AccessibilityAccessibility
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
We at Flow Festival have consulted the accessibility expert firm Riesa Consultative, to improve the accessibility of the event according to the company’s guidelines. Additionally, we strive to promote the overall accessibility of the event by paying special attention to safety and equality. Below you will find some general information regarding the accessibility of the festival. If you need any further information on the subject, please feel free to email office@flowfestival.com.
ACCESSIBILITY OF THE FESTIVAL AREA
Flow Festival takes place in Suvilahti, Helsinki. The area is mostly paved and provides a flat and solid walking environment. However, there are also elevated platforms and gravel areas, which Flow’s production team has levelled as much as possible. The entire festival area is designed to be accessible for anyone using a wheelchair or other mobility aids, providing access to all performance venues and restaurant areas.
Each food court is furnished so that chairs can be moved away from tables.
Flow Festival’s main gate is located at the intersection of Hanasaarenkatu and Parrukuja. An accessible lane is available on the left side of the main gate, accessible via Hanasaarenkatu. Please note that the paved strip along the edge of the car park on the left before the gate is not an accessible route, even if it appears to be. The asphalt ends at the gate and turns into grass, which is not accessible. This may not be immediately apparent, especially when arriving from Sörnäisten rantatie.
Vilhonvuorenkatu runs through the festival area and is part of the event site. Please note that the road has traffic islands and cobblestone kerbs, which create uneven thresholds. Dropped kerbs are provided at pedestrian crossings and vehicle access points. In addition, the kerbs have been levelled with gravel when approaching Vilhonvuorenkatu from Hanasaari towards Suvilahti to allow for an accessible crossing. On the Suvilahti side, accessible access from Vilhonvuorenkatu is available at the pedestrian crossings.
Dedicated accessible viewing platforms are available at the Main Stage, Silver Arena, and Black Tent. Each platform measures 6 × 4 meters and is 60 cm high, with seating provided.
The viewing platforms are open to anyone who needs them, and the use of a mobility aid is not required. They are also intended to improve the concert experience for, for example, visually impaired visitors.
Personal assistants and companions are generally welcome on the viewing platforms, as we do not want to separate disabled visitors from their group. However, if a platform reaches capacity, companions may be asked to move next to the platform to ensure that as many people who genuinely need the accessible viewing area as possible can use it.
The Nordea Platinum Area, located inside the Kaasukello, is fully accessible. An accessible portable toilet is available within the area, and all services can be accessed without barriers.
The Other Sound is located in Kattilahalli, which is fully accessible. An accessible toilet is also available in the venue.
The Talks program takes place at Tiivistämö. The venue can be accessed via an accessible lift located to the left of the building’s main entrance, through the foyer bar and past the end of the bar counter. There is also a permanent ramp at the main entrance to Tiivistämö. However, it does not meet accessibility standards due to its steep gradient. An accessible toilet is available for visitors near the venue’s main entrance.
You can find descriptions and photos of all of the festival’s venues here: https://www.flowfestival.com/en/info/map-festival-area/.
Read more about the accessibility of Tiivistämö: https://tiivistamo.fi/en/what-is-tiivistamo/accessibility/.
All accessible routes and services are marked with an accessibility symbol:
The festival area is furnished spaciously, allowing access to furniture with assistive devices. There are seating areas at regular intervals for resting.
The walkways are as flat and firm as possible, regardless of weather conditions. Noticeable level changes, steps, and other structural features are marked with contrast or paint, or they are ramped. There is one road within the festival area where cobblestones create uneven thresholds. This section has been partially levelled with gravel at crossing points along pedestrian routes. Dropped kerbs are provided at pedestrian crossings and vehicle access points.
ASSISTANTS, INTERPRETERS, GUIDES AND ASSISTANCE DOGS
People using assistive devices or requiring assistance should purchase a regular ticket to the event. An assistant accompanying an attendee always has free admission. The assistant does not need a separate wristband or ticket. We do not require a card or proof of disability. However, presenting an EU disability card, an assistance card, a visual impairment card, or, for example, a disabled parking permit can facilitate the process at the entrance if the disability is not visible. The assistant policy also applies to interpreters. Assistant and guide dogs are welcome at the event, and water can be obtained for them from the festival’s water points, which are indicated on the site map.
ARRIVAL
The Flow Festival site is located in Suvilahti, near the centre of Helsinki. The street address of the area is Parrukatu, 00540 Helsinki. The festival site is accessible by public transportation.
