Festival guided tour 'helps break down barriers'

Dorset Blind Association said the organisers of Arts by the Sea "have gone above and beyond to make the festival welcoming and accessible"

A free arts festival has been praised for designing a guided tour for people living with sight loss.

Arts by the Sea is an annual weekend-long event in Bournemouth, Dorset, which will celebrate art, culture and creativity from 26 to 28 September, through a programme of performances, installations and activities.

Its collaboration with the Dorset Blind Association, based in Poole, aims to ensure that blind and visually impaired people can fully engage with the festival and enjoy atmosphere in an inclusive way.

Sam Baker from the association said such opportunities "really help break down barriers".

The festival celebrates art, culture and creativity

The free tour will take place on 28 September, with public engagement officer Leigh Hayler leading participants on "a sensory, descriptive journey through the highlights of the festival".

Mr Baker said the organisers "have gone above and beyond to make the festival welcoming and accessible".

"... this is a brilliant chance to meet others, explore the festival, and find out more about our activities for people of all ages," he added.

The charity has been providing practical and emotional support for people with sight loss since 1918.

It supports more than 1,000 visually impaired members across the county and offers community groups, equipment advice and home visits.

With the festival attracting thousands of visitors every year, the association said the guided tour "marks a positive step in widening accessibility and ensuring more people can benefit from the event".