Disabled-led charity Attitude is Everything has unveiled a new Live Events Access Charter that aims to further boost accessibility to live events for audiences, music professionals and artists.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, Attitude is Everything works to connect disabled people with the music and live events industries and to improve access together. Since 2000, the charity has delivered training to more than 10,000 creative professionals, worked in partnership with more than 200 festivals and venues, and supported thousands of volunteers.

The Live Events Access Charter has been pivotal to these impacts – providing a framework for venues and event organisers to build disability equality into all aspects of their productions, while supporting disabled Mystery Shoppers to provide constructive feedback and encourage further positive change.

Through this process, more than 210 venues and festivals have been awarded charter status, from the smallest grassroots performance spaces through to theatres, arenas and the biggest outdoor events.

Following a comprehensive audit and pilot programme, the new Live Events Access Charter will retain this core DNA.

However, reflecting the expansion of Attitude is Everything’s activities, it will now operate as an online learning platform, offering Charter members access to user-friendly and accessible resources, templates and guidance.

Importantly, the new Charter will now actively ensure that access intersects with sustainability, community building, and the experiences of artists and professionals.

Paul Hawkins, interim managing director of Attitude is Everything, said: “I’m really excited that we’re presenting a new Charter that integrates our learning around improving access for artists and professionals, our learnings around environmental responsibility, and that attempts to embed an inclusive culture through everything we do. We’re confident our relaunched Charter will give greater transparency to venues and audiences, and give them greater opportunities to learn new practices and demonstrate tangible change.”

John Rostron, CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), said: “Every year we build brilliant festivals that bring joy, music and wonder to millions. Our gift is that we then have 12 months to reimagine what the festival will look like, and we can constantly create, innovate and improve. This is one wonderful reason why festivals lead on accessibility – they’re more nimble and free to listen, adapt and change – and the new Charter is a great framework and measure by which we can all be better for the good of us all.”

The importance of these developments was illustrated in a panel discussion – held before the launch of the new Charter – which was moderated by Attitude is Everything’s Inclusive Communities Manager, Bee Grzegorzek.

The launch evening culminated in four new Live Events Access Charter Awards, recognising innovation, creativity, and commitment to making live events more inclusive.

These awards were presented to:

• Metronome – Impact Award: recognising how the Nottingham venue’s staff go above and beyond to ensure all customers are welcome, and also support upcoming artists and students with hands-on experience.
• Victorious Festival – Operations Award: recognising its commitment to creative solutions to accessibility, including the transformation of the Waterfront Garden Centre, a partnership and community space.
• Lytham Festival – Production Award: recognising its thoughtful access measures including a drinks service for access customers, accessible luxury trailers, and lowered bars.
• Mark Schofield – Outward Voice Award: for his enthusiasm and contributions as a Mystery Shopper.

Image: TRNSMT/ Michael Hunter