In 2010 we asked customers for their views on the use of chairs (not back supports) and blankets in the arena. 32% of customers felt they should be allowed chairs and/or blankets in the arena. 27% of customers felt chairs should only be allowed for disabled, elderly or injured people. 24% of customers wanted to see the Festival do more to discourage people marking out space with chairs and blankets.
Therefore, we do not ban chairs or blankets within the arena, but we continue to discourage people marking out space with chairs and blankets.
Don’t be a space hog – use space considerately
We wish to ensure greater access within the arena and marquees. Minimise what you bring into the arena and how much space you take up. There isn’t room for garden furniture, so please leave it at home.
No sun shades in the arena
Sun shades are not allowed in the arena, including around the edges, as they take up space and obscure people’s views.
Keep blanket sizes to a minimum in the arena
Don’t leave blankets on the ground if you’re not occupying them, to reserve space or allow them to join up so people can’t walk past. Keep blankets appropriate to the size you need and the people on them. Areas becoming joined up by blankets and people marking territory causes access problems. Stewards may ask you to move or remove blankets and may move unattended items. Blankets within Stage 1 should be taken up after the afternoon break to enable more people to stand within the marquee.
No chairs into the arena unless you really need them
We don’t have space for chairs in the arena other than for the elderly, injured or disabled. We prefer the use of low folding back supports like these, which are also allowed within marquees.
Marquees & Arena – allowed
If you really need a chair
Do not leave chairs up if you are not using them, or put them up in circles around blankets or place them so as to hinder people’s access. Stewards may ask you to move or remove chairs and blankets and may move unattended items. Chairs such as these pictures or other items which may cause an obstruction in an emergency or hinder access, are not allowed within marquees.
Arena – allowed
Marquee – not allowed
Arena – not allowed
Marquee – not allowed
