The IRN-BRU Carnival has taken measures to make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy their day out at the Carnival. However, there will inevitably be some areas and rides which still present a challenge for some, so please ensure you read the following information in preparation for your visit.
If you still have questions after reading our accessibility information, please contact [email protected].
ACCESS
The SEC main building has automatic doors at both the east and west entrances. The Centre also has widened main entry doors, which a steward will be pleased to open for you. All halls in the main building are situated at ground level, and the upper levels are all accessible by lift.
AUTISM FRIENDLY SESSIONS
Autism Friendly sessions for 2024/25 Carnival will take place from 11am-2pm on Tuesday 31 December, and from 4pm-9pm on Monday 6 January, offering visitors with autism and sensory processing differences the chance to enjoy the rides and to get used to their environment.
Some of the rides will be slower, flashing lights where possible are turned off (please note some rides are unable to adjust the speed & lighting settings on their machines). Music will be off or turned down low, and numbers will be capped so that there are less crowds, however these sessions can still be popular. There will also be quiet areas available. The venue can provide sensory packs on a first come, first served basis, please see their website for information.
At the end of each Autism Friendly session, the music and lights will gradually return to their usual levels. Visitors to the Autism Friendly sessions are welcome to stay at the Carnival until it closes if they wish.
We hope that these measures help as many people as possible to enjoy the IRN-BRU Carnival.
CARERS
Carer tickets are only issued where the disabled customer requires a significant and substantial amount of support from another person to attend the event. This support must be beyond what can reasonably be expected to be provided by friends and family already in attendance with you.
Visitors who require a Carer or Personal Assistant to accompany them to the show can book a free Carer ticket when booking their tickets. There are two types of Carer tickets available:
- Carers who wish to ride or play the stalls will require a ticket with vouchers. This can be purchased at the discounted rate of £12 up until 23:59 the night before your visit, or £14 on the day.
- Carers who would prefer not to ride or play stalls can request a free ticket – this grants access to the Carnival without any vouchers.
To ensure the system remains beneficial to those who rely on it, the Organiser reserves the right to check a person's eligibility as defined by the Equality Act.
If you select a Carer ticket, on the final booking page you will be asked to upload a photo, scan, or digital copy of one of the following documents, dated within a year of the event. If you are unable to provide documents, or the documents are found to be invalid, your booking will be cancelled and refunded. Accepted documents include:
- A valid Access Card with a +1 symbol
- A copy of a current award letter (including name, address and rates of the award) of DLA, PIP, Attendance Allowance or similar
- Impairment specific registration card / certificate
- A recent personal letter of support from your hospital specialist clearly stating the need for a substantial amount of support from another person
- A current and valid blue badge
RIDE ACCESS PASSES
The Carnival offers a Ride Access Pass to guests who are unable to stand in queues due to a disability. The pass is available in addition to paying for standard entry and can be used by eligible guests and one companion to access the ride via the exit barrier. This access is intended to provide a reduced waiting time compared to the standard queue line, although queues can still form on busy days. To keep the waiting time as short as possible, only one companion pass is available per eligible visitor.
The eligible guest and their companion will receive different Ride Access Passes, with the companion's pass clearly marked – companions can only use their pass when accompanying the eligible guest.
Please note: the Ride Access Pass system does not operate at our Autism Friendly sessions.
To ensure the system remains beneficial to those who rely on it, the Organiser reserves the right to check a person's eligibility as defined by the Equality Act.
Please note that the accepted documents for a Ride Access Pass are different from those for a Carer ticket. These include:
- A current Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance award letter showing that you receive the medium or higher rate mobility component .
- A current Personal Independence Payment letter showing that you receive enhanced mobility component or equivalent documentation from the Adult Disability Payment.
- A current and valid Blue Badge.
- A current and valid CredAbility Access Card with the queueing icon on it.
- A letter from your GP or consultant, or a professional body (e.g. a Nurse or a BUPA Healthcare Advisor) on header paper (dated within the last 24 months) which clearly states that you are unable to queue and why. Please note we do not need a letter of diagnosis.
The IRN-BRU Carnival will not tolerate any guest displaying any sign or visible representation of any kind which is, or could be reasonably judged to be, threatening, abusive or insulting in relation to the Ride Access Pass system. The IRN-BRU Carnival reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to revoke the Ride Access Pass, or remove guests from the event if any behaviour occurs that may affect the enjoyment and/or safety of the IRN-BRU Carnival team and its guests.
TOILETS
The SEC has accessible toilets situated on the main concourse and in all exhibition/event halls.
TRAVEL GUIDE
Parking
The main car park is the multi-storey operated by Glasgow City Council at 10 Stobcross Road, G3 8YW. The car park is open 24 hours and has designated disabled blue badge parking bays and payment of the car park tariff (£12) is required before you exit. Designated car parking bays cannot be reserved for individual use.
Further parking information can be found here.
The carpark has an accessible walkway attached that takes you directly to the campus. Lifts are available to gain access to each level of the carpark as well as for exiting and entering the carpark walkway making it fully accessible at all ends.
The total distance from the multi-storey carpark to the East entrance of the SEC is 265m.
Taxi/ drop off
A drop off area is available at the SEC West Entrance/Exit.
The distance from the drop off/pick up point to the West Entrance is 41m.
Public Transport
Low level trains run frequently between Glasgow Central and Argyle Street stations and Exhibition Centre station. On disembarking at Exhibition Centre, a lift is available to take you to street level. A covered, step-free walkway connects the station to the Campus.
For rail travel times and information, please see here.
There are a variety of bus services that stop near the SEC. For information on bus travel times and prices, please see here.
WHEELCHAIRS
A limited number of wheelchairs are available to hire free of charge, however visitors are advised to bring their own wheelchair if possible. If you wish to hire a wheelchair, please use this form to request one in advance: https://www.sec.co.uk/visitor-information/accessibility. If you have not booked one in advance, please visit the SEC Cloakroom for more information.
Please be aware that ride attendants are unable to assist with helping patrons onto rides, and this will remain the responsibility of your Carer or accompanying guests. If you require a Carer ticket or Ride Access Pass to assist with this, these can be requested when booking your tickets (see above).
ASSISTANCE DOGS AND SUPPORT ANIMALS
The Equality Act 2010, (EA2012 section 173) lays out that an Assistance Dog means:
- (a) a dog which has been trained to guide a blind person;
- (b) a dog which has been trained to assist a deaf person;
- (c) a dog which has been trained by a prescribed charity to assist a disabled person who has a disability that consists of epilepsy or otherwise affects the person’s mobility, manual dexterity, physical coordination or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects;
- (d) a dog of a prescribed category which has been trained to assist a disabled person who has a disability (other than one falling within paragraph (c)) of a prescribed kind.
It is your right to request the support of your assistance animal on a day-to-day basis. To be permitted entry we will accept ANY valid form of supporting documentation. No other dogs or pets are permitted in the venue.
WHEN TO VISIT
The days prior to Christmas and the final week are generally quieter times, however we are unable to guarantee how busy any day will be. Please note that the days immediately after New Year's Day are often particularly busy, and if you attend on these days you should be prepared for longer queues to get into the Carnival and onto each ride.