The nearest public transport stops and stations are:
Metro – Sörnäinen and Kalasatama
Bus – Suvilahti and Sörnäinen (M)
Tram – Sörnäinen (M), Lintulahti, Helsinginkatu, and Kaarlenkatu
The festival area is within HSL’s AB zone. Please note that you cannot purchase an HSL ticket for the A zone only; you will need either an AB, ABC, or ABCD ticket to travel to the festival by public transport. Read more about the zones here: https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares/hsl-area-and-zones
For more information on ticket prices and purchasing, visit: https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares
For detailed information on public transportation and routes from your starting point to Suvilahti, visit Reittiopas at https://reittiopas.hsl.fi/etusivu?locale=en
For more information about the accessibility of public transportation, please visit https://www.hsl.fi/en/travelling/accessibility
Unfortunately, there is no parking available near the event area.
However, accessible taxis can be ordered to designated drop-off points. The drop-off point is located near the festival’s main gate and the Suvilahti wristband exchange point, at the ABC Sörnäinen service station (Sörnäisten rantatie 20, 00500 Helsinki). The distance from the drop-off point to the main gate is approximately 300 meters.
An accessible taxi can also be ordered to another drop-off point, located near Redi at the intersection of Koksikatu and Kaasutehtaankatu(Kaasutehtaankatu 1, 00500 Helsinki). Visitors arriving by accessible taxi at this drop-off point may enter the festival area through service gate 3. Please note that your festival wristband must be exchanged in advance to use this entrance. Security staff at the gate will check your wristband and carry out the security inspection. This entry procedure applies only to visitors arriving by accessible taxi to the drop-off.
Please note that the designated drop-off points are not general taxi stands, but accessible taxis can be ordered to stop there.
ACCESSIBLE WRISTBAND EXCHANGE
An accessible lane is available at the Suvilahti wristband exchange point on the left side of the area, along Hanasaarenkatu. The route is separate from the general queue and has a firm, even surface. The accessible lane is 1 metre wide and features a lowered service counter. The festival’s main gate has a marked accessible lane on the left side with a level and even surface.
Wristband Exchange, Suvilahti
Opening hours:
Wed 12.8. closed
Thu 13.8. 14-20
Fri 14.8. 11-00
Sat 15.8. 11-00
Sun 16.8. 11-22
Street address: Hanasaarenkatu 10, 00500 (the intersection of Hanasaarenkatu and Sörnäisten rantatie)
The wristband exchange point at Lasipalatsi square, an accessible public space in the Helsinki city centre, features a dedicated lowered service counter marked with the accessibility symbol.
Wristband exchange Lasipalatsi square, Helsinki City Centre
Opening hours:
Wed 12.8 10-20
Thu 13.8. 10-20
Fri 14.8. 10-20
Sat 15.8. closed
Sun 16.8. closed
Street address: Lasipalatsinaukio, 00101 Helsinki
A wristband exchange point is also available at the Marski by Scandic hotel in central Helsinki. The facilities are accessible, and the exchange point is located on the covered terrace in front of the hotel entrance.
Wristband exchange Marski by Scandic
Opening hours:
Thu 13.8. 16-22
Street address: Mannerheimintie 10, 00100 Helsinki
A wristband exchange point is also available at the Lyko store, located on the ground floor of Forum Shopping Centre.
Wristband exchange Lyko, Forum
Opening hours:
Thu 13.8. 16-20
Street address: Mannerheimintie 20, 00100 Helsinki
NOISE, LIGHTS, AND SMOKE IN PERFORMANCES
Performances on Flow’s stages often include flashing lights and smoke. Some shows may use strobe lights, and efforts are made to notify audiences about their use beforehand via screens and stage announcements, if known in advance. The use of lights and smoke varies greatly depending on the performer.
Flow adheres to the sound level limits defined by authorities. Volume levels are at their highest near the front of the stages, and we recommend that attendees protect their hearing when in close proximity to the stages. Earplugs are available at the festival’s info point.
HEARING ENVIRONMENT
Unfortunately, Flow Festival is not accessible to people with hearing impairments as there is no induction loop available at the event.
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
All WC areas on the premises have accessible portable toilets. Accessible toilets are placed conveniently at the beginning of each WC area.
An accessible toilet is available behind the fence near the accessible viewing platform at the Main Stage. The security staff stationed at the gate will provide access upon request. A similar arrangement is available near the accessible viewing platform at the Silver Arena. Near the Black Tent viewing platform, there is a public toilet area that includes accessible toilets.
