ACCESSIBILITY AT CARNIVAL

Carnival is for everyone.

We want everyone to be able to enjoy Dumfries & Galloway Carnival. Accessible routes, toilets and facilities are available across the event.

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You can listen to all the accessibility information on this page.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

Brooms Road Car Park

Located close to the town centre, Brooms Road Car Park offers accessible parking spaces including Blue Badge bays.

Munches Street Car Park

Munches Street Car Park is a short, flat walk from the main event area and includes designated accessible spaces.

Blue Badge spaces are limited — we recommend arriving early to ensure availability.

GETTING HERE

By Bus

Dumfries is well served by local and regional bus routes. Accessible low-floor buses operate on many services into the town centre. For timetables and route information, visit Dumfries & Galloway Council’s transport pages.

By Train

Dumfries Railway Station is a short distance from the town centre and has step-free access. Regular services run from Glasgow and Carlisle. Check National Rail for timetables and accessibility information.

GETTING AROUND DUMFRIES

The Carnival takes place across Dumfries town centre, which is largely flat with dropped kerbs in most areas, making it accessible for wheelchair users, pushchairs and mobility aid users. Please note that some parts of the historic town centre have cobbled streets, which may be more difficult to navigate.

GETTING AROUND THE CARNIVAL

Dumfries town centre is compact and takes around 10 minutes to walk from the top to the bottom of the High Street. Carnival activities take place across several areas of the town, so you may want to plan your route in advance to make the most of your visit.

ACCESSIBLE PARADE VIEWING

Saturday and the Carnival Parade can be very busy, particularly along the High Street. We recommend arriving early to secure your preferred viewing position.

If you need additional space or assistance during the Parade, please don’t hesitate to speak to a member of the Carnival team — we’re here to help make sure everyone can enjoy the day.

SENSORY INFORMATION

Carnival is a vibrant, busy event with a range of sensory elements — including live music, large crowds, street performances and evening lighting installations. We’ve put together this information to help you plan your visit so you can enjoy the Carnival in the way that suits you best.

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Music & Sound

Live music, drumming and amplified performances take place throughout the event. Sound levels can be high in some areas.

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Crowds

The Carnival attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly on the High Street during the Parade on Saturday.

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Performances

Street performers and Carnival acts appear in various locations, which may include sudden movement or audience interaction.

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Lighting

Evening lighting installations are part of the Carnival programme. Some installations may include bright, flashing or strobe lighting.

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Strobe Warning

Some Carnival performances and lighting displays may use strobe or flashing lights. Visitors with photosensitive epilepsy or sensory sensitivities should be aware.

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Drums & Percussion

Drumming groups are a key part of the Carnival Parade and can produce very loud, sudden sounds.

If you have any concerns about sensory elements of the Carnival, please contact us before attending and we’ll do our best to help you plan your visit.

ASSISTANCE DOGS

Assistance dogs are very welcome at Dumfries & Galloway Carnival.

Please be aware that Carnival is a busy, lively event. The programme includes large crowds, live music, drumming, street performances and lighting effects, which may affect some assistance dogs. We recommend planning your visit in advance and getting in touch with us if you’d like to discuss your requirements before attending.

NEED SOME HELP?

We want everyone to feel welcome at Dumfries & Galloway Carnival — and we know that a little planning ahead can make a big difference.

If you have any questions about accessibility, want to talk through your requirements, or just want to know a bit more about what to expect on the day — please get in touch. We’re real people and we’d love to hear from you.