Accessible spring events and festivals to look forward to

Spring has finally arrived, bringing with it blooming daffodils and primroses, prancing lambs and some fantastic festivals and events to celebrate. Now that the darkness of winter is finally behind us, it’s important to embrace the warmer weather and leave behind the comfort of your home. Even if you rely on mobility aids such as walk in bathtubs, there are plenty of ways you can get involved in welcoming the new season. In this article, we’ll bring you some of the most exciting accessible spring events and festivals to look forward to over the coming months.

International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition, Essex

22 March – 29 April

Get into the spirit of spring at the International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition. Hosted by RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex, the exhibition will showcase the best entries of the annual competition specialising in garden, plant, flower and botanical photography. Since its inception in 2007, the competition has aimed to highlight both the beauty and importance of a green planet. What better setting to view these beautiful photographs than Hyde Hall? With disabled parking and a mobility vehicle to assist you when exploring the picturesque grounds, RHS Garden Hyde Hall is considered very accessible. For further access information, visit Euan’s Guide.

Hertford Arts Festival

6 April – 6 May

Hertford Arts Festival is an annual showcase of local artists, coinciding with multiple local exhibitions and events. Take part in the annual Hertford Arts Trail, Street Arts Festival and Hertford Castle Craft Market to get your creative juices flowing. In 2017, 26 talented artists showcased their work, with each being given a prime town centre location to exhibit and sell their artwork. The town itself is incredibly picturesque, so this fantastic event only accentuates an already brilliant location for a day trip near London. For accessibility details, get in touch with Hertford Town Council.

RHS Flower Show Cardiff

13 April – 15 April

In the grounds of Cardiff Castle, RHS Flower Show Cardiff is a fantastic event, and a great alternative to the busier Chelsea Flower Show. Taking place in mid-April, the event showcases the finest spring flora and fauna, as well as imaginative garden displays. Coupled with independent food stalls and retailers, RHS Flower Show Cardiff is a truly unmissable event to celebrate this colourful season. For disabled visitors, one companion is admitted free of charge per visitor.

Stratford Literary Festival, Stratford-upon-Avon

22 – 29 April

Image: Stratford Literary Festival

Celebrating its 11^th year in 2018, the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival is a riveting event with celebrity authors, workshops, debates and ideas. If you’re a bookworm, there really is no greater spring event. It is one of the most prominent literary events in the UK, welcoming readers and writers from across the country. We spoke to festival director Annie Ashworth about what makes this spring event so special: “Stratford-upon-Avon is magical in April with the blossom out and the swans on the Avon – a perfect spot for some superb events with best-selling authors, leading thinkers, workshop leaders and authors and illustrators for children.

“Mix an inspiring day of enlightening activities with a stroll around town and perhaps a visit to the Shakespeare Birthplace Properties.”

All events take place at Stratford Artshouse, which has a wheelchair-accessible foyer, atrium, box office, bar and auditorium, as well as wheelchair viewing platforms at standing events. Please mention any access requirements to the Box Office at the time of booking.

Harrogate Spring Flower Show, North Yorkshire

26 – 29 April

What better way to ring in the spring than by admiring its bounty of flowers? Harrogate Spring Flower Show takes over the Great Yorkshire Showground every April, with beautiful show gardens, floral art, over 100 plant nurseries and live entertainment to help you celebrate the season. The show hosts Britain’s biggest exhibition by florists and flower arrangers, with hundreds of works on show. Disabled facilities such as parking and toilets are available on site and mobility equipment can also be hired nearby. For full details, visit the Great Yorkshire Showground website.

Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink

5 May

In the grounds of Exeter Castle and the city’s tranquil Northernhay Gardens, Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink is an essential foodie event in the South West. With cookery demonstrations by regional chefs, food pavilions to sample the best in Westcountry cuisine and plenty of talks to keep you entertained, this event is sure to get you into the spirit of spring. There is step-free access between the sites via Bailey Street. For full access information, visit the event website.

Eastbourne’s Magnificent Motors

5 – 6 May

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on Eastbourne’s Magnificent Motors event. This classic car extravaganza is one of the best free motoring events on the south coast, and welcomes some 600 vintage and classic cars, buses and motorbikes on Eastbourne’s Western Lawns. With live music, food and (hopefully) a dose of spring sunshine, this is a truly unmissable event.

Malton Food Lovers Festival

26 – 27 May

Taking place in Yorkshire’s food capital, Malton, the Malton Food Lovers’ Festival is a celebration of the finest Yorkshire produce. As well as local classics such as puddings and pies, expect unique creations from artisan producers and a warm Yorkshire welcome. Many of the shops and venues in the market town have ground level access, and ramp access is available for the Milton Rooms and Old Town Hall. A disabled toilet can be found opposite The Shambles in the centre of Malton, and disabled parking is available in the town centre in Wentworth Street car park.

Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival

9 – 10 June

On the coast of Dorset, the picturesque town of Christchurch hosts its annual Cheese and Chilli Festival. Showcasing the finest cheese and chilli products from all over the world, as well as exquisite local beers and ales, the festival is perfect for food enthusiasts. Being in such a picturesque location, the event is also a great way to celebrate spring (almost summer!) in the sunshine with friends and family. For full access information, contact the Cheese and Chilli Festival.

Whether you’re a food fanatic, a bookworm or gardening enthusiast, we hope you’re feeling inspired by these accessible spring festivals and events for 2018. If spring also means a makeover for your home, take a look at our range of walk-in baths to upgrade your bathroom.

For more ideas to enjoy during spring, take a look at this article for Easter activities to enjoy with grandchildren.

Image credits: Adam Kerfoot-Roberts, Kathryn Yengel, Allen Watkin, Allan Harris, Karen Roe