Accessible toilets are also available in several permanent buildings within the festival area. An accessible indoor toilet is located near the main entrance of Tiivistämö. Peloton restaurant has an accessible indoor toilet which is spacious, with ample turning space. It is 220 cm wide, with 170 cm of clear space between the toilet and the door. There is 100 cm of space on both sides of the toilet, although the space on the right is occupied by a changing table. The door opens outwards.
The accessible toilet in Kattilahalli does not fully meet current accessibility standards. The room is 145 cm wide, with 155 cm of clear space between the toilet and the door. There is 60 cm of space to the left of the toilet and 70 cm to the right. The door opens outwards.
Flow Festival utilises a “Vessapassi” (Toilet Pass) system. Holders of the Vessapassi have the right to access accessible toilets or public toilets without queuing. The purpose of the Vessapassi is to facilitate the festival experience for people with, for example, gastrointestinal conditions. Please consider the holders of the Vessapassi when using the toilet facilities at Flow Festival!
VOLUNTEERING
Every year, a large group of volunteers helps make Flow Festival happen. There are many different kinds of volunteer tasks, and having a functional limitation does not necessarily prevent participation. For example, some tasks are not physically demanding or can be done while seated.
In the volunteer application, it’s a good idea to mention preferred tasks and any limitations that might affect the ability to perform specific duties. Our volunteer team is happy to help find a suitable role.
The volunteer application for Flow 2026 has been closed. Inquiries for openings or cancellations: volunteer@flowfestival.com.
EQUALITY
Flow Festival is committed to equality, justice, and inclusivity. Everyone is welcome to the festival as themselves, and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination on the premises. We expect all staff, partners, and subcontractors to adhere to the same values. If you experience or witness any harassment or discrimination, please report it immediately to the nearest security personnel or information desk. You can recognise the security personnel by their yellow and orange safety vests.
EQUALITY AND HARASSMENT CONTACT PERSON
Flow Festival has an impartial equality and harassment contact person. Flow Festival provides the services of the harassment contact person for possible harassment situations, and the service is intended for all festival guests, employees, volunteers, and performers.
The harassment contact person at Flow Festival is a healthcare professional whose role is to act as an impartial supporter for anyone who has experienced any form of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or inappropriate treatment. Harassment situations are primarily addressed through solution-oriented approaches, and if necessary, individuals may be directed to seek appropriate assistance. The harassment contact person can also assist in resolving situations together with other festival staff in a multidisciplinary manner. The harassment contact person is bound by confidentiality.
The goal of having a harassment contact person is to make Flow Festival as safe as possible for all parties involved and to promote equality. Physical and mental integrity is everyone’s right, and at Flow, one should be able to feel safe without fear of any kind of discrimination, harassment, sexual or verbal assault, or any other inappropriate treatment or behaviour.
SAFETY
Flow is known as a safe festival, but we are aware of the challenges related to the safety of a large public event. Together with the festival audience, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, we aim to create an event where everyone can participate safely and feel comfortable. The security and crowd control in the area are managed by Securitas Events Oy.
HEALTH SAFETY
We pay special attention to the health and safety of our customers and staff at the festival. We are committed to following the current guidelines and instructions provided by the authorities and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). There are several handwashing stations throughout the festival area, equipped with soap and hand sanitisers. The staff and restaurants have been instructed to follow common safety and hygiene guidelines. Please only attend Flow Festival if you are in good health.
ACCESS ROUTES AND POTENTIAL EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
The access routes within the festival area are open and spacious. We make sure that there are no bottlenecks. We closely monitor the situation with the security personnel and make necessary adjustments to the area and practices. We are prepared for various potential emergency situations and provide information to the audience through screens, stage announcements, the Flow mobile application, and social media channels. If you notice any safety deficiencies at Flow, please report them promptly to the nearest security personnel or send an email to office@flowfestival.com.
QUESTIONS, OTHER ISSUES, AND FIRST AID
For questions regarding safety on the festival site and other issues, such as experiencing or witnessing distressing or inappropriate behaviour, you can turn to the nearest security personnel. The security personnel wearing yellow vests can assist you with any safety-related questions or other issues on the festival site. If necessary, you can also visit the first aid station at the festival site. The first aid workers from the Finnish Red Cross are trained to respond to various situations and can also provide psychological first aid if needed. In addition, Finnish Red Cross’ first aid and preventive substance abuse workers are present throughout the area, identifiable by their red attire. Flow’s information volunteers, wearing light pink info vests, are also available to assist you with any questions regarding the festival and accessibility. They also distribute earplugs.
If you need more information about Flow’s accessibility and inclusivity, you can send an email to jussi.artiola@flowfestival.com.
Welcome to Flow!