Access for all at Paralympic Flame celebration
Archived press release
Date Published: 01/08/12
Wheelchair firework
Aylesbury Vale District Council and Bucks Disability Service (BuDS) are pleased to announce that there will be access for all at the Paralympic Flame Celebration in Aylesbury this month.
In the spirit of the Paralympics, AVDC and BuDS are offering exclusive ticket-only access for disabled people to a premier viewing area in Market Square with an uninterrupted view of the celebrations.
The free event takes place in the town centre on 28 August between 6pm and 10pm and features exciting performances that are directly inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There will be big screens relaying live pictures from the Paralympic Flame lighting ceremony at Stoke Mandeville Stadium and a spectacular finale which fuses fire, song and dance by internationally renowned art organisations The World Famous and Shared Space and Light.
The Paralympic Flame will be passing through Market Square on its journey from Stoke Mandeville Stadium to London and the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games.
Tickets for the premier viewing area will be available through a public ballot which will be drawn on 12 August. The ballot for tickets opens today (1 August) and up to 75 disabled people (who can each bring one other person with them) will be chosen at random from all those who have registered by that date.
There will also be an accessible viewing area in Kingsbury for disabled people and carers with excellent views of the big screen there. Disabled people are being advised to register for a place in this area in advance as priority will be given to those who have registered. Registration for the viewing areas will be open until midnight on 19 August.
Every effort has been made to make the viewing areas as accessible as possible to people with all types of disability and impairment. Facilities include a hearing loop, a level trackway over the cobbles in Market Square and (if needed) a BSL interpreter. Dedicated accessible toilets and ample free parking for Blue Badge holders will be available for all disabled people attending the event.
Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure at AVDC, said: “The Paralympic Flame celebration is an event for the whole community to enjoy. We are more than happy to help out with the viewing areas, which will make it easier for disabled people, and carers, to have a great view of the proceedings.
“I would encourage disabled people to attend this event. There will be accessible parking and toilets, and trained stewards will be available to provide help and support.”
Andrew Clark, Chair of Trustees of BuDS, said: “BuDS is an independent disability charity and we have been delighted to be able to work with AVDC to help disabled people to access this fantastic event. The Paralympics is a celebration of the determination and courage of disabled people, and so we are very pleased that disabled people are to be given exclusive access to a premier viewing area which meets everyone’s needs. I would join Councillor Thompson in encouraging disabled people to register to attend this event.”
To register for a space in one of the viewing areas, please click on the link below.
People without internet access should call BuDS on 01494 568864 (office hours only) to register.
For questions about disabled access to the event, please call BuDS or e-mail info@buds.org.uk
For details on the Paralympic Flame celebration, go to www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/london2012 or call 01296 585301.