Ventnor Fringe

The Isle of Wight's multi award winning festival
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The Noise Next Door Interview
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Today we’ve been chatting with The Noise Next Door to find out more about what to expect at their debut Ventnor Fringe show!

Twelve time sell-out veterans of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and one of the country’s most sought after comedy club headliners, The Noise Next Door leave audiences everywhere in awe of their lightning-quick wit and totally original comedic talents. They have been performing their own distinctive brand of off-the-cuff comedy together since they met at university.

Hello Noise Next Door, we’re very excited about seeing you perform at Ventnor Fringe, will this be your first time at the festival? Are you looking forward to visiting the Isle of Wight?

This will be our very first time at the festival and we can’t wait! We fully plan to make the most of the trip over to the isle and do all the most painfully touristy things available – hang out at a chine, befriend red squirrels, get one of those little glass lighthouses full of coloured sand… The works.

For someone who’s never seen you before, how would you describe your shows in three words?
Excellent improvised comedy.

Improvising on the spot is quite a skill! You must have had some fantastically strange scenarios played out in the past. What are the wildest suggestions you’ve ever had to deal with? Any particular stories spring to mind?
Yes, yes, we are very skilled. At this one thing. Ask us to put up a shelf and you’ll soon see where our skills fall short! Because everything we do on stage is made up, on the spot based what our audience wants to see every show is very different and every show surprises us! We’ve had everything from a story about a group of Spanish nuns robbing a bank to a rap battle between William Shakespeare and Winnie the Pooh. Our job is to be ready for anything and spin it into comedy gold but audience members can still catch us out. We once asked our audience for a household object and someone suggested a Viking longboat! Anything goes.

After such a long time with limits on live performances due to COVID, it must feel great to be back on the road again. What have you missed about live performance most?
We can’t stress this enough. It’s really nice when a room full of people applaud you when you finish work. We think it should be implemented across all sectors.

The Noise Next Door will be performing their improv show ‘Out and About’ at the Magpie on Sunday 25th July at 9pm. Book Tickets

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What makes performing at Ventnor so special?
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We’ve always believed there’s something special about Ventnor, this dramatic clifftop town that provides the perfect backdrop to the festival.

For many performers travelling to perform in Ventnor, whether during the Fringe or at other times of the year, it’s become a regular b-line from the normal touring circuit. We spoke to some of the artists who have made it an annual pilgrimage to find out what keeps them coming back!

Charlie Dore, Musician

“This will be our 4th Ventnor Fringe and each year I’m always fascinated by the sheer diversity of events. I love being part of that festival buzz and it seems that energy is reflected back by our audiences. Beyond our own bubble it’s like an Arts version of a brilliant street market: you’re heading out to buy some comedy and on the way you fall in love with a 1940’s book bus, a punk opera, a drag cabaret and end up at a puppet show. My only regret is that I never get to see enough of it. Next year I’ll book AIr B & B for the whole week. ”

Charlie Dore is performing at St Catherine’s Church on Friday 23rd July. Book Tickets

 

Ahir Shah Portrait Shoot TOR Studio Saturday 12th September 2020 ©The Other Richard

Ahir Shah, Comedian

“I’ve been visiting the Island to do stand-up for several years now, and my favourite bit is always after the show. The real treat is sitting in a line on the beach with friends and a beer, watching the sea roll in and a quantity of stars unimaginable to this Londoner’s eyes unfurl themselves across the canvas. There are many things in this world that serve to remind us (or do they remind us that we serve them?) how small and insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. Would that they were all so beautiful.”

