Each year Hereford holds its May Fair. This event dates back to the twelfth century. However, for about the last century the May Fair has taken the form of a largish mobile fairground being situated (plonked?) in the City centre. This is all very exciting except for the fact that "all the fun of the fair" doesn't seem to have much regard for disabled access and inclusion. It probably never has! In fact the arrangements for the annual May Fair turn the City centre into a disabling rather than an enabling environment. 'Hereford Access for All' is challenging the local Council to do something about this - especially since the Disability Equality Duty has come into being since the Council last signed a contract with the 'Showman's Guild Of Great Britain ' whom I understand have the role of 'event organiser'. Our banner goal is "Full inclusion to the Total Experience" the point of which is that "All the Fun of the Fair" isn't just about going on the rides (most of which look pretty inaccessible for the disabled community) it also acknowledges that it is fun to be able to share the crowd experience with all its elements of excitement and enjoyment etc. A disabled individual might be quite happy to just wander amongst the crowd and enjoy a hot dog and some chips etc. (That is what I enjoy doing - I am too mean to fork our funds for going on the rides!) It is all about being fully included. Too often perhaps the only acknowlegement for the disabled community is via tokenistsic arrangements. I am inclined to believe that the sector has simply not been challenged before as Councils may have been quite happy to sign contracts without building in requirements relating to access and full inclusion. I could go on at length but must try to be as brief as possible.
As part of our "All the Fun of the Fair" campaign 'Hereford Access for All" is challenging the local authority to take the following measures:
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