Do I have to pay to enter?

No. All our venues are free to enter and do not require a pre-booked ticket. Some events require booking and details for these can be found on the individual event pages.

Will there be staff onsite?

There is a reception desk on entry which will always have a member of staff available. Staff and Festival Assistants will be stationed around the festival and will be happy to help. Staff and Festival Assistants will be wearing see-through, pink face masks and BCB lanyards.

Is The Goods Yard wheelchair accessible?

There is a choice of stairs or a ramp to access the building. The festival is spread over two floors with a lift and stairs available to get between floors.

Please note, due to the nature of the building, we have the following access limitations:

A double pushchair will not fit in the lift.

Only two wheelchair users are able to be in the building at one time. Staff on the welcome desk will be able to assist in this circumstance.

In an emergency, the means of escape for wheelchair users will be by assisted evacuation using an Evac Chair. Wheelchair users must be able to be transferred to an Evac Chair if circumstances require. If assisted transfer to an Evac Chair is not possible, we regret that access to the Goods Yard site will not be allowed as we would be unable to provide safe evacuation in an emergency. In this circumstance, we can provide alternative digital access to the festival.

Does The Goods Yard have free parking?

We have two parking spaces available for Blue Badge holders. Parking is available nearby at Stoke Station Car Park, Stoke Station Car Park 1 and Stoke Station West Car Park.

Please note Station West Car Park is significantly cheaper than the Stoke Station Car Park and Stoke Station Car Park 1.

Are assistance dogs welcome, and will facilities be available for them? (e.g. bowls of water, toileting space)

Yes, assistance dogs are welcome. Water can be provided at the Welcome Desk. A toileting space for dogs can be provided near the wooden hut in the car park. This area will need to be cleared immediately after use.

Are the toilets open?

Toilet facilities are available on both floors. An accessible toilet is available on the entrance floor.  

Will there be directions inside the venue?

There will be directional signage throughout the venue and staff on-hand to answer questions.

Will there be a one-way system in place or are people free to navigate themselves around?

There will be a suggested route in place. It won’t be strictly enforced so visitors  will be able to navigate themselves around.

Is food / drink is allowed to be taken into the venue?

Yes, lidded/capped drinks and easily manageable food will be permitted.

Will seating be available at various points in the building? 

Yes, there will be a few seats available to use throughout the venue.

Can I touch the ceramics?

We kindly ask that you don’t touch the work being exhibited. We appreciate ceramics is a tactile material and will be running an Art Handling Tour every weekend during the festival. We want to make 2021 accessible by welcoming you to handle and discuss some ceramic artworks created by the BCB AWARD artists.

Learn more about the Art Handling Tours.

Are you doing talks and tours?

Yes, we’re offering in-person, online and student tours throughout the festival. Please visit our What’s On calendar to view all our exhibitions and events.

Do I need to wear a face mask?

If you are able to, we are asking you to wear a face covering during your visit. This is in line with government guidelines for busy public spaces. There’s more information about face masks and exemptions here.

Staff and Festival assistants will be wearing branded, transparent face coverings unless they are exempt.

I have a question, can I speak to someone ahead of my visit?

We want your visit to be as enjoyable as possible. Please email us via access@britishceramicsbiennial.com with any questions.