Band on the Wall strives to be inclusive and accessible for all. We are keen to take all reasonable steps to meet the requirements of our Deaf and disabled customers, and pledge to exceed expectations wherever possible.
We work closely with Attitude is Everything to improve Deaf and disabled people’s access to live music, whether customers, performers or staff. We are proud to be the first small venue in the country to be awarded Gold Status on the Attitude is Everything charter.
Our full Access Guide contains detailed information on bookings, transport, getting around in the venue, and more.
Download here: Access-Guide-to-Band-on-the-Wall (Word) / Access-Guide-to-Band-on-the-Wall (PDF)
This document is also available as an audio guide or in braille, on request. Please call 0161 834 1786 or email access@bandonthewall.org
“My partner and I regularly attend shows at Band on the Wall, despite both of us struggling to walk far or stand. The staff are most hospitable and arrange seating for us near the stage even at shows which are nominally ‘standing’. The venue caters fully for physically disabled people and has a ground floor easy access toilet.”– Sid Toole
Audio Listings
Our monthly listings brochure is available in audio format. Gigs are announced all the time, so please check our what’s on page for latest information.
Arrival Information
Upon arrival at the venue please speak to a member of our box office team if you require assistance or have any questions. The box office is immediately to the right of the blue door entrance to our venue.
We understand that you may wish to speak to a member of staff in confidence/out of earshot of other staff and customers about your needs or requirements. If you ask at the box office to speak to the duty manager, they will take you to a quiet place where you can discuss any needs or concerns.
Venue Information
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible.
There is level access to:
- The main venue ground floor (slight down-gradient as you enter the main door)
- The adjacent bar ground floor
- Learning floor (via lift)
- The stage (via bar, ground floor)
- Artist dressing rooms (via lift) with adjacent accessible toilet and shower room
Accessible Toilets
There are five accessible toilets, all with level access, in:
- The main venue: accessed from the corridor on the right, as you face the stage
- The bar: on the right ahead of the small stage
- The basement: for the use of artists only, next door to the dressing rooms (via lift)
- The corridor on the first floor, for the use of staff and users of the education facilities (via lift)
- The back corridor on the first floor, for the use of staff and users of the education facilities (via lift)
The entrances to all the accessible toilets are 92 cm wide and the internal dimensions are 2m x 2m. All are fitted with grab rails and electronic alarms. The internal dimensions of the accessible toilet/shower room for artists are 3.3m x 2.3m.
Companion Tickets
Companions providing personal assistance gain free access, though one week’s prior notice is preferred. We do not require any evidence to support a companion ticket request.
If you require a companion to attend with you, please contact us on 0161 834 1786 or email access@bandonthewall.org
Accessible (Blue Badge) Parking
Blue badge holders may park with a badge and clock displayed for up to three hours on a single or double yellow line (so long as no loading restrictions are in force). The clock must be set to show the time of arrival. This applies on Swan Street where Band on the Wall is located, and in all surrounding streets.
Seating
There are several types of seating and the layout varies considerably depending on the event. If you require more information about the seating for a particular event, please phone Band on the Wall on 0161 834 1786 (weekdays between 10:00 – 17:00) or email access@bandonthewall.org
We do not offer a general seating reservation facility, but if a seat is an access requirement, please contact us in advance (ideally a minimum of one week) and we will arrange for you to have one. Alternatively, arrive early and ask to speak to the duty manager – they will help you access the venue prior to doors to find suitable seating. Even when an event is advertised as ‘standing only’, there still is seating available on the mezzanine level. If stairs are an issue we can also provide a seating area on the ground floor to the side of the stage.
We do not allocate a specific area for wheelchair users; we give the option of where you wish to view the stage. However, if you require assistance to find a viewing position, please ask a member of staff and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Height of Seats
Loose chairs are 18 inches (46 cms) in height – seat base from floor. On the balcony, which is not accessible by wheelchair users, the high stools are 30 inches (75 cms) in height and the low stools 18 inches (46 cms) in height. The stools are backless.
Customers with Medical Requirements
We welcome customers who may need to bring medicines, food, or drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment. Please contact us on access@bandonthewall.org or 0161 834 1786 if you have any concerns or special requirements related to the above and we will assist however possible.
Strobe Lighting
Strobe lighting is used during some performances as a visual effect.
A proportion of people with photo-sensitive epilepsy may be affected by strobe lighting, and the effect may also produce undesirable sensations amongst the general population.
Certain people with epilepsy and photosensitivity may suffer a seizure if exposed to flashing or strobe lighting.
Please ask Band on the Wall’s staff if a strobe is in use prior to entering the venue, and they will be able to inform you. We will also display signage in the bar area if strobe lighting will be used during a performance.
Assistance Dogs
Guide Dog and Assistance Dog owners have important rights under the Equality Act 2010 (EA). Details can be found at http://assistancedogs.org.uk
Assistance Dogs are welcome in the venue and bar. A bowl of water can be provided.
Feedback
Feedback on access issues is welcomed: please contact us on 0161 834 1786 or email access@bandonthewall.org
We also welcome feedback on Euan’s Guide, TripAdvisor and Google.
Features
Read about us in Age UK’s Accessible Event Venues in the UK
Watch a short film produced by the British Council on live music accessibility, highlighting Band on the Wall and Glastonbury Festival:
