At Wolverhampton Literature Festival, we proudly champion access and inclusivity for all. We believe that literature, arts and culture should be accessible to everyone, and we are committed to ensuring our events provide opportunities for all members of the community to engage with us.

We strive to make our festival inclusive, which is reflected in our diverse programme, tailored communications and accessible ticket pricing. Events range from free to “pay what you feel,” ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Our lineup is intentionally diverse, and we operate an open call for submissions. This allows community members and artists to propose events, which are then evaluated based on relevance and inclusivity—helping us maintain a festival that is welcoming and accessible to all. This also ensures that speakers and artists are paid fairly for their work.

We work closely with a wide range of cultural venues and partners across the city. For more information on their access and inclusivity provisions, please visit:

• Arena Theatre: Accessibility Information
• Wolverhampton Arts Centre: Accessibility Information
• The Grand Theatre: Access Information
• Bilston Town Hall: Accessibility Details

Tickets at Council Venues

Accessible tickets should be purchased in advance. Tickets are available for both wheelchair users and those with ambulant accessibility needs.

We offer free Essential Companion tickets for customers who require assistance to access our services and facilities. These are available for events ticketed directly by Bilston Town Hall. Please note that some promoters may use alternative ticketing platforms and may not offer Essential Companion tickets. In such cases, please contact the promoter directly via their ticketing platform.

To join our Access Register, please email proof of eligibility along with your name and address to: boxoffice@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Documents we may consider when allocating a complimentary ticket include:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Letter from a medical professional
• Carer’s Allowance
• Nimbus Access Card with the +1 symbol
• Letter from Social Services
• Mobility Allowance
• Blind or Partially Sighted Registration Certificate (BD8 or CVI)
• Personal letter from a GP, community nurse, or social worker
• Benefit award letters

For any questions or assistance regarding accessible tickets, please contact: boxoffice@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Parking in the City Centre

• A public car park is located to the west of Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Wulfruna Street.
• Civic Centre Underground Car Park offers designated Blue Badge parking bays.

Access Needs

Wolverhampton Art Gallery offers step-free access via St Peter’s Passage and has lift access throughout the building.

• The gallery includes:
• Accessible toilets on both the first and second floors
• Inclusive toilets
• Gender-neutral toilets located at the entrance
• Baby changing facilities on both the first and second floors
• The nearest Changing Places toilet is in the Civic Centre building.
• For further information about the accessibility offer at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, please visit the website: Wolverhampton Arts & Culture Accessibility

Wolverhampton Central Library provides step-free access via a ramp and includes a lift to the second floor for full accessibility.

• When booking events, please indicate if you require wheelchair access or have additional access needs. Our front-of-house team will ensure your requirements are accommodated. We review access needs for every event to ensure they are met to the best of our ability.
• Selected events include BSL interpreters for attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing.