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Accessible SIRF

We're committed to making SIRF as accessible as possible for everyone.

Watch our accessibility video for an overview of the accessibility support available at SIRF. The video includes captions.

Accessibility support at SIRF

To help you enjoy your festival experience, SIRF provides:

  • accessible SIRF Champions
  • easy Access Wristbands
  • accessible viewing areas
  • BSL interpreted and integrated BSL performances
  • audio described performances
  • Touch Tours
  • accessible toilet facilities
  • a dedicated quiet space
  • support for visitors with additional access requirements

If you would like to discuss your access requirements before the festival, please contact SIRF Central.

British Sign Language (BSL)

A number of performances at SIRF 2026 will feature either integrated BSL within the performance or a BSL interpreter.

These include:

Please note that not all performances include BSL interpretation.

For non-integrated performances, SIRF BSL interpreters can be identified by their BSL T-shirts.

BSL performances schedule

Saturday 1 August 

 Sunday 2 August 

Audio description

The following performances include live audio description or audio description resources that can be accessed online:

  • Radical Ritual – Tender Exchange [Integrated Audio Description] 
  • Shyam Dattani and Mira Salat – Garbh [Vivid Recorded Audio Description] Headsets will be available, and a QR code will be provided on site for audiences who wish to access the audio description on their own device.
  • Thingumajig Theatre – Kismat Walla [Audio description link coming soon] 
  • Daughters of the Wire – ElevateHer [Live Audio Description on Saturday 1 August only]*
  • Full Circle and Little Cog – The Market Inspector [Live Audio Description on Saturday 1 August at 2pm only]*

* Please note that places for live audio description are limited and advance sign-up is recommended to avoid disappointment.

The following performances also have audio description introductions available: 

There are also a variety of music performances taking place across the festival, including: 

Touch Tours

A number of performances at SIRF 2026 are offering Touch Tours. All Touch Tours are available on a walk-up basis and do not require advance booking.

  • Shyam Dattani and Mira Salat – Garbh
    Audience members can arrive 30 minutes before the second performance each day. Touch Tours last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Vanhulle Dance – ORB
    Audience members can arrive 30 minutes before each performance. Touch Tours last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Thingumajig Theatre – Kismat Walla
    Audience members can arrive 30 minutes before each performance. Touch Tours last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Radical Ritual – Tender Exchange (Sunday 2 August only)
    Audience members can arrive 30 minutes before each performance on Sunday 2 August. Touch Tours last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Non-verbal performances

SIRF features a wide range of non-verbal performances, including:

Plus our Community Carnival is at 2pm on Sunday 2 August.

Additional access information

Please contact SIRFAdmin@stockton.gov.uk to request a copy.

  • A What to Expect Guide is available for:
    • Shyam Dattani and Mira Salat – Garbh

Please contact SIRFAdmin@stockton.gov.uk to request a copy.

  • Radical Ritual – Tender Exchange includes integrated haptics as part of the performance experience
  • Visitors with photosensitive epilepsy should be aware that Adhok – Qui Vive contains a small pyrotechnic waterfall silver jet at the beginning of the performance
  • Please note that Compagnie Dyptik – Mirage (A Day of Celebration) and Sacude – Euforia contain loud noises and music
  • A limited amount of Ear Defenders can be loaned throughout the festival during SIRF Central's opening hours (Friday and Saturday, 9am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm). Ear Defenders can be returned to our Visitor Experience staff on site after 6pm daily or to Stockton Central Library during their opening hours
  • SIRF is a guide dog-friendly festival

Accessible SIRF Champions

A limited number of Accessible SIRF Champions are also available to support visitors attending performances and workshops.

To book support, please contact SIRF Central.

Please note that spaces are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Easy access wristbands

Easy access wristbands help our teams identify visitors who may require additional support during their festival visit.

This may include assistance accessing viewing areas, finding information or navigating the festival.

Wristbands are available before and during the festival from SIRF Central.

Accessible viewing areas

Accessible viewing areas are available at selected performances and include seating alongside spaces for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs.

Viewing areas will be identified by accessible flags up to 15 minutes before a performance starts, or until capacity is reached. Accessible SIRF Champions will be on hand throughout to provide support.

Visitors are encouraged to collect an easy access wristband from SIRF Central.

Please note that seating within viewing areas cannot be moved by members of the public.

Quiet space

In partnership with ARC Stockton Arts Centre, a quiet space will be available daily from 1pm to 7pm.

The quiet space is located on the basement level of the building and is available to any audience member who would benefit from a calm environment away from festival activity.

Ticketing

There are no ticketed performances at SIRF 2026.

Programme formats

This year, the SIRF programme will be available online rather than in print. 

Browse the programme to discover shows, explore locations and plan your festival visit.

Getting to SIRF

Our plan your visit page includes travel information to help you plan your journey, including car parking and blue badge information.

Physical access

Festival sites

All SIRF performance areas on Stockton High Street are located on flat, paved ground.

Performances will also take place at the new Waterfront park, which features surfaced pathways and step-free access. A ramp provides access between Oval Lawn and Riverside.

Please note that most performances are not seated, and some may involve audiences moving around. Strong lighting effects, strobe lighting and smoke effects may feature in some performances.

Seating

Accessible viewing areas include seating, as well as spaces for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs.

Visitors can collect an easy access wristband from SIRF Central to gain access to these areas.

SIRF Green includes accessible seating and benches. Bench seats are approximately 450mm (18 inches) high. Food trader cabins at SIRF Green have serving hatches approximately 1.15m high, and traders will assist customers where required.

Accessible toilets

Accessible toilets, including a Changing Places toilet, are located in the centre of the High Street in the Shambles and Stockton Waterfront Urban Park and can be accessed by a Radar Key as well as ARC Stockton Arts Centre on Dovecot Street.

Accessible toilets are also available in Wellington Square Shopping Centre during normal trading hours. 

Useful information

Stockton Shopmobility Centre

Located at 15 Wellington Street, Stockton Shopmobility Centre will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm throughout the festival.

Mobility equipment is available to hire to help visitors get around SIRF.

SIRF Central

SIRF Central will be open during the festival at the following times:

  • Friday - 9am to 6pm
  • Saturday - 9am to 6pm
  • Sunday - 11am to 6pm 

Enjoy Stockton-on-Tees Visitor Information Centre
134b High Street
Stockton-on-Tees
TS18 1LP

what3words: elsewhere.gifted.catching

Telephone: 01642 528130

Feedback

We are really keen to hear from you about your accessible SIRF experience. Please contact us, or visit SIRF Central to tell us your views.

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