Is Bournemouth Film & Comic Con suitable for attendees of all abilities?
The Showmasters team is committed to making sure that all of our fans have an amazing experience but it is a popular event and as such the venue can get very busy and crowded. There is a lot to see and so visiting involves a bit of movement around the building and some periods of standing for autographs and photo shoots. They can also be noisy so please consider your individual needs when deciding whether to attend the event.
I require extra assistance while at the event. What are my options?
Extra Help pass – this is a wristband that identifies you to the crew as someone who needs assistance during the event.
Carers Entry – We offer one free carers entry when accompanying an attendee that requires extra help. This permits access to the event for the sole purpose to assist with the full paying attendee and as such those entering with this pass will not be permitted to take part in any activities as an individual e.g. Photo shoots or autographs.
What does the extra help pass do?
Entrance – The entrance point for all visitors is via the front of the venue. There is an accessibility ramp on the left hand side as you face the building. Please make yourself known to the Showmasters front door crew if you require any form of extra help and they will direct you to the sign-in desk where you will be issued with an extra help and carers (if applicable) wristband on presentation of your documents, please have these ready. Please note that if you have a timed entry ticket you can only enter after that time.
Photo shoots – You must have a valid ticket for the shoot you are attending but if you make yourself known to the crew member in the area and they will expedite your queuing time. Your carer can assist you right up to the shoot inside the booth and standing out of shot whilst the photo is taken. Our photo printing is instant and you can collect your print before exiting the booth.
Talk areas – Where possible we will mark disabled seating but please bear in mind that all seating is on a first come first served basis. Please ask to speak to the crew who will direct wheelchair positioning or will try to accommodate an aisle seat if possible. We operated both free and paid talks at events and any paid talks will be advertised beforehand and require a separate paid for ticket. Your carer can accompany you for free to any talks you have access to.
Autograph lines – In most cases we operate a Virtual Queuing system for busy guests. This means that you do not need to queue for long periods. You (or your carer) collect a numbered ticket at the beginning of the day in the signing area and return any time after that number has been called. As an attendee identified as requiring extra help due to being unable to stand for long periods, once your VQ ticket has been called you will be put towards the front of the queue to reduce your actual queueing time. As a rough guide your actual queuing time should be no more than 10 minutes.
Who is eligible for an Extra Help wristband?
Individuals who may have mobility, physical, vision, hearing, cognitive, psychological, invisible or other types of disabilities are all taken into consideration for extra help. We hope you can understand that we have to ensure that the right people are able to receive help at the show so we require evidence in the format of one of the below documents to be shown upon entrance with your valid entry ticket.
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award letter
- Attendance Allowance (AA) award letter
- Blind Persons Registration
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- A current and valid Blue Badge (photocopy of both sides)
- A medical letter from your doctor or consultant explaining your reasons for needing extra assistance
Please note that the event organisers have the right to refuse access or additional help at their discretion.
What is the accessibility of the venue?
Full details can be found on the Bournemouth International Centre website
Are service animals permitted?
Assistance dogs are welcome, but we do not recommend that you bring them to events where noise levels are high.
Am I able to rent mobility aids?
The venue does not have a mobility centre however you can contact Shopmobility Bournemouth who have items for rental.
I have an issue on the day who can I talk to?
If at any point during the day you have any issues, your first port of call would be to speak to our Pit Bosses (our senior crew in red) but if for some reason they can’t help, you can ask to speak to our head of crew. Please note that it is very hard for us to rectify any issues you have after the event so please do highlight these at the time so we can assist in making your visit enjoyable.
How do I apply?
To enable us to issue your wristbands as quickly as possible on the day we ask that you pre-register using our online form
Applications MUST be submitted before Friday 1st September – any applications after this date will miss the processing time and can not be considered.
If you have any further questions that are not answered on this page please visit the Contact Us page.