Accessibility
at Events UK

Under the Equality Act 2010, event organisers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled people.

Anticipatory duty: This duty is anticipatory, meaning you must think about accessibility in advance, not just respond to individual requests. You should proactively identify barriers and remove or reduce them before the event.

Reasonable adjustments: What counts as “reasonable” depends on factors including the size and resources of your organisation, the cost of the adjustment, and the practicality of implementing it. A 50,000-capacity festival is expected to do more than a 50-person community workshop, but both have obligations.

Service providers: As an event organiser, you are a service provider under the Act. This covers everything from ticket sales to venue access to communication about the event.

Consequences of non-compliance: Disabled people can bring discrimination claims through the county court. Beyond legal risk, inaccessible events exclude a significant audience. There are 14.6 million disabled people in the UK. Many are enthusiastic event-goers when accessibility is properly considered.

Venue selection is the single biggest factor in event accessibility. Check these essentials before booking.

Step-free access: Can wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments access all areas? Check the entrance, all event spaces, bars, toilets, and emergency exits for level or ramped access.

Accessible toilets: At least one fully accessible toilet (not just a wider cubicle) must be available. Check that it is not used for storage, which is a common problem at venues.

Viewing areas: For events with a stage, provide a designated accessible viewing area with clear sightlines. Raised platforms or reserved spaces near the front ensure wheelchair users and their companions can see the performance.

Hearing loops: Check whether the venue has an induction loop system for hearing aid users. If not, consider hiring a portable loop for the event.

Lighting and signage: Clear, well-lit signage benefits everyone but is essential for people with visual impairments. High-contrast text on signs, good lighting in corridors, and tactile markers on steps all help.

UK Venue Guide lists accessibility features for venues across the UK, making it easier to find spaces that meet your needs.

Accessibility starts at the point of ticket purchase, not at the venue door.

Accessible event pages: Your event listing should be readable by screen readers. Use clear heading structure, alt text on images, and sufficient colour contrast. Avoid using images of text (posters) as the only source of event information.

Accessibility information on the listing: Include a dedicated accessibility section on your event page. Cover: wheelchair access, accessible parking, hearing loop availability, accessible toilets, any sensory considerations (strobe lighting, loud sound levels), and how to request additional adjustments.

Free companion tickets: Standard practice in the UK events industry is to offer a free ticket for a personal assistant or companion accompanying a disabled attendee. Make this easy to book. Do not make people call a phone number or fill out a form to claim it.

Contact for access requests: Provide a dedicated email or phone number for accessibility queries. Respond within 48 hours. Some people have needs that are not covered by your standard provisions. Being responsive and flexible makes all the difference.

tickts lets you create free companion ticket types and include detailed accessibility information on your event page. No booking fees means no additional cost for accessible ticket types.

How you communicate about your event needs to be accessible from the start.

Social media accessibility: Add alt text to all images on social media. Use camelCase for hashtags (#LiveMusicManchester, not #livemusicmanchester). Avoid flashing or rapidly moving content that could trigger seizures. Add captions to all video content.

Website accessibility: Your event website should meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards at minimum. This covers colour contrast, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and text resizing. Free tools like WAVE and axe can audit your pages.

Pre-event information: Send all attendees information about the venue, transport options, and what to expect. For disabled attendees, include specific details about accessible entrances, Blue Badge parking, and any venue navigation guides.

On-site communication: Ensure that any PA announcements are also communicated visually (on screens or notice boards) for deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees. Provide event programmes in large print if requested.

Emergency communication: Your evacuation plan must account for people who cannot hear alarms (visual alerts) and people who cannot use stairs (evacuation chairs or refuge areas). Brief your team on assisting disabled attendees during an emergency.

Accessibility extends beyond physical access to include sensory and neurodiverse needs.

Quiet spaces: Provide a designated quiet room or area where people can decompress if the event environment becomes overwhelming. This benefits people with autism, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and anyone who needs a break.

Sensory information: Publish a sensory guide for your event. Will there be loud music? Strobe lighting? Smoke machines? Crowded spaces? This information helps people with sensory sensitivities decide whether and how to attend, and plan accordingly.

BSL interpreters: For events with spoken content (conferences, talks, comedy), consider providing British Sign Language interpreters. This is standard at major events and is increasingly expected at medium-sized events.

Relaxed performances: For theatre and seated shows, consider offering a relaxed performance with adjusted lighting, reduced sound levels, and a more relaxed approach to audience behaviour. These are increasingly popular and serve a wide audience.

Training your team: Brief all staff and volunteers on accessibility awareness. The basics: do not touch a wheelchair without permission, speak directly to the disabled person (not their companion), ask before helping, and respond to requests with flexibility and respect.

For a comprehensive approach to event planning that includes accessibility from the start, see our event planning checklist.