THE city council is working hard to ensure that a festival for children is as accessable as possible for disbaled children and people.

The award winning 3foot People Festival returns to Hylands Park, Chelmsford on June 27, 28 and 29.

Back for its twelfth year, the hugely popular event aimed at pre-school children welcomes over 14,000 little and big people as they descend onto the scenic grounds of Hylands Park for an array of playful activities and amusements ready to inspire and entertain.

Each year the 3foot People Festival organisers work hard to make sure the festival as accessible as possible for guests who have disabilities and certain specific requirements.

The festival is on a large green-field site with very few hard-standing paths. While there are some sheltered areas it is mainly an open-air event.

Weather and ground conditions may be variable and in times of extreme weather, mobility on the site may become very difficult.

The council asks customers to consider this before purchasing a ticket.

The council operates a two for one scheme where people are able to bring a carer or personal assistant who gets free entry subject to completing our Essential Companion Scheme document.

These are for exclusive use for people who would otherwise be unable to attend without the aid of a carer.

While the council strongly advises using public transport to try and lessen our carbon footprint, it is well aware that some people may require blue badge parking due to mobility difficulties.

Chelmsford City Council therefore has a blue badge parking area which is free of charge. The route from the registered blue badge parking area/pick-up/drop-off point to the Main Arena is approximately 50 metres over a gravel pathway and green-field site.

People must display a blue badge in their car upon arrival – entry will not be granted without this.

Do not purchase a parking permit if you intend to apply for a blue badge parking space, no refunds for parking can be given.

There will be a number of British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted shows or you can take advantage of our service to provide interpretation at the show of your choice (subject to availability).

Please go to the information tent on the day or email events@chelmsford.gov.uk

Assistance dogs are welcome and water bowls will be available at the information tent and water points. Strobe effects will not be used at the event.

At least one wheelchair-accessible toilet will be available at each main toilet block in the arena.

These will be ‘festival style’ portable units, and most will have Radar locks fitted for your benefit.

The on-site medical services provide comprehensive medical advice and treatment facilities and are flexible in meeting specific needs.

Chelmsford City Council's Disabled Persons’ Champion, Councillor Stephanie Scott, said: “Chelmsford City Council continues to take the view that for an event to be successful it must first and foremost be accessible to all members of the community.

"We have put several measures in place again this year to ensure our festivals provide equal access and can be enjoyed by all.”

For more information and tickets see  www.chelmsford.gov.uk/3foot and www.facebook.com/3footfestival

The Essential Companion Scheme document is also available at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/leisure-theatres-and-museums/festivals-and-special-events/fling-festival/festival-goers/accessibility-at-the-festival/.