As well as hosting Pick of the Fringe, Ahir Shah will be previewing new material in the Comedy & Cabaret Tent on Friday 30th April. Book Tickets

 

Luke Wright, Poet

I’d barely even heard of Ventnor five years ago when I arrived wet-socked one march for a tour gig, but what a brilliant surprise. Ventnor has all the faded seaside charm we Brits demand from our coastal resorts plus a smattering of interesting vintage-y shops, cafes, and the incredible Ventnor Exchange which is one of the best small venues in England. I’ve gone there every year since and my heart always leaps when the taxi drops down the hill and I see the sea. And I can’t wait to return this July when I’ll be performing some bawdy Georgian street ballads at the Ventnor Fringe. Long live the Isle of Wight!

Luke Wright will be performing ‘The Ballad Seller’ in The Magpie on Tuesday 27th July. Book Tickets

 

Gráinne Maguire, Comedian

“The Isle of Wight has the friendliest, warmest, best looking audiences in the world. I look forward to visiting  every year- all comedy festivals should be as fun!”

Gráinne Maguire will be performing her new show ‘Subtext Is For Cowards’ in the Comedy & Cabaret Tent on Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th July. Book Tickets

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Back To Berlin: Interview with Luke Seidel-Haas
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We’ve been talking to artists who are making the journey to the festival to find out more about their shows. First up is Luke Seidel-Haas, writer and co-director of ‘Back To Berlin’

Hi Luke and thank you for taking the time to talk with us. We’ve been reading all about ‘Back to Berlin’ and how it was inspired by a family member and real events. Can you tell us a little more about where the concept started?

My dad is originally from Germany, having moved to the UK in the 80’s. Growing up I didn’t really know all that much about his upbringing before he emigrated, but a couple of years ago and over many glasses of wine we started talking about his time in Berlin. He explained that he studied in the city as a West German student when the wall was up, then moved to the UK a few years later. In 1989 when the Iron Curtain started to crumble, he was living in England and suddenly realised that history was being made back in his home country, and that he needed to travel back to see it.

He told me this story, I told the rest of the theatre company, and we realised it might make a really interesting show. From there I developed a script based on our conversations, which then morphed into a sometimes serious, sometimes light-hearted performance. We’ve been working on it for a couple of years and developing it more after each performance, and we really want to take the audience with us, to imagine what it might have felt like to be there the night the wall opened.

It’s been 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, do you think it’s a subject that’s spoken about enough in the UK? Are there lessons for today?

I don’t think that era of history is spoken about enough. The audiences we’ve performed for so far have been really diverse, with some coming along because they remember the event or even have a personal connection to Germany or Berlin, and others just coming along because they’re intrigued and want to learn more. Our aim is to make sure that those who don’t know the history (or, like us, weren’t even born in ’89) come away with a better understanding of what happened, and the impact of those events on what’s happened since.

There are so many lessons that can be learned for today; the fall of the Berlin Wall was all about uniting a country divided by ideology, the coming together and the healing. The UK often feels divided in a similar way (right/left, leave/remain and so on), and we need to learn to come together somehow. In Germany the reunification wasn’t perfect, and of course across Europe the legacy is still felt in both negative and positive ways. I hope the show highlights those similarities.

Over the last year we feel the show has in some ways taken on a different resonance. Closed borders, being isolated from friends and family, ever changing travel restrictions which throw a country into turmoil. We could be talking about 1989 or 2020/1 The restrictions we’ve lived under for the last 18 months due to COVID feel strangely prescient now.

This will be your first time performing at Ventnor Fringe, how did you hear about the event and what are you expecting? Will it be you first time visiting the Isle of Wight?

We first heard about the Ventor Fringe from another Cardiff based performer, Stammermouth (Nye Russell-Thompson). He’s from the IoW originally, and has performed at the Fringe in the past. (Go see his show too, as he’s performing this year and it’s great) The line up looks really interesting and diverse, and I think like any Fringe we’re expecting the unexpected!

We’ve never been to the Isle of Wight before, but are very excited to be visiting. Let’s be honest, we’re excited to be leaving our living rooms after the last year of being stuck inside! We’ve heard that the beaches and countryside are lovely and want to explore as much as we can, and we will be sure to help the local pub economy while we are visiting!

