used for unrelated marketing.

Because The Paranormal Festival is intended to host different events and experiences over time, accessibility arrangements will continue to develop.

Before each event, we may consider matters including:

• • the venue
  • event layout
  • expected audience
  • activities
  • physical access
  • toilets
  • seating
  • sensory environment
  • emergency arrangements
  • communication needs
  • reasonable adjustments

The duty to make reasonable adjustments for services is anticipatory, meaning accessibility should be considered before a disabled person actually encounters the service.

For larger or more complex events, we may publish a separate Event Accessibility Guide containing practical information specific to that event.

This could include:

• • photographs of entrances
  • step-free routes
  • lift information
  • accessible toilet locations
  • room-by-room access
  • parking and drop-off
  • seating arrangements
  • sensory information
  • assistance-dog information
  • personal-assistant arrangements
  • contact information for the event

An event-specific guide supplements this Statement rather than replacing it.

We may update this Accessibility & Inclusion Statement as:

• • our events develop
  • new venues are introduced
  • our website changes
  • accessibility arrangements improve
  • applicable law or guidance changes
  • we learn from attendee feedback

The latest version will be published on our website.

If you have an accessibility question, need information about a particular event or would like to discuss a reasonable adjustment, please contact:

Gatherstone Ltd
Operator of The Paranormal Festival
Company Number: 17465110
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: 66 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NA, United Kingdom

Email: hello@gatherstone.co.uk

When contacting us about an event, please include the name of the event where possible so that we can provide the most relevant information.

Last updated: 17 September 2026

© 2026 Gatherstone Ltd. All rights reserved.