Image Description: Emma's view from the accessible seating at The Civic at The Halls Wolverhampton. The stage is visible down below, over the barriers, and is filled with musical equipment. The lighting makes the stage look pink.
Another accessibility review. This time for The Civic at The Halls in Wolverhampton from my visit to see Royal Blood there in October 2023.
(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)
Ticket Buying
The ticket buying process was actually pretty simple as I just bought accessible seating online via the AXS app.
Travel
Travel was also pretty simple as Wolverhampton is close to me. It was just a 20-minute West Midlands train from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton with zero train drama.
Experience & Seating
Once I arrived at the venue there was a security check and a ticket check. I was shown to a lift which took me up to the circle. I then found my wheelchair space (with the carer seat in a flip down seat beside it. These spots can be a little hard to find (and discern which is your specific wheelchair space) when the lights are down ready for performance and it’s dark. There can be a bit of a queue for this lift at the end of a show, so factor that in and allow extra time if you have to get a train after the shows ends
It can be a little claustrophobic as there is no separation between the wheelchair spaces and those who are standing in the circle. This means that sometimes people will stand right behind and over you to watch the performance. This can be a little unnerving but obviously depends somewhat on the type of crowd at the show.
Another part of shows here that is a bit crowd dependent is the view from the accessible seating. This is because the view is almost entirely blocked when people stand up in the seats below. The standing up in seats below meant I missed the whole of Royal Blood’s ‘Little Monster’, which is a song I love to watch live. However, the issue does seem crowd dependent because the crowd stayed seated throughout when I saw Corey Taylor in November (and I think I saw signs asking people to remain seated) my view was perfect for that show.
Overall, I do like this venue and am pleased that their access seating can be booked online. However, I do wish there was something that could be done to make sure that the view from the accessible seating is NOT crowd dependent, since I don’t expect that those with seated tickets WILL just stay seated for the entire show.
Image Description: Emma's view from the access platform at SWX Bristol. There is a set of stairs and a rope barrier in front of where Emma is sitting. Flat wheelchair accessible entrance to the platform is behind Emma, out of shot. There is a crowd of people in front of the stage and musical equipment on stage. The lighting makes the stage look blue.
Another accessibility review, this time for SWX in Bristol from my visit to see Royal Blood there back in September 2023
(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)
Ticket Buying
Ticket buying was fairly simple. I just booked a standard ticket via Dice and then emailed the venue, with proof of disability, to request accessibility. I ended up emailing twice as I booked tickets to both of the album launch shows (which were on the same day), but I booked the tickets on separate bookings. I will say I was impressed at the speed with which my accessibility requests were dealt with.
Travel
I travelled from Birmingham New Street to Bristol Temple Meads with Cross Country. I stayed at a Premier Inn (the Lewins Mead one) which was the standard Premier Inn accessible room experience. One thing I will say about travelling in Bristol is there are a LOT of hills, so factor that into your plans.
Experience & Seating
When I arrived at the venue, I queued outside and made staff aware of my accessibility needs. After a short wait, a staff member came and led me around to an entrance round the side of the venue. Once inside there was a lift to take me up to the venue. The lift did seem a bit dodgy, and I was concerned it wasn’t working. But it did work, and I was taken up to a platform which was directly opposite the drum kit. This was great positioning for me as I love watching Ben Thatcher (Royal Blood’s drummer) on the drums.
I was also able to stay in the venue in between the 2 back-to-back shows I had booked (rather than going back out and queueing again). Staff were also very helpful in making sure I got the vinyl that came with one of my tickets, even though I couldn’t access where the vinyl were being handed out.
Overall, while I enjoyed this venue, I would be very concerned about the lift and whether it will continue working or whether it would break down. Mostly because (I’m assuming) if the lift broke down that would render the venue inaccessible entirely.
Image Description: Emma's view from accessible seating at Vertu Motors Arena for Cage Warriors 164. It is from the floor with the Cage Warriors cage visible in front, with the logo light up above. There is a couple of rows of seating ahead of Emma's seat
Another accessibility review! This time for the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle from my trip to see Cage Warriors 164 there in November 2023
(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)
Ticket Buying
I bought the tickets through Eventim online I believe. They are a regular ticket seller for Cage Warriors shows so I’m very used to dealing with their system. Oddly though, on this occasion they emailed me about a week or so prior to the show asking for proof of disability in relation to my tickets. I found this weird as I’ve never been asked for proof of disability for Cage Warriors tickets bought through Eventim before.
