Member Article

Go North East on board with Gateshead music festival

Chase Park Festival, dubbed as Britain’s most inclusive festival due to its focus on increased accessibility for disabled music lovers, has partnered with bus operator Go North East.

Taking place in Saltwell Park on Saturday 26 August, the festival’s alliance with the bus operator will further increase the amount of attendees able to attend the gold access level event.

The event, which will this year feature the likes of The Coral and Little Comets is being put together by Alistair McDonald.

On the importance in getting Go North East on board, Alistair explained: “We have been looking for a transport partner for a number of years and we’re delighted to have found one in Go North East.

“With the move to the new site, I think we are much more central and easy to get to from other parts of Gateshead, Newcastle and further afield, however, we really needed someone who could ensure our disabled music fans could get along. The accessible buses that have stops in close proximity to the park are fantastic and will make a massive difference.

“As the festival grows each year it is very important to have partners who can assist us with things such as accessible transport.

“With the move to the new site at Saltwell Park, it is vital that we make sure people can take advantage of the amazing surroundings. Having this relationship with Go North East will really help us make sure Chase Park really is the North East’s Festival for everyone!”

Go North East’s Saltwell Park service (numbers 54 and 53) runs every 10 minutes to the park directly from Newcastle and Gateshead, including on the day of the event. Its popular Angel service (number 21), also passes the park, with stops in Low Fell, running up to every seven minutes at peak times from Newcastle to Chester-le-Street.

Stephen King, head of commercial and retail at Go North East, added: ““We work tirelessly to make sure all our passengers feel, comfortable, safe and respected on our buses, which is why we are so committed to accessibility for all.

“We’ve made essential introductions as a result, including audio-visual next stop announcements on our buses, ongoing driver training in the areas of physical disabilities, dementia and sight problems and by having an unwavering position on easy access.

“It’s great to support such a well-regarded and inclusive event and we’re happy our Saltwell Park and Angel services will help disabled passengers access the park. The line-up this year looks excellent and we expect it to be a lot of fun.”