With more venues signing up to the ‘Charter of Best Practice,’ the number of deaf and disabled music fans attending live music shows, concerts and festivals is increasing…
According to London-based music charity Attitude is Everything, the number of deaf and disabled fans attending live music events in the UK is increasing.
Between 2014 and 2015, there was a 26% rise in the number of tickets sold to disabled music fans. The event, Ground Control, saw the biggest surge in disabled ticket sales last year, which was fueled by a 107% increase at Festival Number 6, and a 55% increase at The Parklife Weekender.
The charity analyzed over 100 UK music venues, festivals and concerts. From the research gathered, the charity found an increase in the number of venues adhering to the ‘Charter of Best Practice,’ which looks to improve the concert experience for disabled and deaf music fans. Some of the new sign-ups in the last 12 months include Glastonbury and the O2 Arena.
By joining, the operators of the venues are committing to improving accessibility, as well as going beyond the basic legal obligations of the 2010 Equality Act. These venues are also agreeing to be visited and analyzed by Attitude is Everything’s network of volunteers.
And thinking that deaf fans can’t enjoy a concert? That ignores the important social, visual, and sensational, vibrating bass that permeates most major events. In fact, some would argue that music isn’t even the most important element!
Suzanne Bull, CEO Attitude is Everything, says…
”As well as encouraging innovation and best practice, this practical and straightforward process sends out an important message of inclusivity to deaf and disabled fans across the UK, who are attending live music events in ever increasing numbers.”
(Image by Eva Rinaldi, Creative Commons, Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)