It’s time for another reader review in our BBS Reader’s Week. This time it’s the Edinburgh Festival/Fringe experience courtesy of Stella Benson:
As I previously mentioned I have just been to the Edinburgh Festival. I went to both Festival and Fringe events. I am a bilateral below the knee amputee. I found everyone in Edinburgh so helpful. Sometimes I walked but I do find steps very difficult.
The staff at the venues I went to often took me through the stage door so if needed I could use a lift. When booking I rang the accessible booking offices for both the Fringe and the Festival. They also ensured that I would be seated in an accessible place. Most times I used the theatre seats rather than my chair. I couldn’t have been better looked after than I was. Edinburgh has dropped curves but not completely dropped – my husband had to tilt the chair to go up kerbs – a bit annoying. Many of the taxis are accessible with steps and grab handles.
We ate out a number of times but one particular place stands out – that is the Cafe Andaluz in George Street. They have two steps at the entrance which I managed, but I am sure they must have a portable ramp as when we went in our table was up another four steps but there is a single person lift (like those in people’s homes). This comes out next to the accessible loo – very well equipped. Most helpful.
Though exhausting – we went to too much in a short time – it was a good experience and I would happily go back to Edinburgh again.
Thanks Stella for your contribution it sounds like a lot of fun. We previewed the Fringe in August so it was really interesting to hear a post-festival analysis!!