We want to make sure everyone can enjoy B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival so have put in place the following initiatives to make the festival as accessible as possible.
You can read our Easy Read Guide to the festival here. You can also hear from our access team:
Friday 30th May
What: Inclusive Street Dance Workshop
When: Friday 30th May 2025, 6pm-7:15pm
Where: Birmingham Hippodrome, Studio 4 (use the Thorp Street Reception entrance)
For the first time ever we will be hosting an Inclusive Street Dance Workshop for Disabled, Nuerodivergent, D/deaf and Visually Impaired dancers! Join Lucas ‘Perninha’ Machado from Ill Abilities an international Breakdance Crew made up of 8 differently-abled dancers who compete and perform internationally, showing the world that anything is possible. We will be creating a safe, comfortable and inclusive space for dancers to enhance their Street and Break dance skills. Ill Abilities have years of experience at running workshops for a range of abilities and adapt movement focus on every participant’s individual strengths. If you are interested in taking part in this FREE workshop, please Email charlotteboyer@birminghamhippodrome.com and we can discuss in how you can access this amazing opportunity.
If you need any support or have any questions about Access at B-Side, look out for our Access hosts who will be wearing yellow hats.
Saturday 31st May
Access Hubs
There will be two Access Hubs at B-Side Hip-Hop Festival. Here you can pick up ear defenders, ear plugs, fidget toys and colour therapy glasses. We also have water bowls for assistance dogs, and you can ask our Access Hosts and volunteers any questions. You can also pick up a B-Side programme leaflet too!
- Opposite the front doors of Birmingham Hippodrome (outside Mythos Greek taverna) Click here for directions. ///poppy.tiles.movies
- Under the umbrella in the Arcadian. Click here for directions. ///money.cross.taker
Chill Out Zone
We have a quiet and comfortable space inside Birmingham Hippodrome for a break away from the festival. This space is in the artists lounge and can be accessed through the Thorp Street Reception entrance. Click here for directions. ///stay.relay.insert
There will be bean bags, colouring, fidget toys and a calming tent available in this space for anyone who needs it.
Accessible Viewpoints
We have two Accessible Viewpoints available which will give people a great view of the action in a quieter space with available seating. All accessible viewpoints will be staffed with Access Hosts and can be identified by yellow signage.
- Hippodrome Square. Click here for directions. ///rival.shakes.teams
- Meet us under the umbrella in the Arcadian and we can support you to find a space. Click here for directions. ///money.cross.taker
- There will be access hosts inside Birmingham Hippodrome who can support you to find a place to enjoy the action in the Patrick Studio
Sensory Walk
We have partnered with SENSE to produce a sensory walk of the festival. The walk will take you around the festival site and point out sensory highlights along the way. How many can you spot?
The sensory walk can be access using this QR code or by clicking here.
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British Sign Language Interpretation (BSL) and Audio Description (AD)
We will be providing live BSL and AD at B-Side Hip-Hop Festival.
BSL/AD Tours
There will be tours of all the highlights from B-Side at 12:15pm-1pm and 4:30pm-5:30pm. These will be guided tours beginning at the Access Hub outside opposite the front doors of Birmingham Hippodrome outside Mythos Greek Taverna and will include BSL and AD. If you want to take part in this tour of the festival site, please Email charlotteboyer@birminghamhippodrome.com. Click here for directions. ///eagle.bells.congratulations
When and where will there be BSL and AD?
Around our two tours, our BSL interpreters and Audio Describer can be found at the following locations and times. Our Access Hosts will be holding yellow signage at these locations and times. You can also head to our Access Hubs and one of our hosts can take you over to access the BSL and AD services.