Travel
I travelled from Birmingham New Street to Newcastle with Cross Country Trains. As usual, my issue with Cross Country is the incredible steepness of the ramps on and off their trains.
We stayed at the Premier Inn The Gate in Newcastle. Only one of the two lifts up to the rooms was working at certain points during the weekend, but it didn’t really make much difference other than the occasional slightly longer wait for the lift. When it came time for breakfast, there was a platform lift to get to some of the seats and the buffet. If I’d have known there was a platform lift before I booked, I might have booked somewhere else as I really don’t trust those types of lifts. In the end, I just asked staff to seat us on the ground level and then my friend Alex, who was travelling with me, grabbed my food from the buffet.
Experience & Seating
It was a fairly long 25-minute walk to the arena as the buses weren’t running. It was very cold too which wasn’t great for my cerebral palsy (it was November in Newcastle, I’m not sure what I expected from the weather).
There was no separate accessible entrance, so I just waited in the standard queue. Once we got through ticket checks and security checks, we entered the arena. However, when we did so we realised that some kind of issue had occurred and the accessible section as we had booked it online did not exist.
I have to say that credit to the Cage Warriors team and the venue team, the issue was dealt with very swiftly. A section was created on the floor level for us and other access ticket holders and, despite being on the floor with no raised platform, I had a clear view of the cage and the action.
Overall, I found this venue fairly accessible. However, I do wonder what the original plan was for the accessible seating, and whether that would have been better, since there was the issue where the accessible seating wasn’t where we had booked it and where it was shown on the venue map
So, I would be interested to go back and see the accessible seating offering as it was originally planned. Oh wait, I AM going back, for Cage Warriors 172 at the end of May 2024. Maybe this blog post will get an update after that event?
Image Description: Emma's view from the accessible seating section at the Trinity Centre in Bristol. The stage is visible over people's heads and there is a variety of musical equipment on that stage. The lighting makes the stage look blue
Back with another accessibility review! This time for Trinity Centre in Bristol.
(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)
Ticket Buying
The ticket buying process here was relatively simple. It seemed like I could just buy a standard ticket and then email the venue for accessibility, so I emailed to initially confirm that was the case. The venue then confirmed that yes, I could buy a standard ticket and then go from there. So, I bought a standard ticket and then emailed the venue back to request a wheelchair space.
Travel
In terms of travel, I took the train from Birmingham New Street to Bristol Temple Meads with Cross Country. As ever, my main issue with Cross Country trains is the steepness of the ramp. Once I landed in Bristol, it was just a quick walk from the station to my IBIS hotel (the one I have reviewed on previous visits to Bristol). It was then just a 20-minute walk from the hotel to the venue on show day. The walk to the venue was a bit lacking in drop kerbs at some points, but as I was travelling in and didn’t really know the area, Google Maps might not have picked the best route for me and a local might know a better route.
Experience & Seating
I will admit I was a bit nervous about the accessibility at this venue as I’d read it was Grade II listed, and we’ve probably all heard the ‘It can’t be accessible, it’s a listed building’ line. However, I was pleasantly surprised, and it seemed very accessible. I was led in and then there was a slope into the building. I was then led to an accessible seating section on the main floor, which was separated from the main crowd by barriers. The accessible seating isn’t raised in any way so depending on where you’re sat in the section, the view might not be 100% clear.
There was also an accessible toilet within the venue. There are 2 doors to access the toilet, the first door into the corridor has a padlock (I’m not sure why, but the padlock was unlocked by staff before I arrived. There is then a radar key door to access the actual accessible toilet.
Overall, I found this venue very accessible and think this is an example of the fact that listed buildings CAN be accessible.
Image Description: Emma's view from just in front of the stage at Glee Club in Birmingham. The stage contains a variety of musical equipment and there is a white sign on the back wall that reads 'glee'. The lighting gives the stage a pinkish hue.
Back with another accessibility reviews! This time for Glee Club in Birmingham
(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)
Ticket Buying
I booked my ticket directly with the venue via the phone so that I could discuss my accessibility needs with them. You can also book accessible tickets via email (for example, by buying a standard ticket online and then emailing the venue with your access needs. A free PA/carer/companion ticket is also available at this venue if you need one.
Travel
As this was a Birmingham show, travel was very minimal. It was just a 20-minute walk from my house to the venue.
