Accessibility at the Nest

Photos by Helen Messenger

At The Nest, our aim is to welcome everyone. We can accommodate those who may have limited eyesight, hearing and mobility in a variety of different ways. If you have any specific requests, please reach out to ask ahead of time by emailing info@ywmp.org.uk

Specific accessibility details for The Nest:

  • Our space is step-free and seating can always be provided. 

  • The lighting is adjustable in cases where more or less light may be helpful.

  • We have acoustic treatment in the space, providing a more comfortable audio experience with theatre-grade drapes around part of the space. 

  • Assistance animals are welcome in the space at all times

  • Moshing to happen in the bigger space behind the front pillars to avoid the hazards of the pillars. We will flag this at gigs where moshing is likely to happen

A note about the toilets at the Nest

Our toilets are step-free but are not accessible by wheelchair due to building restraints. 

The nearest disabled toilets accessible to our visitors are:


The Oxford Wine Café

Opening times:

Monday - Thursday 12 - 11pm

Friday & Saturday 12 - midnight

Sunday 12 - 10pm

Wheelchair users

We have a designated (optional) area for wheelchair users attending our events, which is taped out on the dancefloor. There is a charging point for wheelchair power packs alongside our phone charging points, where there will always be a socket prioritised. 


We have partnered with Kit Mobility, a local taxi service providing transport for wheelchair/mobility scooter users within Oxfordshire. Use code “YWMP” for 15% off journeys to and from the Nest. You can find out more about this service here: https://www.kitmobility.com/

The Nest adheres to the Oxford City Council Building Regulations (learn more). However, it has weak to moderate air ventilation, which may increase the risk of spreading airborne illnesses, including COVID-19, particularly when at full capacity. If this is a concern during your event, please ask how The Nest can assist with COVID-19 testing arrangements or mask distribution.

PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) 

The aim of the PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) is to give staff, audience members and artists peace of mind when using the Nest. The PEEP should be written in accordance with local council guidelines to allow for help to be provided most efficiently while being tailored to an individual’s needs. PEEP forms should be treated as sensitive information, and GDPR guidelines should be adhered to when handling information. If appropriate filing systems are in place, individuals who require a PEEP form may request that their personal data be kept by the Nest to ensure seamless visits. These individuals should update their PEEPS annually or sooner should their needs and requirements change. (However, the Nest does not need to take responsibility for this.)  

Should any individual need help to fill in the PEEP form, the answers should be directly quoted by the individual, you may offer to read and scribe however the plan needs to be their own to ensure appropriate care and management however this can also prevent liability of care being placed on the Nest if the individual cannot adhere to the plan in the case of an emergency. Should you need to offer a suggestion in the types of circumstances or help to be provided ensure these fit within the scope of what the Nest can realistically and reasonably provide to discourage unrealistic requests. The document should always be signed and dated by the individual or their PA to document explicit consent to the plan. 

As a general rule of thumb, all those individuals submitting a PEEP may be eligible for a carer/PA ticket. This is ALWAYS at the discretion of the Nest, and it is not a legal requirement to have carers/PA tickets available, although the willingness to provide them has been linked to an increase of those with access needs attending live events.

PEEP PDF: Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) .pdf

Google Form

We offer a limited number of free tickets for a carer or access worker if you need them. If you have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) please feel free to send it to us. 

Quiet Spaces

If someone is feeling overstimulated, we provide a quiet space in the rehearsal room offering:

  • Cushions

  • Water

  • Noise-cancelling headphones

  • Sensory equipment

  • Pamphlets with regulating exercises

Getting here and getting home

Driving and parking

  • Closest disabled parking - attendees can use Blue Badge parking on any bays outside the Nest, any resident or pay and display parking in the area. There is also no issue with Blue Badge parking on double yellow lines for up to three hours on any of the roads near the Nest. 

  • Free on-street options on nearby streets with time limits (free from 6.30pm), including street parking on Little Clarendon Street and in the Jericho area which can be free for up to 3 hours on some days with a ‘no return’ policy

  • Paid parking nearby including St Giles, Gloucester Green, Westgate, Worcester Street, and Oxpens car park.

Bus

  • There are several bus stops on St Giles including 14, 300, S1, S4, S5, and X20

  • There are many bike racks on Little Clarendon Street to lock up bicycles.

Cycle

  • There are many bike racks on Little Clarendon Street to lock up bicycles.

Taxi

  • We will implement a sign up sheet for those who would like to carpool in a taxi to similar areas.

Not sure how to get home after an event? Talk to our team on the night!