ACCESSIBILITY

Here is a transcript of the above video.

EADF aims to be a welcoming festival, open to participants at all levels of experience, ages, and the Disability community. Gravity & Levity have a history of working with D/deaf and disabled artists and have developed a welcoming approach to teaching that enables each participant to chart their own journey through the training.

In week one of EADF, there will be an amplified focus on attracting, welcoming and supporting more D/deaf and disabled practitioners to attend the festival with additional access funds available during this week to meet as many access requirements as possible.

ACCESS VIDEO AND WAYFINDING GUIDE

We understand that attending any new event can be daunting so together with Digital Culture Network we have put together a short filmed guide explaining, where the EADF will take place, how to get to the Worthing Pavilion and to give you some information as to what to expect when you arrive, in the video at the top of this web page.

TUTORS

The tutors strive to be communicative and supportive. If wanted, we are happy to have an initial conversation before the training in order to establish collaborative communication/participation guidelines.

This year we will again be joined by tutors Erin Ball and Maxime Beauregard, both international circus artists, accessibility consultants and workshop facilitators, who strive to increase disability-led art and accessibility.

CLASS CONTENT

Some classes will be more suitable than others so if you are unsure of what to book and what each course will involve, please contact Lindsey on info@gravity-levity.net

We will endeavour to support anyone wishing to experience or continue training in the aerial arts (with priorities on safety and dignity of risk).

SUPPORT WORKERS, INCL BSL INTERPRETERS

This year, we can provide 2 x BSL interpreters who are familiar with aerial and performance work to support you in your chosen classes throughout week 1 as necessary. Alternatively, you could bring a BSL interpreter of your choice. In either event please contact Lindsey on info@gravity-levity.net by June 30th 2025.

If you are a sign language user we can provide a sign language interpreter for the initial conversation undertaken via remote interpreting service. This service would also be available for any urgent communication thereafter leading up to the festival.

We welcome people bringing their own support workers, in consultation with the class tutor/festival personnel to assist any access needs during the course with the expectation of payment of such support to be met by the individual.

ACCESS ACCOMMODATIONS

Please do let us know your access requirements in advance by contacting Lindsey on info@gravity-levity.net and we will do our best to work with you to find the support that you need to attend the festival. Please note that the below accommodations are all during week one of the festival.

At this year’s festival there will be 2 access ushers plus an access co-ordinator present onsite who will be there to offer support, guidance or just someone to connect with if that’s what you need. There will also be a small designated lower sensory space with bean bags and cushions and an access table with stim toys, earplugs etc.

Our access ushers are Welly O Brien and Vicky Malin who are both disabled artists themselves offering access support.

Our access co-ordinator is Tina Carter, a professional aerial teacher with years of experience teaching inclusively.

Service animals are welcome.

MASK POLICY AND COVID SAFETY

If you have any Covid-19 symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus – even if you feel well, please stay at home and help to restrict sickness rates and support those more vulnerable.

Some people may choose to wear a mask whist attending the EADF to protect themselves and the Disability community and vulnerable folks and signal that the Disability community is valued and their safety is prioritised.

Masking is optional and encouraged, you are welcome to do what makes sense for you with this information but please respect peoples’ decisions to continue to wear masks and show kindness and consideration to one another, the EADF team and venue staff.

There will be a couple of boxes of face masks and hand sanitiser available on the registration desk and also on the access table for anyone wishing to use them.

SUBSIDISED PLACES

There are 8 subsidised places available for the Weekly Pass across 3 courses per day offering 50% off the cost of activity. There are an additional 3 free places for D/deaf and disabled artists. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section of the website for information on how to apply for a subsidised place.

You may also wish to consider looking into applying for funding to support your participation if that feels appropriate e.g : https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/DYCP

Worthing Pavilion

Worthing Pavilion is one of the finest theatres on the south coast with a unique position on the promenade at the entrance to Worthing’s pier. Built in 1926, it has a unique and glorious elegance, situated in the heart of the town with the sea as a back-drop, making it a picturesque venue for any event from musical performances and theatre shows.

It also has been the home of The European Aerial Dance Festival since 2022!

Worthing Pavilion is a wheelchair accessible building with all classes happening on the ground floor (no steps). Find out more about Worthing Pavilion’s access provisions (note: much of it is in reference to their live performance programme).