And finally, if you had to sum up your show to audiences in 3 words how would you describe it?

Funny, authentic, educational
(Not our words, but my dad’s words having seen the show himself)

Click here to book tickets for Back To Berlin 

Take a look at the full programme of events taking part at this year’s Ventnor Fringe. More shows are being added every day!

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Good News
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Ventnor Fringe is all systems go, here is everything you need to know about how this year’s festival will take place.

Like everyone we’ve been eagerly awaiting the Government’s latest announcement and while the decision to delay the lifting of final restrictions is disappointing, we’re working hard to ensure that Ventnor Fringe will return next month.

Restrictions on events and venues are now due to be lifted on 19th July, just in time for the festival, which will take place from Friday 23rd July – Sunday 1st August.

We’re optimistic that this will be the case, but as we’ve all learnt over the past 18 months nothing is certain and we need to make sure we’re prepared for any eventuality. With that in mind we’re made a few changes to this year’s event:

Standby Tickets
Once a performance has sold more than it’s socially distanced capacity ‘standby tickets’ will become available. There are tickets that will be valid if Government restrictions are eased before the festival. However, if restrictions are extended and social distancing has to be kept at the current recommended levels, these tickets will be fully refunded.

Digital Programme
We’ve made the difficult decision not to produce a printed brochure this year. Rules on restrictions are not likely to be confirmed until 12th July and we don’t want to produce a programme with inaccurate information. Instead, we’ll be producing ‘Venue Timetables’ which you’ll be able to download from our website and print at home, or pick up copies from Ventnor Exchange.

Event Alterations
To accommodate the possibility of social distancing we’ve had to make alterations to a small number of events already on sale. This has included moving some acts to larger venues, or adding additional performances. All ticket holders affected will be contacted directly by our team.

Free Fringe
Although some events will be announced sooner, we’ll be revealing the full line up for the Free Fringe after the Government announcement on 12th July.

Thank you to everyone for all of your patience and support in these challenging times, we’re going to do everything we can to bring live performance back to the Isle of Wight and can’t wait to see you this summer!

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4 Top Picks For All The Family
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Keeping all of the children, parents and grandparents entertained can be a challenge, so we’ve taken a look though the programme to pick 4 shows that we think will keep every generation captivated.

From pirates to acrobats, musketeers to puppets these are shows that will make you laugh and cheer as we celebrate the return of live performances!

1.)  Treasure Island

Long John Silver and his crew of salty old sea dogs are weighing anchor at Ventnor Botanic Garden with the pirate classic, Treasure Island. Quantum Theatre’s performances are always popular at the Fringe and this year will no doubt be the same. Packed full of action, drama, sword fights and sea shanties this is an open air theatre show that worth setting sail for! Book Tickets

Where? Ventnor Botanic Garden

When? Wednesday 28th July, 6pm

 

2.)  The Three Musketeers

Sharpen your swords, lace up your boots, and stick a great big feather in your hat! Magicians and performers Morgan&West present a fun for all the family retelling of Alexadre Dumas ‘The Three Musketeers’ and we can’t wait! Can the dashing Musketeers retrieve the Queen’s prize diamonds? Will the nefarious Cardinal Richelieu get away with his dastardly scheme? Is it an enormous mistake to wear such elaborate costumes at the height of British summer? Morgan & West have performed all over the UK as and on TV in Penn & Teller: Fools Us, The Slammer and The Next Great Magician. Book Tickets

Where? The Magpie, Parkside

When? Saturday 31st July & Sunday 1st August,  3pm

3.)  The Greatest Showpeople!

