Accessibility

This is a working document, we’ll add more information soon.

We’ll do our very best to ensure that the venues we use are as accessible as possible for everyone regardless of whether the concern is physical or mental. We’re limited by the constraints of organising a large event, in an over-priced city, on a very tight budget so we’re forced to make compromises. If you have any other requests or comments, please let us know anarchistbookfairlondon(at)riseup.net. We welcome feedback and will do our best to meet any requests. Accessibility is a journey not a destination and we want to keep moving in the right direction. 

Venues

This year there are three venues for the bookfair: 

We have included some access information on each venue below.

Here is some general information on the bookfair, please also have a look at our ‘what to expect’ page.

Transport: All the venues are below or adjacent to Waterloo Station which is Step-free category A. There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank. 

See here for an access guide to Waterloo Station https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/London-Waterloo-accessible-station-guide.pdf

Toilets: Toilets, including accessible toilets (Ground Floor – Left Hand Transfer ) are available at 26 Leake Street. See below for more information

Crowds: The bookfair is a huge event and one which is split between three venues. The collective and the volunteers will be making every effort to make sure everyone has a safe and productive day however if you have personal, physical or mental health considerations, it’s best to plan ahead.

Remember though, anarchism is about collective responsibility and bookfair goers are equally responsible for each-others’ safety at the bookfair so be pro-active and look out for each other.

COVID: We will have masks and hand sanitiser available. If you have any covid symptoms please stay at home.

BSL: We have had issues previously with establishing sign language at the Bookfair, this is due to multiple factors. We will try our best to improve on this next year. If you are able to help with this, please get in contact: anarchistbookfairlondon [at] riseup.net

Fumes/smell:  The graffiti tunnel (Leake Street Arches) is constantly painted with graffiti. It is well ventilated, but still smells of spray paint. It may cause issues for those who have respiratory difficulties or who are sensitive to the smell. All of the workshops and some of the stalls will be in the other venues, away from the spray paint.

Traffic light lanyard system: We will provide a traffic light lanyard system which we’ve found is helpful for a variety of people, such as people with autism, social anxiety, or speech issues. We ask that everyone present read the signage regarding this traffic light system on the way in and respect it’s use during the event.

Quiet space: We have access to the garden at Waterloo Action Centre. If you need a quieter space away from the crowds, we recommend going there. It’s outdoors and only partially covered, so not the perfect space, but unfortunately we were unable to arrange for an alternative space.

Fidget toys: The bookfair will have its own stall at the entrance to Leake Street Arches where we will provide a variety of fidget toys for anyone who finds them helpful.

Children’s space: The Meeting Room in Waterloo Action Centre will be used for a childspace between 1pm and 6pm. There will always be two DBS certified adults present and a range of activities, entertainment and refreshment will be provided.

Venues

Leake Street Arches (Graffiti Tunnel)

Most of the stalls, the food and some other activities will be in Leake Street Arches. See here for how to get there:

https://www.leakestreetarches.london/gettinghere

General 


Toilets

26 Leake Street

26 Leake Street can be accessed from Leake Street Arches or Addington Street. Some stalls and workshops and the evening gig will be at 26 Leake Street.

(Information taken from https://www.accessable.co.uk/london-south-bank/london-south-bank-tourist-attractions/access-guides/26-leake-street

General

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor – Left Hand Transfer)

Waterloo Action Centre

Some workshops, the kids space and the quiet space (garden) will be at Waterloo Action Centre

14 Baylis Road
Waterloo
London SE1 7AA

General

The spaces being used for the bookfair, the Dancehall and Meeting Room and the garden are all on the ground floor and have step free access.

Toilets

Accessible toilets are available.