A new report from Attitude Is Everything has highlighted ongoing accessibility challenges across the live events industry.
The disability-led charity's State Of Access Report 2026 – its first major report in eight years – found that 94% of disabled audience members surveyed said they expose themselves to personal risk when attending music and live events, with 62% reporting that they have explained access needs repeatedly.
It also highlights the potential for disabled audiences to generate £400 million in additional value for the live events industry if accessibility is improved.
The report, which is based on a nationwide survey exploring the experiences of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, found that while the sector is moving in the right direction, access provisions remain inconsistent. It estimates that poor access costs disabled people an average of £99 per audience visit, £138 per artist performance and £184 per professional engagement.
The findings are shocking, but sadly not surprising
Catherine Pymar, Attitude Is Everything
Attitude Is Everything CEO Catherine Pymar said: “Music connects us all, bringing joy and community, but the findings from this report describe a sector that is failing to provide consistent, reliable access to music and live events for over 16.8 million people in the UK. The findings are shocking, but sadly not surprising.
"The findings from this report will inform the guidance and recommendations we make to the music industry through our training, consultancy and Live Events Access Charter. By sharing the feedback with the sector, and supporting the music industry to embed access, we aim to improve the experiences for the disabled community, because by removing barriers, we don’t just open doors, we open up and entire industry.”
Supported with funding from the Purple Guide Grants and Nimbus Disability, the study will help establish a new foundation in setting standards for national progress.
The most common needs among those surveyed were seating or rest requirements (61%), mobility access (60%), chronic illness or energy-limiting conditions (59%), toilet access (50%) and neurodivergent access provisions (43%).
Let’s make sure we use this State Of Access report as a moment to turn the corner and ensure music can be accessible to everyone
Tom Kiehl, UK Music
“The State Of Access report acknowledges there have been some improvements, but that these have been inconsistently applied," said UK Music CEO Tom Kiehl. "The sector is being potentially denied £400 million as a result. Let’s make sure we use this State Of Access report as a moment to turn the corner and ensure music can be accessible to everyone.”
Nimbus Disability CEO Martin Austin MBE added: "Attitude Is Everything’s State Of Access reports have long served as an industry benchmark for understanding the clear, evidenced needs of disabled live entertainment fans. The 2014 report shone a spotlight on the severe frustrations surrounding accessible booking, acting as the catalyst for our mission to streamline the ticketing journey. Over a decade later, we are incredibly proud to sponsor the new report and continue breaking down these barriers across the industry."
The report can be accessed in full here.