Back in 2019 Parkside become the home of a beautiful new black and white Big Top called The Magpie. It hosted some brilliant shows but there was a notable lack of circus for a circus tent! Well, no more, as Newcastle’s finest Let’s Circus bring The Greatest Showpeople! to Ventnor Fringe. Expect acrobatics, trapeze, comedy and juggling in this family friendly extravaganza. There is more capacity for this one, but tickets are selling fast and it looks likely to be one of this year’s best sellers.  Book Tickets

Where? The Magpie, Parkside

When? Wednesday 28th July 3pm + 7pm, Thursday 29th + Friday 30th July 7pm

4.)  The Puppet Van Presents The Lost Colour

Join Malcolm Brushell, a professional painter and amateur alchemist, on his quest to find the pinky-est pink paint on the planet! Through cracking rocks, mashing every conceivable vegetable, and even bottling and fermenting his own cow’s wee, he has created every colour imaginable, except this one.

The Lost Colour is the first custom designed show from The Puppet Van, a show entirely performed on the roof of a van which sounds brilliantly suited to Ventnor Fringe.  An energy fuelled physical show full of clowning, puppets, and paint, aimed at younger children but we think this one is charming enough to keep the whole family entertained. The show has its roots in the history of pigment making and follows a loveable independent artist up against a huge corporate pigment making conglomerate. Book Tickets

Where? Parkside

When? Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July 11am & 3pm

Discover Everything At Ventnor Fringe

Take a look at the full programme of events taking part at this year’s Ventnor Fringe. More shows are being added every day!

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5 Best Selling Shows at Ventnor Fringe…So far!
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It’s June, which means the countdown to Ventnor Fringe has begun! With less than 8 weeks to go we take a look at the hottest tickets in town so far.

With the full programme of shows expected to be on sale by 21st June, there are undoubtedly still gems to be discovered, but with a wide range of events now announced we thought it was time for us to take a look at those shows selling fastest, which you might not want to leave too long to book up for.

1.)  Flo & Joan

Off the back of a countrywide tour, musical comedy duo and sisters Flo & Joan are heading to Ventnor Fringe for the first time to test an hour of new material. You might have seen them in a certain building societies TV ads but it was watching folk ballad inspired  ‘Lady In the Woods’ that got us hooked – “And she produced milk like you’ve never seen” Book Tickets

Where? The Magpie, Parkside

When? Friday 23rd July, 7pm

 

2.)  Joe Black: Decopunk

Isn’t it about time drag made an appearance at the Fringe? It seems like you lot agree as these tickets are flying out like death drops – sickening! At the time of writing there are just 48 tickets left! Infamous cabaret misfit and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s miscreant Joe Black invites you to indulge in a gloriously raucous gin soaked musical cabaret extravanganza. It’s going to be fabulous. Book Tickets

Where? The Magpie, Parkside

When? Friday 23rd July, 9pm

3.)  The Greatest Showpeople!

Back in 2019 Parkside become the home of a beautiful new black and white Big Top called The Magpie. It hosted some brilliant shows but there was a notable lack of circus for a circus tent! Well, no more, as Newcastle’s finest Let’s Circus bring The Greatest Showpeople! to Ventnor Fringe. Expect acrobatics, trapeze, comedy and juggling in this family friendly extravaganza. There is more capacity for this one, but tickets are selling fast and it looks likely to be one of this year’s best sellers.  Book Tickets

Where? The Magpie, Parkside

When? Wednesday 28th July 3pm + 7pm, Thursday 29th + Friday 30th July 7pm

4.)  Impromptu Shakespeare

Back by popular demand, Impromptu Shakespeare are veterans of the Fringe circuit, having performed six critically acclaimed runs at Edinburgh and now back for a second time at Ventnor. Bursting with love, poetry, comedy, tragedy, mistaken identity and everything in between, the company brings you an entirely new and unique ‘Shakespeare’ play inspired by audience suggestions to delight Shakespeare nerds and newbies alike. Both performances for this are booking up fast.  Book Tickets

Where? The Magpie, Parkside

When? Thursday 29th + Friday 30th July 3pm

5.)  Gengahr

One of the first shows we announced back in 2020 before the plague hit, indie stalwarts Gengahr are heading to Ventnor Fringe to play their much anticipated live show, and we can’t wait! The band released their third album ‘Sanctuary’ last year which features a more expansive and ambitious sound than ever before. Produced by Bombay Bicycle Club’s Jack Steadman, it will appeal to fans his work as well as Alt-J, Django Django and Glass Animals. Book Tickets

Where? Harbourside

When? Friday 30th July, 7pm

Discover Everything At Ventnor Fringe

Take a look at the full programme of events taking part at this year’s Ventnor Fringe. More shows are being added every day!