Experience & Seating
There was a door to the venue directly next to the Wetherspoons I had a pre gig drink in so I thought I was in luck and wouldn’t have far to go. But a sign on that door said it was only for deliveries and had a map directing you to another entrance. So, I headed round to a door on the side. That door itself had a sign that said to head to a door further round. So, I did and was met by someone who told me to go BACK round to the side door where someone would show me inside. Someone did come out and show me inside, back around through the same ‘deliveries’ door I was JUST at.
I feel the system would be much better if that ‘deliveries’ door sign included a number for attendees to call if they need to use that entrance for accessibility reasons.
Once I was in the building, it was a (small) lift up and then I was shown into the venue room. It was mentioned that there was an accessible toilet, but I never used it so can make no comment on those facilities. However, a fellow attendee (also a wheelchair user) described the accessible toilet as workable but on the smaller side.
I was originally taken to a spot near the stage but against a wall. But once some friends arrived, I just ended up right by the stage, away from the wall, anyway.
I have also been told that when there is a seated show, such as a comedy gig, at this venue the seating can be quite packed in. This can make getting to the bar or toilet quite tricky, so maybe factor that in if you’re attending a seated show here.
Overall, I think the access at this venue is quite good. I think the major issue is making it easier to know which is the accessible entrance and to make it easier for disabled attendees to contact staff so they can enter the venue. However, I think there is quite a simple solution to that problem, as I mentioned above.
Recently, I voted in the election of the West Midlands Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner, and this reminded me exactly what it’s like voting as a disabled person, so I thought I would discuss the experience. I will be discussing this most recent experience and one other.
It all starts with registering and preparing to vote. This is something I have to do every time I move to a new location. As a student for the past half decade, I have moved a lot so you can understand that’s a lot of registering to vote. Then, maybe a couple of weeks before the election, I am sent my polling card which includes my polling location where I need to go to vote. It literally says ON THIS CARD, that those with access needs should call to check the accessibility of their polling station. This begs the questions, why not just make all polling stations accessible? Like, as far as I understand it someone selects the polling stations, so why not just pick accessible locations, surely that would be easier than fielding 100s of calls from disabled voters? On this occasion, I called 2 days before the election and provided all my information, to be told that my polling station was accessible.
Then comes the mission of actually getting TO your polling station as a disabled person. The accessible route somewhere is not always the same as someone else’s route. On this occasion, maps informed me that my polling station was a 5 minute walk down one straight road. However, roadworks with poor disabled access, specifically pavements with a distinct lack of drop kerbs, meant a 5 minute trip was more like 20 minutes. The polling station was also poorly signposted, so poorly signposted that I actually missed it on my first time walking past because the signs were so small, and I am just ridiculously unobservant so I cannot imagine how it is for someone who is visually impaired. I was also randomly accosted by a woman , but I will be discussing THAT incident (and others) in an upcoming post regarding experiencing harassment as a disabled person.
Then I FINALLY got to the point of requiring access to the actual polling station. Whenever a venue of any kind simply tells me they are “accessible” without any details I always wonder what they mean by that. This time, I approached the polling station and instantly saw stairs with no ramp in sight and sighed, assuming I had been misinformed regarding accessibility. But then I spotted an alternative access sign and a stair lift that looked about 400 years old. I got in and pressed the up button but it didn’t move. Luckily, I was able to ask a fellow voter to inform the staff inside that I needed to get in and just assumed the staff would have to turn the lift on. Then someone comes out and their sentence begins with “unfortunately…”. It was at that point I knew already that the lift did not work. It turned out the lack of use over lockdown had led to the battery burning out, it is so BIZARRE what happens when you don’t use a piece of equipment for an extended period of time (heavy sarcasm, I could have told you from the start that would happen). I then asked for the ballot papers and boxes to be brought outside, which they were, this meant I was still able to vote, albeit with absolutely ZERO privacy or independence.
2022 Update: I called ahead to the council helpline to check that the polling station was CURRENTLY accessible given the the situation last year (see above), specifically asking if it was accessible for the upcoming elections. The call handler found my polling station, went away and came back to say it was accessible. For clarification, I asked if it was CURRENTLY accessible, and explained what had happened last year. I was then told “well you didn’t ask that?!” and “do you want to know if it’s currently accessible then?” I thought it was clear enough that that was my intention when I asked if the polling station was accessible for the UPCOMING elections. but apparently not. The call handler then suggested contacting the polling station directly (something I thought she would do, given that this was a helpline meant to give out information about polling station accessibility) but she just started reeling the phone number off from Google (where I could have found it myself).
Can someone explain to me, what is the point of a helpline for information on polling station accessibility, if their response to a request for CURRENT, ACCURATE access information is “here’s the phone number from Google, ask them yourselves”? Although disabled people are often expected to do all the work when it comes to finding accessibility information, so I can’t say that this response was remotely surprising. Oh, and to top it off, when I called the polling station no one picked up!
Long story short, guess who’s given up chasing people for BASIC information and decided she’s just turning up on the day and demanding she be able to access an in person vote? *raises hand*. Catch me being an absolute menace, and likely annoying someone at least once, on May 5th.
2022 update v2: Arrived at the polling station discover *gasps in fake shock*… the lift was out of action! After asking someone who was entering the polling station to alert staff to my presence, a staff member came out to verify what the issue and take my polling card. Then they came out with a polling card which I had to fill out, fold up and hand back to be taken back inside to be placed into the ballot box by the staff member.
Needless to say, I rang the council once I got home. I informed them they’d need to remove my polling station from whatever “accessible polling stations” list they have, since it obviously WASN’T and ISN’T. That complaint has been logged so now we’ll see what they do. Bets for their response being to do a whole lot of sod all?
It also bears saying that even when polling stations are “accessible”, that access is still dodgy as hell. During a previous experience (voting in a different constituency, that of our current Prime Minister no less), the wheelchair access to the polling station was a very makeshift wooden ramp. I was able to enter the polling station fine, but when I tried to get out, the ramp slipped and I ended up stuck suspended over a significant drop, praying my heavy electric wheelchair didn’t tip over and you know, crush me. And yes that’s just as terrifying to experience as it sounds.
2024 update: I’ve moved since the last time I had chance to vote, which means I’ve moved polling stations too. And I was actually able to enter and vote independently this time as the polling station was step free. It only took almost 4 years of being in Birmingham and a whole house move for this to happen!. I’m obviously pleased to have been able to vote, but being able to vote independently as a wheelchair user shouldn’t be a postcode lottery.
Overall, what should have been a simple 15 minute job to vote recently took over an hour simply because of inaccessibility. I hope that my discussing this experience gives you some insight into the reality of voting as a disabled person.
Photo Credit Gurder (for right hand side image). Image Description: 3 images of Emma's view at Bowlers Exhibition Centre for 3 different events. The images show the view from (from left to right): Section E1, Section E2 and Section B4. In the left and centre images the view is an empty Cage Warriors cage, and in the right hand side image Paddy Pimblett carries Liam Gittins on his shoulders in the cage.
Back with another accessibility review! Technically a 3 in 1 type review as we have trains, hotel and venue all in the same review. As you can see from the title, I’ll be discussing 3 Cage Warriors events from last year, but I used the same train operators and hotel each time, and all three events were held at the same venue. Right, there’s the background, now on with the review!
(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for other experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)
Cross Country Trains (Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly)
Ticket Buying & Getting On at Birmingham New Street
As usual. I booked the tickets on Trainline and the assistance via the Passenger Assistance app. On the day of travel, I arrived at the assistance lounge in New Street station around 20 minutes before my train as instructed and staff took me to my train from there and helped me to board with the ramp.
On Train
Onboard the Cross Country trains, I’ve always found that the wheelchair spaces are difficult to navigate into because the spaces themselves only just about fit my wheelchair and the table in the space cannot be moved so it’s not like you can lift it up and move it out of the way whilst you park up and then fold it back out again. The corridor is also quite tight so trying to get into and out of the carriage whilst other passengers are boarding, or disembarking is tricky. I have, however, found it reassuring that guards on Cross Country always make sure to check where I am disembarking the train. It’s comforting as a disabled person to know that a staff member is aware you are onboard, as I often have anxiety about getting left on the train.
Disembarking & Leaving at Manchester Piccadilly
Thankfully, staff at Manchester Piccadilly were ready with the ramp as soon as my train pulled in. They were then able to assist me down the (very steep ramp and staff advised me which bus I needed to take to my destination.
Premier Inn Trafford Centre West
Booking
This was quite a simple process thankfully as I just booked an accessible room directly via the Premier Inn website. I could also choose between a room with a lowered bath or a wet room on the site when booking a room. I chose the wet room as that’s the most accessible option for me.
