Access Information


Unless stated otherwise, all screenings will either be in English language, subtitled in English or have no dialogue. We are aiming to offer Captioned Subtitles on all short films screening in the festival and where possible all feature films screening at the festival. Short filmmaker Q&As will be BSL interpreted. Please check back shortly to find out more about the CAP/BSL access offer at MAF.

This year we are offering some relaxed screenings at the festival. These are designed for a range of audience members who benefit from a less formal environment, including those with Autism Spectrum conditions, learning disabilities, Tourette’s Syndrome, ADHD or people with other neurodiverse conditions. In a relaxed screening, you can expect low lights to remain on in the cinema and lower sound with audiences free to move around if needed. These screenings will be limited to 50% capacity.

Most of the festival takes place at HOME, though we do utilise some other venues for events throughout the festival. Where possible we try to make sure access requirements are available for all venues.

Advance booking is recommended for access/wheelchair bookings, please contact boxoffice@manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk. Essential Companion tickets can be arranged for all events. The below lists our venues and the accessibility at these.

HOME
There are three levels to the building, including the ground floor and these are all accessible via a lift. There are accessible toilets on all levels and Gender Neutral Toilets are located on the Ground Floor.

  • Wheelchair spaces – available in all of HOME’s spaces:
    • In Cinema 1 there are 3 wheelchair spaces, 2 on the front row and 2 on the back rows.
    • In Cinema 2 there are 2 wheelchair spaces at the back on the auditorium.
    • Event Space, the seating is moveable, so wheelchair spaces are reserved differently for each event. Spaces can be made available on request.

For more information about getting to and around HOME and other accessibility information for HOME please see their website.

BRIDGEWATER HALL

The MAF Marketplace and Animation Nation Forum will take place at the Bridgewater Hall. The Bridgewater Hall has step free access into the conference rooms, foyer areas and toilets.  The main entrance and Charles Hallé Room are at ground level. All other floors are accessible via lift. 

LEONARDO HOTEL

Some workshops take place at our partner hotel Jurys Inn. The venue is fully accessible with accessible toilets in public areas, lifts to all floors and ramp access.

GASWORKS BREW BAR
The bar is all on one level and there is an accessible toilet on the ground floor.

MANCHESTER CENTRAL LIBRARY 

Central Library is fully accessible.

ODEON SCREEN 7 & 8

This venue is fully accessible via a lift. There are accessible toilets in the foyer as well as at the end of the corridor close to the cinemas. There is at least one space for a wheelchair in these screens.

INTERNATIONAL ANTHONY BURGESS FOUNDATION

The building is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet on the ground floor accessible via a lift.

CANVAS – ROOM 2
Canvas Room 2 is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet. The cloakroom and room 2 are accessed by lift.

Should you require any other access information that is not provided, please contact greg@manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk