Planning a day out that includes a wheelchair user requires more thought than most people realise, at least until they have done it a few times. The good news is that accessibility at UK events and venues has improved significantly over the past decade. The less good news is that it remains inconsistent, and doing your homework in advance can make the difference between a brilliant day and a frustrating one.
Start with the person, not the venue
The most important step is to talk to the wheelchair user about what they want from the day. This might sound obvious, but well-meaning friends and family sometimes focus so heavily on accessibility logistics that they forget to ask what the person actually wants to do. A wheelchair user is a person with interests and preferences first. Start with "what would you enjoy?" rather than "what can you access?"
Different wheelchair users have different needs. A powered wheelchair user has different access requirements from a manual wheelchair user. Someone who can transfer to a standard seat has different needs from someone who stays in their chair. The width of the chair matters for doorways and aisles. Whether the person needs a companion to assist them affects how many tickets you need and what type. Ask specifically rather than assuming.
Researching venue accessibility
Once you know what you want to do, research the venue thoroughly before booking. Most larger venues have accessibility pages on their websites that cover wheelchair access, accessible seating, accessible toilets, and parking. Read these carefully, but also be prepared to phone the venue's accessibility or box office team with specific questions.
Key things to check:
- Step-free access -- Can you get from the entrance to the event space without encountering steps? Are there ramps or lifts?
- Accessible seating or viewing areas -- Where are the wheelchair spaces? Do they have a good view of the stage or activity? Is there space for a companion alongside?
- Accessible toilets -- Are there accessible toilets near the event space? Are they kept unlocked, or do you need a RADAR key? Some venues also have Changing Places toilets with hoists and adult-sized changing benches, which are essential for some wheelchair users
- Parking -- Is there accessible parking close to the entrance? How many spaces are there, and do you need to book them in advance?
- Surface and terrain -- For outdoor events, what is the ground like? Grass, gravel, and mud are difficult or impossible for many wheelchairs. Some festivals offer trackway matting or wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms
Booking tickets and requesting adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, event organisers and venue operators have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. This includes providing wheelchair-accessible seating, allowing a companion or personal assistant to attend (often at a reduced price or free of charge), and making other adjustments to ensure disabled people are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled people.
When booking, look for an accessibility or access booking option. Many venues have a dedicated access booking line or email address. If booking online, there should be options for wheelchair spaces and companion tickets. If these options are not visible, contact the venue directly.
Companion tickets (sometimes called personal assistant or carer tickets) are usually free or heavily discounted. The companion sits or stands next to the wheelchair space. You will typically need to provide evidence of eligibility, such as a letter from a GP, a Personal Independence Payment award letter, or an Access Card from Nimbus Disability.
When browsing events on Tickts, check individual event listings for accessibility information, or contact the organiser directly through the listing page.
Transport planning
Getting to the venue is often the most stressful part of the day. Plan your transport carefully:
- Driving -- If you have a Blue Badge, check the venue's accessible parking provision. Arrive early, as accessible spaces fill up quickly at popular events. If the venue does not have its own parking, research nearby car parks with accessible spaces
- Public transport -- Check accessibility at every stage of the journey. Not all train stations have step-free access, and you may need to book assistance through the Passenger Assist service at least 24 hours in advance. London Underground stations vary significantly in accessibility, so check the Transport for London step-free guide before planning a route
- Taxis -- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) can be booked through most local taxi firms, but availability varies. Book well in advance, especially for return journeys at popular event finish times
On the day
Allow extra time for everything. Accessible routes are sometimes longer than standard routes. Lifts have queues. Accessible toilets are sometimes locked and require staff assistance. Building in buffer time reduces stress and means you are not constantly rushing.
Bring anything the wheelchair user normally relies on. Spare batteries or a charger for powered wheelchairs. A rain cover if the forecast is uncertain. Any medication. A cushion if they will be sitting for a long period. A RADAR key for accessible toilets (available for around £5 from Disability Rights UK).
If something is not right when you arrive, be prepared to ask. If the accessible viewing area has a poor sightline, or the accessible toilet is out of order, or the advertised ramp does not exist, speak to venue staff. Most staff want to help, and many problems can be resolved quickly if you raise them calmly and clearly.
When things go wrong
Despite the legal duty under the Equality Act 2010, not every venue gets accessibility right. If you encounter a significant problem, such as being unable to access the event space, being refused a companion ticket that the venue's policy promises, or finding that advertised accessibility provisions do not exist, you have options.
Start by complaining directly to the venue in writing. Clearly describe the problem and what you would like them to do about it. If the venue does not resolve the issue, you can escalate to the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS), which provides advice and can help resolve disputes. In serious cases, a failure to make reasonable adjustments may constitute disability discrimination, which can be pursued through the courts.
Organisations like Attitude is Everything, a charity that works to improve access at live music events, can also provide guidance and support. They run a Charter of Best Practice that many UK venues and festivals have signed up to.
Making it enjoyable, not just accessible
The goal is not just to get through the day. It is to have a genuinely good time. Accessibility is the baseline, not the ceiling. Focus on the experience, not just the logistics. Take photos. Buy the overpriced souvenir. Sing along. Accessibility planning is essential, but it should be the foundation for a great day, not the entire focus of it.
Check upcoming events on Tickts to find events and activities that work for your group, and do not hesitate to contact organisers with accessibility questions before you book.