Travel
I took the bus from Manchester city centre to the Trafford Centre bus station. I will admit that the first time I visited I found this particular Premier Inn (There are 3 with the ‘Trafford Centre’ name) difficult to locate. Partly because it was late and partly because you have to cross a road or two to get there from the bus station, so it wasn’t immediately visible from the bus station. Once I found the hotel, I had to roll through the car park to get in as the other path didn’t have a drop kerb.
2024 Update: I now conjure up the bravery to take the tram from the train station to the Trafford Centre and it’s completely accessible to me (at least the stops I use). I can take the lift from the station concourse to the the tram level, then get a tram to Deansgate Castlefield and then switch lines from there and head to the Trafford Centre. Payment is on a tap/tap out system if you have contactless card, or you can buy a ticket on the platform. In terms of accessible boarding, there are wheelchair symbols on the floor of the platforms which denote where to board for the wheelchair spaces and there is level boarding with no ramp needed at any of the stations I’ve used. The wheelchair space is similar to buses, where you park against a board. To exit, you do have to press a button to open the doors rather than it being automatic.
Experience
The hotel itself was actually quite accessible. I was given a ground floor room which is what I prefer as that means I don’t have to battle with evacuation chairs and evacuation protocols in case of a fire. The room itself was very spacious and easy enough to manoeuvre around. I must also add that staff were very helpful in assisting me at the buffet breakfast. Hotel buffet breakfasts are something I struggle at when I travel solo as they’re often quite difficult to reach from a wheelchair.
Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC Arena)
Ticket Buying
As usual with Cage Warriors events in these kinds of venues, I booked the accessible seats for all 3 events over the phone with Eventim.
Travel
Even though I picked one of the closest hotels to the venue, travel was still a little complicated. I managed to get a bus part of the way there and then the rest of it was a 30-minute walk through what I believe was an industrial estate. Check out the ‘Experience’ section for what the post event travel was like because it was…interesting.
Experience & Seating
Once I got to the venue, there was a ramp up to the entry door where our tickets were checked. From there it was through a corridor (including past the accessible toilet, more on that later) before entering the area where there was a food counter, merch and some benches/seating. From there I was led down a ramp into the arena and to my seat. The accessible seating was another case of simply removing a plastic seat so I could park my wheelchair. I had pretty good seats for all 3 events. The 135 and 136 events in April were on consecutive days, and my seats for those were essentially one seat apart from each other across the aisle in section E1 and E2. My seats for the November event (146) were in section B4 (again, good seats). I would say the main difference between seating in E section and B section is that B is the opposite side of the arena to the bar and accessible toilet. They do close off part of the arena (so you can’t cross from B section to the bar/toilets) when walkouts for each fight happen. So, I would factor that in if you want to make a bar or bathroom run between fights (or use the information to your advantage so you can end up right on barrier for a particular walkout, you choose). I had some issues with my view of the cage being blocked when people stood up or stood in front of me if they got particularly invested in a fight. Thankfully, in the April events I was on the back row of the section and there was plenty of room behind the seats, so I just backed up and used my chair riser to see over everyone. Staff and fellow fans were also very good at spotting when my view was blocked and offering me empty seats where I would have a better view.
March 2024: For My most recent visit to the venue (Cage Warriors 167 and 168) there was actually a new access seating platform in the arena. I’m not sure whether it was the venue that added this or if it was added at the request of Cage Warriors, but I’m very grateful either way as it meant I could see EVERYTHING and did not have to worry once about my view being blocked by people standing. A couple of things to factor in though. Firstly the ramp up to the platform is a little steep so I’d factor that in and maybe roll a little slower when leaving the platform. The second thing to account for is that this platform is the opposite side of the platform to the bar/food/toilets so factor that into bathroom breaks, or maybe see if you have a friend who can go to the bar for the both of you. I would say time your toilet breaks for fight you want to miss, but ‘fights you want to miss’ aren’t really a thing at Cage Warriors!
Emma’s view on the access platform at Bowlers Exhibition Centre for Cage Warriors 167 and 168
Now for more on that accessible toilet in the entrance corridor. I believe it’s on the radar key system. But the radar key door doesn’t open straight into the actual bathroom as there’s an entry way and then an open doorway (without a door) into the actual bathroom. So, REMEMBER to lock that first door. The other problem with locating the accessible bathroom in that entrance corridor is that it was sometimes difficult to get to the bathroom through the flow of traffic entering and leaving the show.
