By rail
City-centre rail stations connect with local buses, taxis and step-free routes to festival venues. Check your operator’s live information before setting out and book passenger assistance in advance if you need it.
Practical information
Plan your visit
Afterlight takes place across a network of city-centre arts spaces. Use this guide to plan a comfortable journey, find your festival hub and know what to expect on the day.
Arriving at Afterlight
Begin at the Welcome Hub shown on your ticket or event listing. Hub teams can check tickets, provide a printed or large-print schedule, help with directions and answer access questions. Allow at least 30 minutes between arriving in the city and the advertised start time.
By coach or bus
Long-distance coaches and regional buses arrive close to the central interchange. Follow festival wayfinding from the interchange or ask Welcome Hub staff for the lowest-gradient route.
By car
Central parking is limited. Use signed public car parks or park-and-ride services and check closing times before an evening event. Blue Badge spaces vary by venue, so review the access overview before travel.
By bicycle
Public cycle stands are available near each hub. Bring a secure lock and remove lights and other valuables. Cycles, including folding cycles, cannot be stored inside performance spaces.
Festival hubs
Afterlight’s provisional venue shells below are designed to be updated from the canonical festival data when it becomes available. Your ticket remains the source of truth for the venue, entrance and start time.
Information and daytime events
Welcome Hub
Ticket help, programme information, merchandise, water refill and a staffed access point. This is the best first stop if your plans change.
Typical facilities: level or ramped entrance, accessible toilet, seating and hearing assistance at the desk.
Theatre, dance and music
Performance Hub
Our larger seated and standing performances. Door and latecomer policies differ by event and are listed on individual programme pages.
Typical facilities: step-free audience route, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilet and hearing enhancement.
Exhibitions and installations
Gallery Hub
Drop-in visual arts, installations and artist conversations. Some timed works require a free reservation even when festival admission is free.
Typical facilities: step-free entry, portable seating, quiet periods and large-print interpretation.
Late programme
After-dark Hub
Evening music, social events and festival finales. Age restrictions, amplified sound and lighting information are shown on each event listing.
Typical facilities: step-free entrance, accessible viewing position, accessible toilet and a staffed welfare point.
Check before you travel: venue names, addresses and opening times will appear in the live schedule. If an address on your ticket differs from a general festival listing, follow the ticket and contact us if you are unsure.
Getting around
Most hubs are linked by public transport and signed walking routes. Do not rely on journey times alone: crowds, weather and access requirements can make transfers longer.
- On foot: follow the illuminated Afterlight wayfinding and allow at least 20 minutes between central venues.
- Local bus and tram: use the local operator’s live departure information. Contactless payment is usually the quickest option, but carry a backup payment method.
- Taxi and private hire: use licensed ranks or a pre-booked service. Ask for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle when booking if required.
- Festival transfers: any event-specific shuttle will be stated on the event page and ticket. A general festival shuttle should not be assumed.
Late travel
Some events finish after normal daytime services. Check the last train, bus or park-and-ride departure before entering the venue. Staff can direct you to a licensed taxi rank, but cannot guarantee availability or hold an event for a delayed journey.
For late events, arrange a meeting point with your group, keep your phone charged and tell a steward if you feel unsafe. Welfare staff remain available until the advertised venue closing time.
Accommodation
Afterlight does not operate official accommodation or take hotel bookings. Reserve directly with your chosen provider and confirm cancellation terms, check-in times and the journey home from late events.
- Choose accommodation near a public transport corridor rather than relying only on straight-line distance.
- If you need an accessible room, speak to the property directly. Ask about the entrance, lift dimensions, transfer space, bathroom layout, alarms and overnight assistance.
- Tell your provider about a late arrival. Some reception desks close before the festival programme ends.
- Only book through a trusted platform or the accommodation provider’s official website. The festival will never ask you to pay for a room by bank transfer.
Food, drink and water
Festival hubs offer a mixture of cafés, bars and temporary concessions. Opening times and menus vary. Free tap-water refill points are available at staffed hubs, so bring a reusable bottle where venue rules permit.
Dietary needs
Vegetarian and vegan choices are planned at principal hubs. Ask the individual trader about ingredients and preparation: we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment because shared kitchens and equipment may be used.
Bringing food
Small snacks needed for medical or access reasons are welcome. Sealed drinks and other food policies vary by venue. Glass containers and alcohol purchased elsewhere are not permitted inside licensed spaces.
Tickets and entry
- Show the QR code on your phone or bring a printed ticket. Turn up your screen brightness before reaching the desk.
- Every attendee needs a ticket or reservation unless the event listing clearly says it is drop-in.
- Bring proof of age for age-restricted events. Accepted documents are listed in the event’s booking information.
- Tickets are valid only for the named date, time and event. Exchanges and refunds follow the terms shown at purchase.
- For a free essential companion ticket, follow the process on our accessibility page.
Weather and what to bring
The programme runs in all normal weather, and journeys between venues may be outdoors. Check the forecast on the day and bring layers, comfortable footwear and a compact waterproof. Sunscreen and a refillable bottle may be useful for daytime queues.
In severe weather, follow updates on the homepage and the contact details used for your booking. Never travel if official advice says it is unsafe. If an event changes, ticket holders will receive the available options by email.
Useful questions
How early should I arrive?
Arrive 30 minutes before a ticketed performance. Allow longer if you need to collect tickets, use the cloakroom, request access equipment or find an unfamiliar entrance. Event doors may open later than the building itself.
Can I arrive after an event starts?
Late admission depends on the work and may only be possible at a suitable break. Some events cannot admit latecomers. Check the event listing and speak to the front-of-house team when you arrive.
Can children attend?
Age guidance appears on every event listing. Under-16s must attend with a responsible adult unless the listing states otherwise. Nightlife events may have a strict 18+ policy.
Are bags allowed?
Bring only what you need. Large bags may be refused and storage is not guaranteed. Security teams may inspect bags as a condition of entry. Medical and access equipment is permitted.
Can I take photographs or record?
Photography rules vary by artist and event. Follow the announcement and venue signage. Flash, tripods and recording are normally prohibited during performances unless expressly permitted.
What if I lose something?
Ask the venue team before leaving. Afterwards, contact us with the venue, event, date and a clear description. Valuable items are transferred to the relevant venue’s lost-property process.
Is there a quiet place?
Designated quiet or lower-stimulation spaces differ by hub. The Welcome Hub can identify the nearest option. See the sensory information for more detail.
Where can I get help during the festival?
Speak to anyone wearing an Afterlight staff or steward credential, visit a Welcome Hub, or use the assistance routes on the contact page. In an immediate emergency, contact the local emergency services.