For 30 years, Greenwich & Docklands International Festival (GDIF) has transformed South East London’s public spaces into vibrant platforms for outdoor theatre, dance, and circus, firmly establishing itself as a leading accessible festival. With accessibility woven into every element of its programming, GDIF 2025 continues this legacy. In 2023, GDIF became the first UK festival to achieve Platinum status for access from the Attitude is Everything Live Events Charter.
Celebrating accessible and inclusive outdoor arts at GDIF 2025
This summer, from 22nd August to 6th September, Greenwich & Docklands International Festival’s free programme of theatre, circus and dance is popping across South East London and the team have been going above and beyond to ensure events are accessible to as many people as possible.
From Live Audio Description of Lezards Bleus’ jaw-dropping parkour opening night performance, Above and Beyond in Woolwich, to BSL interpretation of the dramatic electronic soundtrack of The Weight of Water in Thamesmead, the accessible festival guarantees unforgettable and equitable theatrical experiences for all audiences.
GDIF is also hosting several leading disability-led companies from around the world. Just some of the brilliant shows you can catch include: Daryl & Co’s larger than life, lip syncing performance It’s Classic Connee, StopGap’s brand-new show RO-TES exploring Cambodian heritage whilst celebrating wheelchair movement and Australia’s leading inclusive dance company, Restless Dance, performing Through Another Lens.
Designing an accessible festival for everyone
The joy of GDIF’s approach to access is that it is embedded into the ethos of the festival. The whole team of producers, site managers, security and volunteers are trained to welcome all audiences, and the very design of the festival is planned with access at the forefront.
Across the accessible festival site, you will be able to find dedicated Access Champions as part of GDIF’s team of volunteers to help at any time. Each of these sites will be wheelchair accessible, with accessible viewing areas and easy-read information. Bigger, busier events will have low sensory zones to take a moment to chill and suggested and assisted routes to help you make the most of your day.
GDIF’s approach to access is ever-evolving, thanks to close relationships with disabled artists, consultants and advocates who work with the festival to trial new ideas and lead on access projects. This year at Dancing City, the event’s assisted route will be led by two Deaf Hosts, off the back of the roaring success of the World Kiosk event in 2024.
Join GDIF 2025
The 30th year of the festival is set to be a special one, and GDIF invites you to be a part of it!
You can find out about everything GDIF 2025 has to offer this summer, with full access information on its website, festival.org/gdif-2025. If you would like to learn more about accessibility at GDIF 2025, you can contact its dedicated Access Producer at access@festival.org.
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