As I mentioned earlier in the ‘Travel’ section, leaving the event is where things got interesting. For the April events, the buses back to the Trafford Centre had stopped running and I didn’t know where the nearest tram stop was (and frankly didn’t fancy figuring that out at gone 11pm at night, alone in a strange city). However, having seen a few taxis parked up, I thought I’d try my luck. Any wheelchair users reading this probably already know that was a false hope. I had one driver tell me that the ramp was broken (AFTER having a full 5-minute conversation with me about where I wanted to go whilst they could see I was sat in my wheelchair. The second taxi then IMMEDIATLEY said they didn’t have a ramp and frankly the immediacy of the response (before I’d even finished my sentence) made me sceptical about whether that was true. With two refusals behind me, I called it quits and decided to make the 45-minute walk back to the hotel. Alone, in the dark, through an industrial estate. Not the safest idea but frankly it was the only option I had.
With that experience in mind, for the November event I didn’t even try using the taxis that parked outside and skipped straight to the 45-minute walk. Thankfully, I had a friend with me this time but it’s still a sketchy walk and generally not fun to walk 45 minutes in November weather in the UK.
2024 update: As I mentioned above, I finally plucked up to the courage to use the trams these days, so this trip gets significantly easier. To get to/from the event, I use the Red Line from Trafford Centre to Parkway and then it’s a 15 minute or so walk. The last tram back to Trafford Centre from Parkway on a Saturday is past 1am so I know I can use this option to get home after events now.
Overall whilst the trains and hotel were great with no complaints and the venue seemed quite accessible. The lack of late night, accessible post event travel options make the situation a little difficult and sketchy, particularly if you’re disabled and travel solo as I often do (and did for the first two events here).
I hope this review was insightful and helps if you’re planning to visit Bowlers Exhibition Centre.
Image Description: Emma and Dev on the access platform at Arctic Monkeys Hillsborough Park, with the stage behind them. Emma is sat in her manual wheelchair and Dev is kneeling beside her.
Back with another accessibility review. This time for Hillsborough Park in Sheffield, from my experience seeing Arctic Monkeys there in June 2023.
(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as a manual wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)
Ticket Buying
Tickets for the access platform for this show were available online via See Tickets. Once I had purchased my wheelchair space and carer ticket, I had to send in proof of disability (in my case a benefits letter) via email.
Travel
In terms of travel, there was no public transport involved as my friend drove us over, hence using my manual wheelchair. The major travel related issue came when trying to book parking. Since there were multiple parking options, my friend enquired as to whether there was a specific option for accessible parking. The people she was emailing really could not answer whether there was accessible parking and just kept talking about the ‘closest’ parking option. Anyone who knows anything about accessible parking knows that being close to somewhere isn’t the only element to it. You also have to take into account things like space to unfold ramps or unload mobility equipment. We ended up just booking the closest parking location and hoping we could sort out the access side of parking when we arrived.
Experience & Seating
The parking actually was the closest, as our parking spot was just over the road from our entrance to the park, which looked like it might have been a designated entrance for access. From there we found our way to the access platform where my name was checked against a list, and we were given platform wristbands before we made our way up the ramp onto the platform. It almost looked like there were 2 platforms as there was our section and then a section up a few steps behind us with more seating. I’m not sure if this was a separate access section or perhaps VIP seating. There was an accessible Portaloo at the bottom of the access platform ramp, which required some skilled manoeuvring to actually fit my manual wheelchair in and allow me to transfer.
I had 2 noticeable issues with the access at this venue. The first is more minor, and that was the refusal to put my drink in a ‘double cup’ (i.e. 2 cups stacked together). I really struggle holding full plastic cups and often end up spilling drinks everywhere because they squish too easily, so I often request that my drink be put in a ‘double cup’ at events like these. Despite my friend explaining why we’d asked and that it was an accessibility request, the request was still denied. I understand that there are general protocols around these things, but surely some discretion can be applied when you state that it’s a request for accessibility reasons?
The other bigger issue was the sheer lack of accessible seating. Even though we arrived prior to the first band stepping on stage (so relatively early) my friend still spent most of the gig sat on the platform floor because there were no seats. People who arrived after us were just straight out told there was no seating left on the access platform. My friend had to essentially spend the gig managing the platform and playing musical chairs to find a seat for everyone who needed one. Attendees shouldn’t be the ones having to figure these things out for themselves. How do you run out of seats when you have a LIST of who needs the access platform?! A seat should be placed for everyone on that list. If someone (like me) brings their own wheelchair and decides to stay in it, then you end up with spares, simple surely?!
