Poznań’s Pyrkon fantasy festival has received the grand prize in the Friendly Space category at the 2026 Lodołamacze (Icebreakers) awards, recognising its work to make large public events more accessible to people with disabilities.
The award was presented on 23rd October during a ceremony at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. Pyrkon had previously won the regional stage of the competition in September, securing recognition at both levels.
The jury highlighted the festival’s efforts to reduce barriers and create an environment where visitors with different accessibility needs can take part in the event.
For one of Poznań’s best-known annual festivals, the recognition reflects a growing focus on making cultural events more welcoming to a wider audience.
Accessibility at Pyrkon
Pyrkon has introduced a range of facilities and services to help visitors navigate the festival and enjoy its programme.
At the 2026 edition, Polish Sign Language (PJM) interpretation was provided for two major events for the first time: the festival’s Masquerade and a concert by Polish rock band Łydka Grubasa.
Other provisions include lifts, adapted pavilion entrances, priority ticket desks, accessible toilets and a family room. Visitors who need a break from busy surroundings can also use a dedicated quiet zone.
Additional support includes tactile maps, induction loops, a pictogram-based communication card and access to an online Polish Sign Language interpreter. Selected talks take place with dimmed lighting and reduced sound levels, while recordings of some PJM-interpreted programme items are published on the festival’s YouTube channel.
Visitors with disabilities can attend with an assistant or carer, who receives a free festival pass. Organisers also encourage attendees to share their individual needs in advance so that suitable arrangements can be made.
Recognition for the festival team
Anna Pawłowska-Zygarowicz, Pyrkon’s Accessibility Representative, welcomed the award as recognition of the work undertaken by the team.
“I am immensely proud of both Lodołamacze awards. This is an exceptionally important distinction for us, confirming that Pyrkon has become an even more open and accessible event for all fans of fantasy,” she said.
She also stressed that accessibility should be central to event planning rather than treated as an optional extra.
“Accessibility is not an add-on, but one of the key pillars of responsible event organisation. That was the goal I had in mind when I took on the role of Accessibility Representative, and this award shows that we have chosen the right direction,” she added.
Pawłowska-Zygarowicz said further improvements were planned, with the team continuing to work towards making visitors feel welcome and able to enjoy the festival’s attractions.
What are the Lodołamacze awards?
The Lodołamacze competition recognises companies, institutions and organisations that work to improve opportunities for people with disabilities, challenge barriers and support social and professional inclusion.
It is organised by the Foundation for the Vocational Activation of People with Disabilities and the Polish Organisation of Employers of People with Disabilities.
Pyrkon’s national award places accessibility among the festival’s recognised achievements. As a major gathering for fantasy fans in Poznań, its approach also offers a useful example of how organisers can adapt busy cultural events to accommodate different needs.
The festival team says it will continue developing its accessibility measures, with further goals still to be achieved.
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