Now Northwich is for everyone

Now Northwich takes place across Northwich Town Centre, which can be accessed locally and regionally by public transport.  The train station is a short 15 minute walk away and buses bring you right into the vicinity of the festival - you can plan your bus journey and download timetables by clicking here. 

Please note, if you are travelling from Winsford, the Nightlife Express service continues to run on Friday and Saturday nights, with the last return journey departing from Northwich at 11.15pm. Other services can be consulted here.

If you are travelling by rail, the last train to Manchester on Saturday 27th April is at 23:25 and the last train to Chester is at 23:05 (subject to change - please consult National Rail before you travel).

On the day of Now Northwich, the town centre is likely to be very busy so you are encouraged to use public transport or alternative methods of transport where possible. If you do travel by car, our partners, Visit Northwich have some great tips on where to park around the town centre. Take a look here for details: www.visitnorthwich.co.uk/parking

If you're looking for accessible parking, spaces can be found at: Barons Quay (ASDA) car park – CW9 5DJ, Chester Way/Brockhurst Street (Memorial Hall) – CW9 5QJ, Crum Hill (Victoria Club) – CW9 5JD and Central Palace Drive (Iceland). Please be aware that parking charges may apply. 

A full list of public parking zones in the area can also be found here.

A map with performance locations can be found on our printed Now Northwich Programmes (see below for Downloads). These can be found in venues across Northwich and surrounding areas in the run up to the festival and will also be available on the day. Keep an eye out for our Stewards who will be handing them out too. At each performance site you will also find a blackboard stating all performances and showtimes. On the day, our Facebook page will also announce the next performances taking place at each site. 

Whether you need a festival programme, want to locate a toilet or need help or guidance, look for a Now Northwich Steward who will be dressed in a high viz jacket. A whole team of Stewards will be on-hand to assist visitors with any questions or queries throughout the day. In the same manner, a team of First Aiders and Security  will be on-site if needed. Simply ask for help.

Now Northwich is very family friendly, in fact, this festival is designed with families in mind. As with every year, there will be opportunities for you to take part in creative activities with your child! All activities will be free, including a butterfly-designing workshop, circus workshop and more.

As with previous years, the National Childbirth Trust (Mid-Cheshire Branch) will provide baby changing and feeding facilities. They will be situated by River Park.

Onsite toilets will be available at Now Northwich by the back of The Odeon. For people with disabilities, there will also be a Mobiloo with an accessible toilet with adult-sized changing bench by River Park. An additional Changing Place facility can be found at BRIO Leisure (Memorial Court). Visitors to Now Northwich are very welcome to use this facility.

The route to all performances is wheelchair friendly. Please note, those with access challenges can request assistance from our Stewards. Our Stewards will also help those with reduced mobility to find a suitable viewing point at each performance site. Please feel free to ask for help.

This year, the two performances which have spoken word will have viewings with BSL interpretation.  Our dance-opera, ‘In this Place Upon This Earth’ by Company Carpi & Northwich Community will have BSL at the 4.30pm show at The Plaza Northwich (Witton Street) and ‘Toast’ by Pif-Paf Theatre will have BSL at the 2pm show in Apple Market Place. 

Please feel free to wear a Sunflower Lanyard. Our stewards will be looking out for those wearing lanyards and will be delighted to assist you when required.

Northwich town is relatively Makaton-Friendly – and so is Now Northwich! Various members of our team have received basic Makaton training and directional signage with key information in Makaton will be displayed around the town throughout the event.

Those who wish to take a moment away from the hustle and bustle of the festival can find a “Quiet Zone” at The Salvation Army on Tabley Street (close to Sainsbury’s car park). A dedicated “quiet” space will be allocated within the Church and will be open from 12pm-4pm. A disabled toilet can also be found on the premises.

Now Northwich is committed to developing a festival that is safe and where diversity is embraced. To see how we are placing a priority on Access and Inclusion for 2024, either download the file below or click here. 

This year we're delighted to have available an Easy Read Guide for visitors to Now Northwich. You are able to download it below or can click here. 

The festival team loves to hear what you think. Whether you have a suggestion, a compliment or even a complaint, we want to hear from you. Your voice is important to us and we encourage you to get in touch to share your views and comments at nownorthwich@cheshiredance.org

Now Northwich is produced by Cheshire Dance - a local charity that strives to ensure everyone has access to dance. To help us to ensure the festival returns each year, please consider making a donation. Every penny helps us to keep delivering these fantastic experiences to the community. Find out more here.