I know some people will say “It’s just a park, it’s not regularly a show venue”. When somewhere is selected as a venue, it should be checked that the infrastructure is in place, or can be put in place, for proper accessibility. If proper accessibility cannot be achieved, even down to basics such as having enough seats for everyone on an access platform, the venue shouldn’t be holding shows. End of story.
I hope this gives some insight into the accessibility of Hillsborough Park in Sheffield as a concert venue.
Image Description: Emma and Alex sit next to each other, smiling broadly. They are sat on the access platform at Indigo at The O2
Back with another accessibility review, this time for a hotel! Premier Inn London Docklands (Canning Town) to be exact.
(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)
Booking
I was able to book and specify an accessible wet room online, which is one of the reasons I like Premier Inns. I can book my hotel room like anyone else rather than having to jump through 1000 hoops.
Travel
Travel was similar to the Travelodge London Docklands Central I previously reviewed. It involved a train from Birmingham to London Euston, then a bus over to Waterloo, and the Jubilee Line from there to Canning Town.
Experience
It was a standard Premier Inn accessible room (I’ve stayed in a few), with plenty of room for me to manoeuvre my chair and an accessible wet room with grab bars and a red emergency cord. The Premier Inn website usually gives you the option to choose between a wet room and a lowered bath in the accessible rooms (if both options are still available when you book). I always book a wet room as these are easiest for me to use without a tonne of extra equipment. The reason I prefer this hotel over the nearby Travelodge, and the reason it’s become my go to hotel for events at The O2 and Indigo at the O2, is its proximity to the tube station. The hotel is just a stones throw from Canning Town which makes it the perfect spot for collapsing into bed after a long night out and avoids the walk over the massive hill to the Travelodge.
I hope this review provides some insight in the accessibility of Premier Inn London Docklands (Canning Town)
An absolutely mammoth train travel/access review post for you today. Birmingham New Street to London Euston and back with West Midlands Trains and Virgin Trains (which now no longer exists) and an access review of Indigo At The O2 for Cage Warriors 111.
(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)
Train & Tube Outbound
Tickets
Tickets were booked through Trainline as usual and I booked the train assistance through Cross Country Trains. I did it this way, despite Cross Country not being one of the companies I travelled with, because both West Midlands Trains and Virgin trains insisted on having my wheelchair dimensions before booking the ramp and this was not something I’d ever previously been asked for before on any journey with any train company so it wasn’t information I was willing to suddenly have to give.
Birmingham New Street to Euston to Uxbridge
I arrived at the New Street assistance reception 20 minutes before the train and was taken to the platform and put on the train with a ramp by assistance. There are no wheelchair space reservations allowed on West Midlands Trains (operator for this leg of the journey) but luckily there was a free wheelchair space for me to occupy. The catch was that it was next to the toilet, which is interesting when the toilet door slams every 10 minutes and you have a ridiculous startle reflex like mine. When it came time to get off the train, I had a short wait for assistance before the ramp turned up, then it was time to head for the Tube. Specifically, I headed for Euston Square. I made my way through a gate line and to the platform to find there were no staff anywhere to call ahead to Uxbridge and confirm I could disembark. The only staff member I could see was stood at a gate line which was up some stairs, which meant I had to sit at the bottom of said stairs and shout for assistance (it’s a good job I’ve learned to yell loudly over the years). However, the staff member did inform that the wheelchair access at Euston Square was only in one direction so in order to make the return journey for my train home I’d have to go on to Kings Cross on the Metropolitan line and then come back on myself, oh if only the return journey was that simple!
Indigo At The O2 Access Review
Tickets
Initially, I phoned Indigo At The O2 for a wheelchair space ticket and carer ticket for Cage Warriors 111 and was told there were none left, with no mention of possible single wheelchair space tickets being available. Of course, as is standard in 2020, I headed to Twitter to express my disappointment at not being able to secure a ticket. I was particularly disappointed as there was a specific fighter (shout out Paddy Pimblett) who I was desperate to see fight live (and still am). That tweet kind of exploded and gained reaction in a way I never expected with many people trying to help me out (shout out, Paddy, Molly McCann and MMA Twitter for helping me secure an answer and a ticket from the venue). Through this reaction, I was put in touch with the venue who were able to tell me there was a single wheelchair space (no carer) ticket left for what I believe was the venue’s only access platform. Forget Cinderella shall go to the ball, Em shall go to the fights!