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Artist Registration now open!
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Artist Registrations are now open!

Following the release of the Government’s new road-map for the easing of COVID restrictions and restarting live events, we’re moving ahead with planning the return of Ventnor Fringe.

Artist Registration is now open for all creatives looking to host ticketed events at the festival, and will be followed by the opening of Free Fringe in the coming days. We’ve removed the registration fee so you can now apply without any upfront costs, and this will only be charged when you venue and slots are confirmed. As with ticket holders, all costs are fully refundable in the event of cancellation.

Please do take a look at our new Artists Handbook which explains everything you need to know, as well as our list of confirmed venues and our extra COVID Guidelines. We’ll be updating all of these with any new information as it becomes available.

As ever, our team are on hand to help if you have any questions not answered by these guides.

We can’t wait to welcome you all back to Ventnor, it’s not been the same without you!

 

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New Artwork by Hugo Bilton
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We’re very excited to unveil new artwork for this year’s Ventnor Fringe.

Inspired by the legend of the ‘Ventnor Giant’ the series of bespoke illustrations has been created by Island artist Hugo Bilton. The designs build on new narrative begun in 2019 and where inspired by a mural created by the celebrated street artist Phlegm, which you can still see in the centre of Ventnor.

The artwork was created in the lead up to the 2018 festival, as part of an island-wide project called Lift The Lid. It was rated one of the best in the world by the Amsterdam based ‘Street Art Today’ journal, and despite being 3 stories tall it’s incredibly detailed. Like the festival’s artwork look closely and you can discover many tiny features.

 

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5 minutes with… Ben Rouse
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Bringing Ventnor Fringe to fruition has become a huge task each year, and even with a team of fantastic volunteers and supporters, we have to raise a lot of money every year to deliver the event. We’re incredibly grateful to a range of sponsors and partners who have chosen to support the event including Mackenzies Accountants, The Royal Hotel Ventnor, Red Funnel, Wightlink, Visit Isle of Wight and AJ Wells.

A new supporter of the event this year was Rouse Ltd. A local firm with a long track record of supporting local events and non profits. We had a char with CEO Ben about their involvement.

 

Rouse Ltd sponsored the Comedy & Cabaret Tent at this year’s festival. What made you want to get involved and help support an event like the Ventnor Fringe?

Home-grown events have the potential to become major attractions and if we get the opportunity to support a sound idea then we welcome that. The Island has long been known for its creativity and Rouse Ltd is keen to help nurture and develop that.

We take a nurturing, holistic approach to financial planning as well – many of our clients have come to see us about a specific problem but have remained with us – some have been with us for more than two decades. Over the last few years we’ve been building Rouse Ltd’s presence in the community and one of our initiatives has been financial education. Last year we successfully brought our financial literacy presentation into most of the Island’s 6th forms – it’s aim being to give that age group an insight into controlling their money before they launch themselves at life, whether into a job or while they’re at university – and we’re intending to do that again in the next academic year.

 

Who are Rouse Ltd and what do you do?

We’re a team of independent financial planners, based in Newport. Our team comprises Chartered Financial Planners and Certified Financial Planner™ professionals. We are specialists in pensions, investments, tax planning and mortgages. And anyone reading this who thinks they’re too young to be thinking about a pension – you’re not! Now is never too early!

 

What makes you choose the Isle of Wight as the home for your business?

