faqs

accessibility

getting here

families & children

general advice & facilities

keeping it green

FAQs

How can I find out what’s on when?
Keep an eye on our website, www.portobellosummerfestival.com or look up and follow the event on Facebook. We’ll be making regular announcements leading up to the event.

 

Do I need a ticket?
No, this is a free event and you don’t need to book in advance. However capacity for each venue is limited so we recommend you arrive as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The Festival kicks off on all stages at 12noon and ends by 8pm. A full schedule of performances on all stages will be found at www.portobellosummerfestival.com

 

Will the queues be long?
While we don’t anticipate long queues at any of the venues, there is a capacity limit for each venue. We’ve done our best to programme performances to avoid long queue times at each venue. If you have any concerns, please call us on 0790 889 0795.

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What happens if it rains?

We’ll be going ahead come rain or shine, so do check the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately. All but one of the stages are under cover.

 

What are the rules with alcohol and other substances?

Controlled drugs or substances suspected to be a controlled drug, including “legal” highs and nitrous oxide canisters/dispensers aren't allowed into the event There will be security carrying searches at each of the venues.

Alcohol will not be permitted to be carried into any of the venues, but will be available for purchase inside most of the venues.

 

Is there an age restriction?

There is no minimum age restriction; however children under age of 14 are the responsibility of their parents or guardians and must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Accessibility

 

I am not able to queue. What can I do?

We do not anticipate any long queues at any of the venues. If you are in need of assistance on the day, please speak to the security assistants managing the queue, or call this number: 0790 889 0795

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Is the event suitable for wheelchair users or mobility impaired people?

Yes – most venues are flat and easily accessible in good weather.

All venues are suitable for those with limited mobility, including wheelchairs.

Westbank Gallery has assisted accessibility due to being located on the 1st floor. 

 

Will there be allocated seating available? What about those who find it difficult to stand for extended periods?

The majority of the stages have been designed for standing audiences. Some seating will be available around the site. Should you have any specific needs, please contact us on 0790 889 079 and we’ll do our best to help.

 

Will mobility scooters be allowed entry? Do you have any on site?

Yes, electric mobility scooters are permitted – these will be subject to a full search in the same way as all other attendees. Please be aware though there are no charging points available at this site.

We do not have any wheelchairs or mobility scooters that we can lend out during the weekend.

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Is there accessible parking available?

We strongly recommend people travel to the Festival using public transport, as car parking is very limited on or around Portobello Road. If public transport is not an option to due accessibility issues, please contact us in advance at events@westway.org or on 0790 889 0795 and we’ll do our best to make suitable arrangements.

 

Are there accessible toilets?

Yes- accessible toilets are available at each of the toilet blocks.

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Is the show suitable for someone with photosensitive conditions?

Some of the stages might use flashing lights. No strobe lighting will be used.

 

What advice is there for people with sensory needs?

The festival will generally be busy, loud and some of the stages might use flashing lights so if this may cause distress, caution is advised. However, there will be a Quiet Space at the back of Portobello Green.

 

What medical facilities do you have in place?

There will be a first aid point located on Portobello Green. Mobile first aiders will also patrol the site at various points throughout the event.

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Getting Here

If you’re using a journey planning app like Citymapper or Google Maps, please use postcode W10 5TY

 

We are a 15-20  minute walk or a short bus ride from Notting Hill Gate underground station on the Central Line.

 

We recommend that you walk, cycle or come by public transport if possible. There is no public parking near the event site.

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London Underground
Due to planned engineering works on the Circle and H&C lines, there is no train travelling to/from Ladbroke Grove station.

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Travel to Notting Hill Gate via the Central line. From Notting Hill Gate station, the festival venues are approximately 15-20 minute walk.

 

Alternatively, you can catch the 52 or 452 bus from bus stop G outside Notting Hill Gate station (using station exit 1), and alight at Ladbroke Grove station.

Cycling
Cycle parking is available. See Transport for London's Cycle Journey Planner to help plan your route.

There are a number of Santander Cycle docks close to the venues, including on Bevington Road and All Saints Road.

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Families and Children

Portobello Summer Festival is a very family-friendly event. We do everything we can to make the weekend enjoyable for the whole family.

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No unaccompanied under 14s are allowed in any of the venues – all under 14s must be accompanied by an over 18 and this adult must remain on site throughout the event. Where age restrictions apply. Proof of age/ID may be required.

 

General advice and facilities

Photography

By entering the event site you agree to be filmed and photographed. Images may be used by the Westway Trust and its partners for press, marketing and archive purposes. If you do not want your photo to be taken or for photos of you to be used, please go to the info points and we can ensure this is communicated to the relevant parties.

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Food
A huge range of food and drink will be on sale at the Festival. You may bring your own food into the Festival, however some of the venues may not allow you to enter with your own food or drink.

You can bring empty bottles sized 500ml or less to use at water refill points in the festival area.

Bars

Bars will be open in each of the venues, except on Portobello Green.

 

Money

Some stalls and food traders will be able to accept card payments but the majority won’t, so we recommend you bring enough cash with you to get what you need. The nearest free cash machine is located at the Sainsbury’s on Ladbroke Grove (next to the station)

 

Mobile networks and wifi

Some of the venues have their own free wifi. However, service is limited on Portobello Green. Please be aware that 3G and 4G networks may become congested if large numbers of people are streaming from the event.

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Public Toilets
Temporary toilets will be located in Acklam Village and on Thorpe Close. Other indoor venues will have their own toilet facilities.

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Keeping It Green

We are committed to running Portobello Summer Festival as sustainably as possible and reducing our environmental impact wherever possible.

To do this, we set ourselves objectives across the various levels of planning and delivering of the Festival to:

• Reduce waste, maximise recycling and minimise the environmental impact of Portobello Summer festival

• Use the event to promote a green, inclusive culture in North Kensington

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This extends out to the traders, partners, organisations and event-goers involved in the Portobello Summer Festival to reduce, reuse and recycle their resources. Together we aim to:

• Encourage food traders to minimise use of plastic packaging

• Minimise waste – working with traders and partners to judiciously plan resources

• Maximise recycling opportunities by increasing the number of recycling bins available and improving signage and information

• Maximise access and encourage inclusivity

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We’re incredibly proud of the work that has been done up to now, but we’re committed to going further and improving the sustainability of Portobello Summer Festival. To help us do this you can:

• Walk, cycle or use public transport to get to the Festival. Visit tfl.gov.uk to work out your route or look for the closest docking station at https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/santander-cycles/find-a-docking-station or on the Santander Cycles app

• Bring a reusable water bottle with you and refill it. You can find the nearest  refill station on the Refill App

• Use reusable bags for your belongings, food and drink. 

• Don’t litter: throw your waste away in the correct bin. If in doubt look for a steward/event volunteer who’ll be able to help you recycle the correct materials.

• Spread the word and encourage others to follow our suggestions.