Travel
Travel was pretty similar to all my other trips to the O2 complex. I took the Metropolitan line from Uxbridge to Wembley Park with no ramp used, although they do have ramps. I could have used Finchley Road but they refused as it would be “easier” to use Wembley Park (easier on them I assume). I then went from Wembley Park to North Greenwich on the Jubilee line and was met off the tube and guided out of North Greenwich station. On the way back into the station post event, I was bumped and barged repeatedly whilst queuing to enter the station and on my way through the station. I then HAD to get on the busiest tube out of North Greenwich to make sure I didn’t miss the last Metropolitan line train out of Wembley Park towards Uxbridge. This meant I had to sit in the middle of the train not in the designated wheelchair space (because people were stood there). THAT meant I had to just lock my arm straight to hold onto the central pole and steady my chair in case it slid around. My arm was also repeatedly leant on to the point I thought my joints might dislocate. Thankfully I made the last Metropolitan line from Wembley to Uxbridge and then had a short wait for the ramp at Uxbridge.
Experience & Seating
On arrival at the venue, I went through a ticket check and was then led to my seat on the platform. In terms of view, I had probably one of the best views of fighter walkout that I’ve ever had, with fighter walkout being immediately to my left, I was, however, a little further back than I have been for other shows in terms of view into the cage. There was also only the one small platform which meant it was quite packed and full. I did hear an assistance staff member say the platform was “not meant for so many big wheelchairs” which baffled me completely because wheelchair dimensions had never been mentioned when I bought my ticket and, let’s face it, if access is only accessible for those with certain sizes or types of mobility aids, it’s not REALLY access. The good thing about this platform was it was right next to an accessible toilet which meant toilet trips didn’t involve trekking across the venue.
*July 2022 Update: This recent visit in July 2022 was a significantly less accessible experience in terms of the view. This was because the big screen next to the accessible platform was COVERED BY A CURTAIN (screen still actually showing the fights, we just couldn’t see because curtain). See below for what I mean. This meant that I had no view of a portion of the fights as the platform wasn’t positioned for a clear view of the whole cage and the big screen (which I would have used when I couldn’t see a section of the cage) was covered by this curtain. Whilst this was an annoyance for me, I was particularly thinking of those attendees who might be low vision (like my friend Alex) or short sighted and so have trouble seeing the cage from this distance. Having the screen NOT covered by this curtain would have meant they could use the view from the screen to better understand what was going on in the cage, leading to a more accessible and more overly enjoyable experience.
Photo Credit: Alex Ramzan. Image Description: View from the accessibility platform. A curtain covering a large portion of the big screen which is to the left of the access platform.
March 2024 Update: On my recent visit back to the Indigo for Cage Warriors 169, staff informed me that the ramp to the access platform had changed and was now wider and a little bit steeper. The actual platform itself hasn’t gotten any wider though as it was still as overpacked and tight as it usually is. Maybe the wider ramp was requested, but I personally didn’t see any improvement or difference. The one positive improvement was that the barrier in front of the platform is now solid panels (instead of the bars you can see in the above photo). This meant those stood on the floor below the platform couldn’t sneak their arms through and use the platform to store their drinks on, which is something that always bothered me somewhat.
Tube, Bus & Train Return
For the beginning of my return journey back to Birmingham, there were maintenance works on Metropolitan line between Wembley Park and Aldgate. That meant that my journey back to Euston was as follows: Metropolitan line from Uxbridge to Wembley Park, then the Jubilee line from there to Bond Street, THEN the Central from there to Tottenham Court Road and finally a bus to Euston station. I made myself known at the Euston assistance desk and was then told to make my own way to the platform. I waited there and was then met by assistance staff who used a ramp to put me on the train. As per my usual gripes with Virgin Trains, there was a tight corridor and door to navigate to make it to my seat, but there was more space in the wheelchair space than I expected given how insistent they were about knowing my wheelchair dimensions prior to my attempted assistance booking. Once I arrived back at New Street, I was taken off the train pretty immediately and was able to wheel away out of the station and back to university accommodation.
I hope this shows my adventures as a wheelchair user for a weekend in the capital for the fights. Thanks as always to Cage Warriors for putting on a brilliant show and I can’t wait to be back in March for CW113
Invincible Woman on Wheels 