Pre-visit info
Everything you need to know before you visit
This page presents you with all the information you need before attending the gig, including access requirements and facilities. If you have any further queries please email our box office or phone them on (01726) 811972. To help Eden provide you with the best possible service we ask you to provide any access requirements you may have when booking your tickets for the Eden Sessions. The box office employees are fully trained to help with any information regarding access.
Tickets
Each person will need a ticket to attend our concerts. As tickets are liable to sell out very quickly it is unlikely we will sell tickets on the door, so please call the box office to avoid disappointment. Please check the child age guidelines before you purchase tickets as some performances may be unsuitable. Eden Sessions tickets entitle the ticket holder to visit the Eden Project on the day and the day after the concert. Please keep your wristband on if you are planning to visit us the day after. The Eden Project will close to day visitors at 6pm but if you are staying for the concert and are wearing your wristband then you may stay on the Eden Project site. Sometimes we do not know the absolute running order and timings until a few days before the show. Therefore we advise customers to arrive before 7pm. Last entry is 9.30pm and latecomers may be refused entry.
Lost tickets
All tickets have a unique bar code and in the event of tickets being lost we can revoke each individual ticket and re-issue the customer with a new set. If any revoked tickets arrive on the night of the concert then staff will refuse entry.
Children attending Sessions events
We pride ourselves on our open-to all-policy which includes allowing ticket holders to bring children to the Eden Sessions. However, by the nature of the event it will be loud and some of the content is likely to be of an adult nature which some may consider not suitable for children. Unless an age restriction is displayed for the concert at the time of booking the following rules will apply - under 16s must be accompanied onsite at all times by an adult aged 18 or over on a ratio of 1:2 and we recommend that children attending are aged 12 or over. Babies under 1 are admitted free of charge, but only if carried in their parents' arms or in a sling etc. NB: we do not allow prams and pushchairs on site. Under 12s will only be allowed into the family viewing area which must be pre-booked with the exception of the Mika concert where all children over 1 will be allowed into the arena. Please call the Box Office on 01726 811972 to book your space in the family viewing area.
Family viewing area*
The family viewing area is located stage left on the edge of the main arena. It is a shallow stepped area for families with children under 12 and vulnerable people. There will be an area with limited temporary seating available from stewards for people who need it. Part of the family viewing area will be available for people in wheelchairs and will have ramped access from the back. This space will need to be reserved when booking tickets as you will be issued an additional wristband enabling easy access in and out of the area.
* If you are attending the Mika concert then please note that all children over 1 will be admitted into the arena.
Parking
Parking at Eden is ample, although the sheer size of the site might necessitate a short walk or park-and-ride bus journey (for free, of course), depending on how busy we are. Parking is free. No overnight parking or camping is permitted on site.
Accessible parking
Accessible parking spaces are available in car parks Apple 2 and 3 and Banana to those visiting by car with a clearly displayed disabled badge. You will be directed to park in the larger accessible bays in the car parks nearest the entrance. Alternatively, there is a drop-off area in the lowest car park – for directions just ask any of our car park stewards. If you are not a Blue badge holder but would benefit from accessible parking please ask a car park steward on arrival. Please note the park and ride buses do not run from these car parks. To get to the visitor entrance from Apple 2 accessible parking drop-off point you will need to take the path down, which is 32 metres at mainly 1:18 with a short section at 1:10. Assistance required from this location can be booked on 01726 818895 or by emailing gdyson@edenproject.com.
Park and ride
Our park and ride operates a non-stop service from all car parks which will drop you at the nearest point to the visitor entrance. The buses are fully accessible and all pick-up and drop-off points have raised kerbs to accommodate access.
Drop-off points
There is a drop-off area in Apple 2 car park – for directions just ask any of our car park stewards. To get to the Visitor Centre entrance from Apple 2 accessible parking drop-off point you will need to take the path down. It is 32 metres at mainly 1:18 with a short section at 1:16.
Accessible buses
Not only are the buses that service Eden's dedicated branch line painted a vibrant shade of green, but using public transport is a far more environmentally friendly option than driving yourself – and you get dropped off close to the Visitor Centre.