1:130pm-2:15pm – Based at Arcadian Piazza – Next Gen Stage (showcasing new Hip-Hop talent) Click here for directions. ///years.frozen.fills
2:25pm-3pm – Based at Hippodrome Square – Breakin’ Qualifiers (break dance battles with live presenters and DJs) Click here for directions. ///rival.shakes.teams
3pm-3:45pm – Based at Patrick Studio – All Styles and Waacking Qualifiers (different styles of dance including Waacking) Click here for directions. ///stay.relay.insert
Sunday 1st June
Accessible Viewpoint
Our Accessible Viewpoint will be on the middle level of The Bullring (///tribune.acted.rigid) outside HMV. This area will be cordoned off and have seating available for those who need a lower crowded area, are not able to stand for long periods of time, wheelchair users and those who need to access Audio Description.
There will be another Accessible Viewpoint on the ground floor of the Bullring. Look out for our Access Hosts holding Accessible Viewpoint Signage.
From 11am-2pm we will have Access Hosts available to support at the Art of Raw Concrete Battles on Central Street outside Wingstop. Click here for directions. ///dollar.bolts.define
Accessible Facilities
If you need ear defenders, ear plugs, fidget toys or colour therapy glasses, please ask our Access Hosts who will be on the ground floor level and at the Accessible Viewpoint on the middle level of Bullring.
We have a braille and large print version of the festival brochure for you to borrow during your visit. Please ask an access host in a yellow hat if you would like to borrow a copy.
British Sign Language Interpretation (BSL) and Audio Description (AD)
We will be providing live BSL on the mainstage on the ground floor of the Bullring all day. Please let a member of staff know if you need this service and we will help you find a space near the interpreter.
Our Audio Description will be at our Accessible Viewpoint the middle level of the Bullring outside HMV.
Livestream at Birmingham Hippodrome
The Bullring can get very busy and loud during B-Side Hip Hop Festival. If you want to watch the Break Mission Worldwide and Queerside Dance Championships in a quieter space, we will be livestreaming them in The Artist’s Lounge at Birmingham Hippodrome. Please use the Thorp Street Reception entrance to access this space. Click here for directions. ///gifts.future.arts
If you want to watch along at home, check out the Birmingham Hippodrome/B-Side socials for a link to the stream. (@brumhippodrome/@bsidefestival)
Accessible Facilities – Please use AccessAble to learn more about the below facilities
Transport/Parking
Drop off points:
- Inge Street – Close to events on Hippodrome Square and at the Hippodrome. Click here for directions. ///pints.breath.struck
- Ladywell Walk – Close to events on Hippodrome Square and at the Hippodrome. Click here for directions. ///scales.goats.proud
- Edgbaston Street – Close to events at The Bullring. Click here for directions.
- Smallbrook Queensway –The Bullring. Click here for directions. ///dishes.pills.corner
Car parks
Arcadian Car Park
• Height = 2.05m
• Disability spaces available
• Lift and level access
Chinatown Car Park
• Height = 2.00m
• Disability spaces available
Edgbaston Street Car
• Height = 2.15m
• Disability spaces available
NCP St Judes Car Park
• Height = No restriction
Moor Street Car Park
• Height = 2.25m
• Disability spaces available
New Street Car Park
• Height = 1.88m
• Disability spaces available
Changing Places
Bullring and Grand Central
- Two changing places available.
- One is located on the upper mall which is access through the main entrance from Stephenson Street and is adjacent to the escalators near The Kitty Café.
- The other is in the Middle East Mall.
- Radar key required – ask form Bullring and Grand Central Staff. Customer information located on top level of Bullring near Goldsmiths.
Accessible Toilets
- Birmingham Hippodrome – Please contact the Access Hub to gain access to these toilets inside the building. There will also be Portaloos, including x2 accessible Portaloos.
- Bullring and Grand Central – there are accessible toilets on every floor.
- New Street Station – there are accessible toilets in the red, blue and tallow lounge.
Multi-Faith Spaces
- Birmingham Hippodrome – Please ask a member of staff to use this space.
- New Street Station – Next to Café Nero.
First Aid
- There will be medical staff around the festival site – just ask for assistance from a member of staff.
- Please ask a member of staff if you need a private space to administer medication.
If you have any questions about the festival, please contact charlotteboyer@birminghamhippodrome.com
We look forward to welcoming you soon!