5
Books, talks and accessibility
It is always a pleasure to attend the Edinburgh Book Festival, picnicking, reading and listening to amazing writers.Staff are everywhere and super helpful and friendly. If the don’t know the answer, they will be back in a second with someone does.
Based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, a newly renovated building just off the Meadows, this new venue offers amazing accessibility from lifts to all floors and an accessible toilet on each floor. The toilets offer enough room to do at least one doughnut but there is one on the first floor where I could easily do 3! Whilst there is not a changing places toilet in the building, there is a mobile version around the corner.
After that dizzy spell and inviting cafe is along the corridor offering lunch, snacks and drinks. There are food trucks outside too with picnic tables throughout the grounds (even ones with spaces cut out for wheelchair users).
The auditoriums are large with room too manoeuvre a powerchair. Accessible patrons enter first so you can get comfy without pressure. There are plenty of places for people of all abilities to enjoy a show (you can even watch them at home).
On street parking in the local area is available though be warned that it is busy. Buses are taxis are also nearby.
And importantly, there is an onsite bookstore where I often lose a lot of time!
This new venue feels more like the book festival that I have always loved and I have enjoyed every moment because they have put so much thought into accessibility.
It is always a pleasure to attend the Edinburgh Book Festival, picnicking, reading and listening to amazing writers.Staff are everywhere and super helpful and friendly. If the don’t know the answer, they will be back in a second with someone does.
Based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, a newly renovated building just off the Meadows, this new venue offers amazing accessibility from lifts to all floors and an accessible toilet on each floor. The toilets offer enough room to do at least one doughnut but there is one on the first floor where I could easily do 3! Whilst there is not a changing places toilet in the building, there is a mobile version around the corner.
After that dizzy spell and inviting cafe is along the corridor offering lunch, snacks and drinks. There are food trucks outside too with picnic tables throughout the grounds (even ones with spaces cut out for wheelchair users).
The auditoriums are large with room too manoeuvre a powerchair. Accessible patrons enter first so you can get comfy without pressure. There are plenty of places for people of all abilities to enjoy a show (you can even watch them at home).
On street parking in the local area is available though be warned that it is busy. Buses are taxis are also nearby.
And importantly, there is an onsite bookstore where I often lose a lot of time!
This new venue feels more like the book festival that I have always loved and I have enjoyed every moment because they have put so much thought into accessibility.
For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: admin@edbookfest.co.uk