Taxi drop-off
Taxi drop-off is in the Banana car park where you will also find toilet facilities and lockers.
Local taxi numbers are as follows –
A & K 01726 69698
Yeo's 01726 814095
A & J Travel 01726 815243
Ajax 01726 68666
Alan's 01726 815212
Spot on 01726 77877
Description of car park area
Eden has a very large car parking area; each car park is clearly named after a fruit to help visitors remember where they parked. From there you can either walk down sloped pedestrian paths or catch a park and ride bus to the nearest drop-off point to the visitor entrance. Some of the car parks are a long walk away; this is often not so much of a problem on the way down but can be difficult on the way back up.
Description of the Street area and visitor centre
As you enter the area known as the Street you will see a long covered walkway. On the left are toilets and a cash point and on the right is the visitor centre. You will find water available for assistance dogs in the Street. This all has flat level access.
In the visitor centre you will find the ticketing desks, this is the point where you will collect your wrist bands and have your first opportunity to buy drinks tokens. If you need to borrow a wheelchair or would like assistance from an Access volunteer please see a steward in the visitor centre.
All visitors will then be required to go through a security point. Eden reserves the right to search anyone entering Eden premises including any baggage. The right of admission is reserved by Eden and refunds will not be given to anyone refused entry because they appear to be under the influence of drink or drugs.
Items which cannot be brought into Eden are offensive weapons, illegal substances, folding chairs, alcohol and glass. No recording equipment or digital cameras are allowed into the venue.
How to get to the Arena
Once out on the site you have several options for getting down to the arena area. There is a route down the zigzag path which is a continuous 1:18 graded path with landings at each end. You can also go over the bridge and down in the lift which will bring you out at the back of the Core building. You can then go down a short slope outside around the café terrace to the main path; this is 30 metres at 1:15. You can also go through the Core using another lift to get to ground level, you can then exit the building and you will be on the main path. Please note the Core will only be open until 9:30pm, the same time as last entry to the sessions. It is then a flat level route to the arena area. The Land Train will be available to take visitors down to the arena until 6pm on the evening of the sessions.
Please see the site maps for more details.
Maps
Maps showing the site with areas and facilities marked on will be in the Street to help visitors plan their visit.
Download a PDF version of the map here (requires Adobe Reader).
Stage
The concerts take place on a large stage in the centre of the Eden site. It is an outdoor venue and does not have any covered areas to watch the concerts. Eden has been described as an intimate venue giving a great atmosphere, and we do not use large screens. If you would like a closer view we suggest you bring binoculars! Audiences will be subject to continuous sound levels and strobe lighting will also be used. Prolonged exposure to loud noises and music may permanently affect your hearing.
Main arena (standing only)
The front section of the arena nearest the stage gets very busy and crowded. The further back you go in the arena the less busy it will be. Chairs, wheelchairs and assistance dogs are strictly prohibited in the main arena owing to emergency evacuation procedures.
Wheelchair viewing platform
The wheelchair viewing platform is stage right half way up the arena (this is to the left hand side as you look at the stage). It has ramped access and should be accessed by going around the back of the stage and entering the edge of the arena stage right. If you need assistance getting to the platform please ask when booking your ticket to arrange an access volunteer or ask a steward on the night, (number as above)*. The path leading to the wheelchair viewing platform from stage right is 27 metres at 1:9.
Complimentary wheelchairs
We offer a range of free wheelchairs for visitors who need them. Our attendant-pushed wheelchairs are rated up to 133kg/21 stone. We have quite a few of these, so there is normally no need to book. We also have two types of powered chairs, one attendant-controlled and the other self-driven. But these are limited and so it is advisable to book - please contact our Access Eden Help Desk on 01726 818895 or e-mail gdyson@edenproject.com
Please let us know when booking your tickets if you would like to borrow a chair for the event. You will also need to book a space on the viewing platform or in the family viewing area. Owing to emergency evacuation procedures we cannot allow wheelchairs in the main arena.
