Whether you're new to the play in the park, or an annual visitor, check out the advice below to make the most of your experience:
HOW TO GET TO WILLIAMSON PARK:
DRIVING: FROM THE NORTH
Use M6 junction 34. Follow the brown heritage signs marked Ashton Memorial or Butterfly House which take you to Williamson Park.
DRIVING: FROM THE SOUTH
Use M6 junction 33. Follow the brown heritage signs marked Ashton Memorial or Butterfly House which take you to Williamson Park.
For Satnav: LA1 3DZ – this will take you to the Wyresdale Road Car Park
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The park is a 30 minute walk from Lancaster Train and Bus Stations, and is situated on top of a hill. Please check your travel details online.
WHERE DO I PARK
There are two car parks in Williamson Park, but we recommend using Wyresdale Road. This is the largest and easiest to return to at the end of the evening. There is free parking for disabled badge holders with no time limit. Parking charges after 5.30pm are £1.20
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Williamson Park is open to visitors all day - so you can come early and enjoy the park, a picnic and the magnificent views across Morecambe Bay. Our staff will be ready to great you at the first scene from 6.45pm. If you aim to arrive 20 minutes before the show you will comfortably have enough time to walk to the site, show your tickets and get settled. Latecomers will be admitted.
HOW LONG IS THE SHOW?
Performance lengths are advertised on the 'shows' page of our website, and will include a short interval
CAN I TAKE PHOTOS?
We love seeing your photos online after each performance. You're welcome to take some pictures, but please be respectful of those around you as not everybody will want to become an internet sensation. Focus on yourselves, the performance, and remember to keep the flash turned off..
WHAT IS THE SEATING LIKE?
Some scenes have benches or logs to sit on but some do not, so feel free to bring cushions, blankets, or folding chairs. Top tip: if you want to sit near the front bring a blanket or cushion to sit on rather than a chair. At our shows, blankets are at the front and chairs are behind them.
CAN I BRING A PUSHCHAIR FOR MY CHILD / BABY?
As space is limited and access can be difficult pushchairs are not allowed.
DOES MY CHILD NEED A TICKET?
All children over 2 years require a ticket. Under 2's are free.
HOW MUCH WALKING IS INVOLVED?
There will be slow guided walks of approximately 5-10 minutes between each scene. Some of these walks will be up and down steep slopes.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Wizard of Oz visits 4 locations within the park.
The route to each location will be along tarmacked paths which include some inclines.
The terrain at each location varies from soft ground, gravel/track, and tarmac. Each location includes an area of solid ground which is suitable for wheelchairs & rollators.
We offer free essential companion tickets where required...get in touch with our friendly Box Office to request one: 01524 598500 / tickets@dukeslancaster.org
There will be a BSL interpretated performance - date to be confirmed.
WHAT TO WEAR
Warm outdoor clothing, appropriate footwear for all outdoor terrains, and waterproofs are essential. It is also advisable to bring sun lotions and midge spray.
REFRESHMENTS
The Pavilion Café will be open until after the interval on show nights serving snacks and refreshments.
The coffee van and ice cream van will also be open and serving drinks and snacks located at the bottom of the Memorial steps.
Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own picnic.
TOILETS
Accessible toilets are available at Wyresdale Road car park and at the Pavilion Café.
The Wyresdale Road car park toilets are open from the start of evening straight through until after the end of the show
The Pavilion Café toilets and the portacabin toilets (between the Butterfly House & the Monument) will be open before and during the 1st half of the show & close after the interval
DOGS
We only admit assistance dogs to our performances.
WET WEATHER
We do perform in all weather, so please come prepared. Very few performances are lost to bad weather, and we aim to carry on unless the weather becomes dangerous (e.g., lightning or storms). Please don’t bring an umbrella; it blocks the view of the performance for those behind you ...Leave the brolly at home and wear waterproofs, a hat and a smile instead! The earliest a decision about whether to cancel a show will be taken is at 7pm on the evening of the show and will depend on conditions in the park at that time.
Terms and Conditions
When a performance is cancelled ticket holders will be entitled to equivalent replacement tickets for a future performance of this or any other Dukes production, to the equivalent cash value, subject to availability, to be booked within 1 year. No cash refund will be given (Law Reform (Frustrated Contracts) Act 1947). In the event of a last night performance being cancelled there will be no replacement performance of the show, above conditions apply.
Please also note the following:
- The management reserves the right to refuse admission
- Photography equipment, including mobile phones, is permitted but flash photography is not allowed.
- All tickets are non-refundable
- Licensing conditions require that every member of the audience must have a valid ticket. Babies carried strapped to an adult in a sling/papoose or under 2's are exempt.
- Dogs are not permitted, except for assistance dogs.
