ACCESSIBILITY
We’ll do our very best to ensure that the venues we use are as accessible as possible. 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. We will however, try our utmost to make the event as accessible as we can for everyone regardless of whether the concern is physical or mental.
Below you’ll see accessibility information for each of the venues and how to get to and between them (at the main venue, Richmix, we will have a selection of stim toys available for those that find them helpful).
The collective and the volunteers will be making every effort to ensure 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!
If you have any other requests or comments, please let us know anarchistbookfairlondon@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.
CROWDS
The bookfair is a huge event and one which is split between five venues. The main venue, Richmix gets particularly busy later in the day, so we recommend stopping by earlier on if you want to avoid it at its most crowded. One of the other venues, House of Annetta, will be generally quiet and a good place to relax and get away from noise and crowds.
COVID
We will have masks and hand sanitiser available. If you have any covid symptoms please stay at home.
BSL
One of our workshops at Oxford House, by Deaf Anarchy, will be in BSL, with deaf and hearing signers welcome and some interpretation for non-signers. Please get in touch if you would like some assistance with BSL intrpretation during the rest of the day and we may able to offer some limited help.
VENUE INFO
We have included some accessibility information on each of the venues below, with links to more details.
RICH MIX
Step-free access – via a ramp at the main entrance on Bethnal Green Road
Lifts – provide access to all gallery, performance, and cinema spaces.
Accessible toilets – Four across the venue with RADAR locks
More access info here.
FREEDOM
Ground floor has ramp access.
Toilet is on the 1st floor with no lift access
Accessible toilets are available in Whitechapel Gallery next door.
Location and contact info here.
OXFORD HOUSE
All workshops spaces are wheelchair accessible via a lift.
Has accessible toilets.
Location and contact info here.
HOUSE OF ANNETTA
All workshops in the main programme will be on the ground floor, accessible via a portable metal access ramp for use for the front entrance, from the street to the ground floor (20cm). There are changes of level across the ground floor. Unfortunately there is no lift or ramp access to the upper floors.
This will be a relatively quiet space for people to chill.
Full accessibility statement here.
COMMON PRESS
The entrance to the bookshop is 90cm wide. The entrance to the bar is 100cm wide. The ground floor is completely wheelchair accessible, with no steps or slopes.
There are wheelchair accessible toilets.
More access info here.
PEOPLE'S LETTERS
Disabled bathroom, step free access and the whole space is on one floor.
Location and travel info here.
GETTING TO AND BETWEEN VENUES
Many London stations do not have step free access including Bethnal Green, Aldgate East, Bethnal Green Overground and Cambridge Heath. Information on passenger assistance and accessibility on London’s transport network here.
Shoreditch Overground Station is very close to Rich Mix and has step free access.
Freedom Bookshop is almost next door to Aldgate East Tube Station.
The nearest tube to Oxford House is Bethnal Green. Bethnal Green Overground is also close by.
People’s Letters is a short distance from Bethnal Green Tube and Cambridge Heath Overground.
There are regular buses along Bethnal Green road between Rich Mix and Oxford House.
If you need assistance getting between venues we have some funds available for people to get cabs, please drop us a line before hand to arrange: anarchistbookfairlondon@riseup.net.