Viewing opportunities for wheelchair users
We have a viewing platform for wheelchairs and space available in the family viewing area. Please let us know when booking your tickets if you would like to reserve some space. The viewing platform can offer space for one wheelchair user and one companion which can be reserved when booking tickets; you will need to let staff know as they will issue you with additional wristbands enabling easy access on and off the viewing platform throughout the event.
The family viewing area will also need to be booked for wheelchair users; this facility is for people coming in larger groups who need space suitable for a wheelchair. Please see the map and descriptions of the areas to decide where it will be best for you to enjoy the event. Please note all areas are outdoors and uncovered.
There is limited space available and booking will be operated on a first come first serve basis. Eden hopes to enable everyone to have a great visit, so please help us by letting us know any specific needs you have before the event.
Carer tickets
Eden offers complimentary tickets for carers accompanying disabled guests, which must be reserved when booking tickets. A carer ticket will be issued along with an additional wristband if you require access to the wheelchair viewing platform or family viewing area. Please let Eden know when booking tickets if you will need a carer ticket.
Pregnant women
The main arena can get very busy and crowded and is strictly standing only. Some seating will be available in the family viewing area, so please ask about this when booking your ticket.
Assisted hearing facilities
Hearing loops are available at 3 of the ticketing booths located in the visitor centre at arrival. They will be shown by the T and ear symbol sign on the desks. There will be balloons for visitors to feel the concerts; these will be available from the staff on the platforms.
Assistance dogs
All assistance dogs are welcome at Eden. Please let us know when booking your tickets if you are bringing an assistance dog so we can offer suitable locations and facilities for the event. Unfortunately, owing to emergency evacuation procedures, we cannot allow assistance dogs into the main arena. Water bowls will be available in the Street at arrival and by the link building between the biomes. Eden does not have a specific toilet facility for dogs and asks owners to ensure their dogs use mulched areas for peeing, not grassed areas.
Telephones
Mobile phone reception is good throughout the site on most networks, though there are some blind spots and reception can be disrupted when the site is busy. If you encounter difficulty getting mobile reception and need to make a call please contact a steward who will be able to assist.
First aid
Eden has a dedicated team of first aiders and paramedics. If you are in need of any medical assistance, please contact a member of Eden staff and they will be happy to help.
Drinks tokens
Drinks can only be bought with tokens for Eden Sessions gigs. The tokens can be purchased from ticketing at arrival and also at locations throughout the site.
Food and beverage
A variety of food and drink is available throughout the evening. Eden operates a policy of catering for special dietary requirements such as vegan and wheat free. All bars & outlets have dropped counters to help with accessibility. Drinks are dispensed into plastic glasses for safety reasons and any alcohol and glass bottles will not be allowed to be brought onto site.
Accessible toilets
All toilets on site are easily accessible and offer accessible facilities. They are located in Banana coach park, the Visitor Centre (on the left as you come in), the Core and in the Link Building between the Biomes (in both Zzub Zzub and between pasty and café bar on the ground floor and on the Link Bridge). For events, accessible toilets and adult changing facilities are located with the other temporary toilets around the stage area, see site map for detailed locations.
Outdoor venue
The Eden Project sessions are outdoor concerts. The arena, family viewing area and wheelchair viewing platform are NOT covered.
Leaving the site
At the end of the concert there will be 6,000 people leaving the site, so we ask you to take your time and be patient. The route out of the site is the same as the route in and is a series of uphill slopes back to the Visitor Centre and then on to the car parks either using the park-and-ride buses or following the paths. The car parks can become very busy when everyone leaves and again we ask for your patience.
Assistance to leave the site
Eden offers an assisted route for leaving the site, primarily for visitors using the wheelchair viewing platform and wheelchair users on the family viewing area. Please ask (when booking your ticket) if you will not be using those services but feel you may need this assistance. Please let the box office staff know if you would like assistance leaving the site when you book your tickets. If circumstances change after you have booked your tickets and you need assistance leaving, this can be arranged on the night with the stewarding staff in the Visitor Centre.
Sessions
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