Essential guide: Going to a gig as a wheelchair user
Make the most of live events with practical advice on booking, access, seating, and planning for gigs as a wheelchair user – from our Youth Board.
Watching live music can be a joyful, life-affirming experience – and as a wheelchair user there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get to enjoy it too.
Not all venues are created equal, however, so here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip to a gig soon. We’ve also included some expert tips from our gig-going, festival-loving Youth Board.
In this guide we’ll cover:
- What you need to know before booking gig tickets
- Getting to the gig
- What to take with you
- Access and seating at gigs
- Using the toilet at a gig
Booking tickets and sussing out access
Booking tickets can feel overwhelming but a bit of forward-planning can help make the experience less stressful.
Accessible seats are often limited and if you want to see an artist who is popular, they can sell out fast.
It’s best to set up an online account with the ticket provider before tickets go on sale. You should also ensure you have all your documentation (e.g. proof of disability) ready to go in advance.
For small venues, if the information online is unclear or you’re struggling to book, call the venue’s box office directly. You’ll usually get better support over the phone and you can then discuss your specific needs with a real person.
For larger venues, there is usually an accessibility team. They’re busy and you may not be able to get hold of them on the phone. You can check the venue’s website for details as they often have details online.
Investigate venue access
Before booking the tickets, it’s worth checking out how accessible the venue is. Check out things like what seating is available for wheelchair users, what the toilets are like, and the access/parking situation.
Some smaller venues have limited information available online, so it’s worth calling them to check.
Community members have told us that they’ve asked for venues to send them photos in advance of the entrances, toilets, and viewing platforms. Most are happy to oblige, they say.
Get *free* tickets for a companion
Going to a gig with a friend? Lots of venues now offer a free carer/companion ticket for wheelchair users. You can request it when you book your ticket.
You may need to book your companion ticket through their box office.
You may also need to provide proof of your condition, such as a Blue Badge, PIP, DLA or an Access Card.
Getting to the gig
Think carefully about how you’re going to get to the gig and allow plenty of time in case things don’t go to plan.
If you’re going to see a popular artist at a large venue, public transport on the night might be crowded. Travelling up earlier in the day or travelling by car or taxi might be more comfortable.
Work out how you’re going to get from your transport to the venue. Is there a bus or train stop nearby? Does the venue have accessible parking, or a loading bay where you can be dropped off?
Make a plan for getting home
Leaving venues can be stressful so have a plan for the end of the night.
Many large venues will ask wheelchair users to wait until the end. It’s definitely something to check if you’re planning on rushing for the last train.
Think about what time does the gig end? How will you get back to your bus or train stop and will the service still be running? Will there be staff around at that time to support you onto the bus/train if you need it?
If you’re travelling a long way to get to the gig, it may be more comfortable to stay overnight in a hotel instead.
What you can take to the gig?
Most gig venues now have certain rules about what you can and can’t bring into a gig and will do a bag search before you enter.
If there’s any specific medication or equipment you need, always check the venue’s website or ask them in advance. You may need to bring a doctor’s letter for items you’re bringing with you.
Things like power banks and selfie-sticks aren’t allowed in some venues, so check beforehand what you can and can’t take.
Inside the venue
Different venues have different viewing arrangements for wheelchair users. At some, there’s a designated viewing platform for wheelchair users, which means you’ll be seated away from the crowd, usually with a better view.
In others you are seated among the crowd, closer to the stage in specific seating areas. Some people enjoy them as they’re nearer to the action. Others don’t, as there’s a risk of possibly being too low down to see, or having others standing around you, which can obscure your view.
Always try and get confirmation when you’re booking so that you know where you’ll be seated and can prepare.
Most gigs allow early entry to wheelchair users, which means you get to go in before the rest of the crowd if you want to. This can be a good opportunity to use the toilet or grab a drink before the show starts.
If for whatever reason you prefer to enter later, staff can usually guide you through the crowd to your viewing area. It’s worth checking in advance if they have any guidance on this.
Toilets
Larger venues will likely have accessible toilets, but smaller venues may not, or they may be more compact than expected.
Once the gig has started it can be hard to access the loo as you’ll have to make your way through the bouncy and excited crowd. It’s a good idea to note where they are in the venue and plan your route from your seat to the toilet beforehand.
Some venues require you to have a Radar key to unlock the accessible toilet, so bring that with you just in case.
Expert tips from the Youth Board
Here are some tips from the gig-goers on our Youth Board.
Expert tips from the Youth Board
- Go to gigs with a friend: Most venues offer a free ticket that enables someone to come with you. You’ll need to prove you’re eligible, so sign-up to the Nimbus Card. This is accepted by most venues in the UK.
- Check how to purchase access tickets before they go on sale: Different venues have different processes. Many providers sell access tickets online, but some only provide them over the phone. For big gigs, check if assistance tickets are included on any pre-sale.
Check what type of access ticket you are buying: Some require you to stay in your wheelchair, others will require you to transfer. Knowing what you’re getting can help you to plan and prepare. Many seats which offer signing options are not in step-free areas. It’s always advisable to check with the venue before booking.
Understand any restrictions: Check with the venue about any restrictions on medication or medical equipment you can bring. You can also ask any questions about accessibility.
Check out the viewing platforms: Some venues and festivals offer viewing platforms. These can offer better views but may be away from the main viewing area. Platforms can also get busy and are often first come, first served so you’ll need to arrive early for the best view.
Gigs with accessible service points are great: They enable you to skip the queue and get seen quicker.
Be prepared: Community members tell us that a foldable wheelchair tray can be very useful at gigs for balancing your food and drink. There may not be anywhere else to balance them otherwise.
Be vocal: It can be daunting but if you’re struggling on the night always ask for help. If you have a poor view of the stage, or are having trouble accessing something, let the staff know. It’s their job to help you.
Avoid the crowd (if you can): Gigs are busy and you might find yourself stuck in a crowd, which can be tricky. Try and plan your night to ensure you avoid this where possible. Think about going in early and either leaving earlier, or waiting until crowds have filtered out before leaving.
Keep your phone accessible: Don’t use up all your battery taking pics and videos! You might need it for emergencies, so try to keep some power free or, if the venue allows, take a powerbank as back up.
Round up: Gigging with your wheelchair
Gigs are brilliant fun and everyone agrees that wheelchair users have as much right as anyone else to enjoy them.
In reality, not all venues are set up to accommodate your needs, so it’s important to communicate early about what your needs are. Always allow yourself plenty of time to make sure you can access everything without too much stress and have a good time.
Here’s a reminder of what we’ve covered:
- Check facilities at the venue before booking
- Find out what the viewing options are for wheelchair users and whether you can get a companion ticket included
- Be aware of what you can and can’t bring into the gig and have any paperwork ready to show if you need it
- Sort out your travel well in advance and have a back-up plan in case things go wrong on the night
- Give yourself plenty of time to avoid the crowds
- Have a plan for accessing the loo
