Originally constructed during Napoleonic times in preparation for a possible invasion, Chatham’s Fort Amherst was also used as a civil defence centre in both world wars. The tunnel complex has been adapted to allow for tourist access, including the addition of lighting. The venue complex also consists of a visitor centre and cafe.

Address: Fort Amherst, Chatham, ME4 4UB

Fort Amherst have some accessibility information available to view on their website, however this pack covers all this information as well as additional notes specifically for the performance: http://www.fortamherst.com/index.php/about/visitor-information

Additional information specifically about the Fort Amherst tunnels can be found here: http://www.fortamherst.com/index.php/about/origins-of-fort-amherst

There is step free access to the visitor centre and café (open until 4pm daily) and the toilets.

Fort Amherst contains a steep gradient and steps (the steps will not be used during the performance) so is unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, unless accompanied by someone who can support use of the steep slope.

There are some narrow passages within the tunnels, minimum width of 1 metre, which you need to pass to access the full performance.

If you need a personal assistant / support worker to accompany you, for you to attend the performance, please contact us to secure their free assistant’s ticket.

There is disabled parking available in the Fort Amherst car park (entry is via the main gate next to the cafe). Please contact us in advance should you wish to reserve a space. All car parking spaces are on hard standing ground.

Contact Kate McStraw, our Producer, via phone 07792 377106 or email katemcstraw@hotmail.co.uk

Bus

The nearest bus stop is at Chatham Fort Amherst Council Offices (Bus 190). Note that it is an uphill walk (approximately 3 minutes) from here to the entrance to Fort Amherst.

ARRIVA BUSES KENT AND SURREY

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/kent-and-surrey/

From Chatham Railway Station

Mon - Sun: bus no. 190 – every 20 minutes

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/GetTimetable/?guid=787c599c-8170-484f-9b85-10f27d97623f&id=67533&date=170723-180705

Train

The nearest train station is Chatham, approximately 5 minutes by taxi from the train station to Fort Amherst or 4 minutes by bus from Chatham Railway Station to Chatham Fort Amherst Council Offices.

Trains run direct to Chatham from London (Victoria and St Pancras International) and from Sittingbourne, Faversham and Ramsgate.

For train times, contact the National Rail Enquiry line on 08457 484950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

There is free on site parking for those visiting the tunnels and visitor centre. Entry is via the main gate next to the cafe and parking is on the Parade Ground.

• Venue opening times: The parkland grounds of Fort Amherst are open free of charge from 9am to 7pm daily. During the summer the café is open 8am to 4pm, and tunnel tours run from 11-12 and 2-3pm. From 4pm onwards on the performance dates (28th July) the venue is open to ticket holders only.
• Arriving at the venue: On arrival, you will approach the tunnels entrance by walking slightly downhill from the car park area.
• Access contact on site: Should you need to speak to one of us prior to the performance start, please ask at the ticket desk for either Kate or Katie.
• Arrival times: You are advised to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to your selected performance time; if you would like to arrive more than 30 minutes prior to your selected performance time, please contact us in advance to arrange this.
  Please note that the performance is 45 minutes in duration with no interval.
• Ticket collection: Tickets can be collected from the café/visitor centre building. There is a ramp up to this building from the car park. The accessible toilet is inside this building. There is flat level access between the car park and tunnel entranceway. You can print your tickets in advance (via the PDF attached when you book your tickets online) but don’t worry if you can’t print them as there is a door list as well.

There is an accessible toilet in the café building. The distance between the toilet and the performance site ranges between approximately 30m and 100m, depending on where you are situated within the tunnels.

The route is flat within the café building to the toilet.

At this time, we are not able to offer Audio Enhancement such as loops, intra red or mobile connect systems / British Sign Language / Captioning / Audio Description / Relaxed Performances – however this is something we are looking to explore for future performances. Should you have any feedback on this, please do get in contact.

Registered Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Disability Support Dogs, Medical Assistance Dogs, Disability Assistance Dogs and Seizure Alert Dogs are permitted to enter the venue. Owners are responsible for the control of their dogs at all times and they must be on a lead whilst in the grounds of the Fort.

Please contact us in advanced to discuss accommodation of an assistance dog.

The tunnels are electrically lit but the lighting levels are purposefully kept low to protect the tunnel environment.

Please note that there may be moments (approximately 30 seconds long each) of near-blackout (except for security lighting) during the performance. If you would like any further information on this, please contact us.

The performance in underscored by recorded music throughout, and there is a live musician (song and guitar) performing within the piece. If you would like any further information on this, or copies of the lyrics being sung, please contact us.

The performance takes place within a tunnel complex, which is a cool environment. Please dress warmly. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

This is a promenade performance, watching sections of dance at different sites throughout the tunnels. It is approximately 45 minutes in duration, and we ask our audiences to stand and walk throughout. Should you need to bring a fold-up seat with you to access the performance, you are welcome to do so, but please inform us on arrival so that we can assist you as required to ensure best sight lines and to inform you of longer sections, where it is most appropriate to sit. All sections are no longer than 5 minutes duration, before walking to the next section.

At the beginning of the performance the musician, Lou, will hand all audience members a torch, attached to a lanyard, to wear during the performance. This is a safety precaution, meaning you can shine the torch directly up onto the tunnel ceiling should you need assistance / first aid / wish to leave the performance for any reason. If you shine the torch, one of the performance stewards will come to assist you as required.

Head protection helmets are not required in the tunnels.

The performance is 45 minutes in duration with no interval.