What is the Low Sensory Shopping Hour?
We welcome shoppers to experience the Handmade Market in a reduced sensory, relaxed and supportive environment between 9:00am and 10:00am on Sunday morning of market weekend. Everyone is welcome to stay past this hour, however, lighting, sound and smells will return to previous levels at 10:00am.
Our Low Sensory Shopping Hour is inclusive and open to all. Anyone who may benefit from the experience is encouraged to come along. This hour may be especially useful for people with Autism, the elderly or people with sensory sensitivities.
We ask that attendees register to attend the Low Sensory Shopping hour. This will enable us to limit the numbers and make less overwhelming and easier to move around.
What to expect?
During our Low Sensory Shopping Hour we will be:
- Reducing the amount of lights to make it less bright
- Reducing the volume of music and PA announcements
- Educating staff and stallholders so they better understand customers needs during this hour
- Limiting attendance numbers to give shoppers more space and reduce overwhelm
- Giving an announcement 15 minutes and 5 minutes before the doors open to the general public
- Providing a dedicated quiet space for visitors if they require
- Displaying a market map that provides support on how to navigate the market
- Indicating though signage if you’re about to enter a space that will have brighter lights, smells or sounds
What to bring?
If you have sensitivities, you may like to bring these items to feel more comfortable:
- Your ticket reservation to show on entry
- Your Sunflower Lanyard if you have one
- Noise reducing headphones
- Stimming, fidget toy or device
- Hat or sunglasses
- Hand sanitiser
- Reusable shopping bag
- Shopping list
Market Map
Our market map will show you the location of the market stalls, toilets, food, quiet areas.
Venue Information
For details on venue facilities such as toilets, baby change rooms, getting to the market and parking please visit our Visiting the Market page.
Assistance During the Market
If you have any questions or need assistance during the market, you will find Handmade Staff at the information desk in the foyer, and walking around the market.
Staff will be wearing a Handmade apron, lanyard and name badge.