Accessibility within UK music venues and why it needs improving

As many of you may have seen, music venues within the UK have very little care for accessibility needs, and staff members tend to possess very little knowledge in this particular field. This results in people gaining bad experiences when they are just trying to enjoy a concert. Obviously, not all venues are bad for this, and some venues have excellent accessibility.

Legal requirements for accessibility in UK venues

In the UK, venues are legally obligated to ensure all individuals are able to access events; this duty falls under the equality act of 2010. The law means venues must take reasonable steps to ensure disabled people don't become disadvantaged. This includes providing accommodations for individuals with both physical and sensory disabilities.

Although all venues are legally obligated to be accessible, they do not all possess adequate accommodations for some members of the disabled community. There are multiple examples of this, and although some venues are 'fully' accessible, the accessible seating is in an awkward location with a limited view. However, some venues are exceptional, resulting in some people looking into a venue's accommodations before buying concert tickets to ensure their needs will be catered for.

Having to look into a venue's accommodations before buying tickets is something I believe shouldn't have to happen. A member of the disabled community should be able to buy tickets to a concert knowing their needs are being fully catered for.

My own personal experience

I have a very limited experience with accessibility in music venues, mainly down to the fact I hold off buying tickets due to the fear my needs won't be met. I have some knowledge of which venues have limited accessibility, so I avoid buying tickets for those places. I believe that I should be able to live my life like any other teenage girl and enjoy concerts as much as I wish; I should not worry about my needs not being met.

The last concert I went to, at the Co-op live Manchester, we never had accessibility tickets (down to the fact a family friend bought them). However, I still find it appalling that security gave a dirty look to a 16-year-old girl just because she was limping. We had a RADAR key on us, which allows access to the accessibility toilet. The moment a teenage girl possesses this key, she receives negative attention from various sources, including the welfare and safeguarding teams.

The Co-op live: a negative experience, according to multiple online sources

From my online research, it seems that the venue only considers the bare minimum accommodations for disabled individuals, most of which are legal requirements. On a positive note, I have read that the welfare and safeguarding team have exceptional knowledge around different requirements; however, the rest of the staff at the venue appear to lack basic knowledge and education about accessibility.

Positive experiences: O2 Academy Glasgow, according to various online sources

On the other hand, the O2 Academy Glasgow is a venue I have seen mostly good things about. If you have accessibility tickets, you can enter through the side door, where a staff member will greet you and take you to your seat.

The venue's accessibility is in front of the bar, which can make some uncomfortable, but those who requested accessibility get priority.

The same member of staff from earlier will guide you out at the end of the show, once the majority of the crowd has left. The venue offers straightforward, well-maintained accessibility and knowledgeable staff.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, Venues in the UK have destitute accessibility standards, and staffing teams have very little awareness of the different requirements people may have. This sector needs major improvements so people can feel safe when buying concert tickets. All staff members should have the basic training, at the very least, and possess knowledge about the various requirements that members of the disabled community have. Alongside this, the actual accessibility areas within some venues require a major revamp to better accommodate the diverse needs of the disabled community, ensuring safety and comfort during ticket purchasing and concert attendance.