Exploring Liverpool with Confidence: Accessible Venues for Radio 1’s Big Weekend

Jennie Berry

May 22, 2025

The Sociability team and users are sat outside of Liverpool Lime Street Station smiling at the camera.

This weekend, one of the UK’s biggest music festivals is making its way to Liverpool’s Sefton Park: BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, taking place from 23rd to 25th May 2025. With headliners like Tom Grennan, Sam Fender, and Natasha Bedingfield, the event is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans from across the country.

Unlike many other large-scale music festivals, Radio 1’s Big Weekend doesn’t include on-site camping. That means festivalgoers will be heading out into the city before and after the event, grabbing breakfast, or soaking up Liverpool’s food, drink, and culture long after the music wraps up for the night.

For disabled attendees in particular, knowing where to go - and that those places are accessible to their specific needs - makes all the difference.

That’s where we come in.

The Sociability Team are stood in a line holding up sociability postcards infront of a large church with steps behind them.

For disabled attendees in particular, knowing where to go - and that those places are accessible to their specific needs - makes all the difference.

That’s where we come in.

For disabled attendees in particular, knowing where to go - and that those places are accessible to their specific needs - makes all the difference.

That’s where we come in.

Our Work in Liverpool

Here at Sociability, our mission is simple: to make the world easier to explore for everyone, regardless of access needs. We’re a mobile and web platform that provides detailed, reliable, and user-friendly accessibility information for venues - including photos, structured data, and insights into mobility, sensory, visual, and hearing access accomodations.

We’ve already mapped over 150 venues in Liverpool, working closely with our partners Liverpool ONE to make citywide accessibility information easy to find and trust. Be sure to check out our guide to Liverpool ONE here.

Ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend, we’ve teamed up with Culture Liverpool to expand our work into two of the city’s most iconic and culturally rich areas - Penny Lane and Lark Lane. Our goal? To ensure disabled festivalgoers have everything they need to explore Sefton Park’s neighbouring areas with confidence.

Why Penny Lane and Lark Lane?

Both areas are closeby to Sefton Park and packed full of hospitality venues, making them ideal hubs for festivalgoers looking to grab a bite, meet friends, or enjoy a quieter moment away from the crowds.

Whether you're heading out for brunch before the gates open or continuing the party with dinner and drinks afterward, Penny Lane and Lark Lane offer it all — and now, with accessibility front of mind.

Top Accessible Picks: Penny Lane

Bean There Coffee Shop

This warm and welcoming café is a perfect pitstop for your morning caffeine fix. It has step-free access, a wheelchair accessible bathroom onsite, and clear signage - ideal for wheelchair users and those with sensory access requirements. Be sure to head here for breakfast from 8am as they close at 5pm sharp.

Tavern Co

One to head to for a late-night tipple, with a ramp available upon request, an accessible toilet, and various seating options, this venue combines accessibility with warm local atmosphere. Whether you're after a glass of wine or a casual dinner, it’s a great place to start or end your day. Be sure to check them out mid-week too, as they regularly host open mic and comedy nights too!

Festival-Friendly Finds: Lark Lane

Gran Caffe

Looking to line your stomach close by before heading to Sefton Park? You don’t want to miss this Italian cafe, serving up freshly baked pastries and goodies from 8:30am. Staff are on hand to assist with a ramp available upon request, as well as offering a spacious wheelchair accessible bathroom onsite. Whether you are popping in for breakfast or grabbing something to go, this one is a hidden gem in the heart of Lark Lane!

Milo Lounge

If you are looking for a traditional Liverpudlian pub, then Milo Lounge has got you covered. With Step free access, and accessible toilet onsite, and even a step free beer garden, this is certainly one to visit to continue your night.

How to Find the Right Place, Instantly

All the venues mentioned - and many more - are listed in our app, which is free to use and always will be. Just search by area or venue name to see detailed access information, including:

Entrances
Indoor and outdoor areas
Toilets
Visual, Hearing, and sensory aspects
Photos to help you prepare in advance

We built Sociability to promote real independence, empowering disabled people to make their own informed decisions in real time - whether you’re navigating a new neighbourhood or revisiting your local area.

Accessibility is for Everyone

Whether you’re a disabled festivalgoer, a parent with a pram, or someone supporting a friend or family member with access needs, Sociability is here to help you explore with confidence.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend is more than just a music festival - it’s a celebration of culture, community, and connection. And together with Culture Liverpool, we’re proud to help make sure everyone can take part.

Ready to plan your festival weekend?