I was born and brought up in Ventnor so it has always been special to me. I have spent time away but I think, as many people find, the magic draws you back! Having the business based on the Island means we can offer a good work/life balance. Obviously, there are some great leisure opportunities!

 

What are the challenges and benefits to being based on the Island? 

In terms of challenges, the Island can sometimes be perceived as a place of limited opportunity and some view the Solent as a barrier to progress. That might have been the case at one time but now there are some very forward-thinking, creative businesses in a variety of sectors based here. And with the development of Gigabit Island it will make it a more attractive prospect for businesses who want to be connected but still enjoy a more relaxed place to live.

 

Where can people find out more about Rouse Ltd?

On our website, rouseltd.co.uk. Or contact us at balance@rouseltd.co.uk. We also have regular podcasts uploaded covering specific topics in financial planning.

Thanks Ben for taking the time to have a chat.  

There was a fantastic range of acts to choose from this year – congratulations again on the growth of the Fringe.

 

If you’d like to support the Ventnor Fringe please get in touch at hello@vfringe.co.uk an we can explore how to work together.

 

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CHAMPS has sold out! Now what?
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CHAMPS live show at Harbourside has sold out! Where you to slow to get a ticket? Fear not, here are some fantastic alternatives you don’t want to miss

 

1.) Post Animal @ Harbourside

Harbourside Bar, Ventnor Esplanade

If the idea of a great gig on the Harbour sounded appealing, check out POST ANIMAL playing the night before.

Overflowing with riffs and reckless abandon, Post Animal is a psych rock five-piece from the tightly knit Chicago music scene.

After initially drawing comparisons to Tame Impala, the band have gone on to develop their own distinct sound that we think is a perfect fit for Ventnor, and we’re thrilled to be alongside cities like Berlin, Paris, Manchester and Glasgow in their first European tour.

Fri 26th July / 19:00hrs / Tickets: £10 / 16+ 

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This venue has step free access. It is a standing gig but space for wheelchairs can be reserved by calling (01983) 716767  or booking in person at Ventnor Exchange. An accessible toilet is available next to the venue using a radar key.

 

2.) Barney Artist @ Harbourside

Harbourside Bar, Ventnor Esplanade

Another great gig on the Harbour will be Loyle Carner’s ‘One to Watch’ the energetic, enthusiastic and explosive performer BARNEY ARTIST 

The 26-year-old east Londoner fuses 90s era boom bap hip-hop with jazz for a refreshing sound harkening back to legends such as A Tribe Called Quest and The Roots, and taking influence from prolific UK artists including Kano and Ghostpoet.

His debut album HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS explores a number of deeply personal topics, and features a stellar line up of names including TOM MISCH, JORDAN RAKEI, ALFA MIST, EMMAVIE, DORNIK and GEORGE THE POET

Thurs 25th July / 19:00hrs / Tickets: £10 / 16+ 

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This venue has step free access. It is a standing gig but space for wheelchairs can be reserved by calling (01983) 716767  or booking in person at Ventnor Exchange. An accessible toilet is available next to the venue using a radar key.

 

3.) Lamplighters 

Comedy & Cabaret Tent, Parkside

Need something else to do on Saturday night? How about a wild card with a trip up to the Comedy & Cabaret Tent for LAMPLIGHTERS 

A one-man interactive spy story that’s part game, part interactive theatre, part improv comedy, Neil Connolly plays a Spymaster and the audience his spy network. villains to thwart and secrets to be stolen. But he can’t do it alone.

Lamplighters is a (silly) but loving parody of John le Carre’s Cold War masterpieces. A trip behind the Iron Curtain has never been so fun.

 

Sat 27th + Sun 28th July / 18:30hrs / Tickets: £10 / Conc. £8 / All Ages 

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This venue has step free access. Front row seats or wheelchair space can be reserved by calling (01983) 716767  or booking in person at Ventnor Exchange. An accessible toilet is available at this venue.

 

 

 

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