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Awards Business News Live Business
Work to boost disabled access to live music recognised at Outstanding Attitude Awards
By Andy Malt | Published on Wednesday 13 March 2019
Music charity Attitude Is Everything has handed out its Outstanding Attitude Awards for excellence and innovation in providing access to live music for deaf and disabled audiences. The first time a proper ceremony has been held for the awards, the event also featured an expanded set of categories.
Taking home the most awards was AEG’s British Summer Time festival in Hyde Park, which won the prizes for customer service and event ticketing. The latter recognised updates to the event’s accessible ticketing scheme, which increased accessible ticket sales by 50% between 2017 and 2018.
Smaller operations also took away awards. In the Access Starts Online categories, Deer Shed Festival took the outdoor event prize, while Manchester’s Band On The Wall was handed the prize for venues under 500 capacity.
Deer Shed was recognised for the comprehensive accessible information page on its website and plans for a peer-to-peer discussion group for disabled customers. Band On The Wall, meanwhile, was commended for providing access information in various formats, including audio and braille, as well as producing a monthly audio version of its listings brochure.
“What we’re really celebrating today is good customer service”, says Attitude Is Everything CEO Suzanne Bull. “Deaf and disabled people represent some of the UK’s most passionate music fans. Millions of us attend live music events and millions more would like to. We are a significant part of the music community”.
She continues: “Today’s winners represent some shining examples of how the live music business is responding to this demand. I would like to congratulate all of them, and all of our nominees, not only for the brilliant work that they’ve been doing but also for the inspiration they can offer to others. The Outstanding Attitude Awards is proof that everyone in live music, from the biggest festival to the smallest venue, can step up and make a change”.
Here’s the full list of winners and the reasons for their wins:
Customer Service Award: British Summer Time Hyde Park
For a significant commitment to an accessible customer experience including a dedicated access contact centre team, accessible VIP packages and including accessibility as a condition of trader and supplier contracts.
Big Ambition Award: Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society
For ambitious access provision in a complex and high-profile setting, including online access ticketing, detailed access information, use of an app to improve the customer journey, sensory backpacks and significant access to performance provision.
The Nigel McCune DIY Access Award: Made With Music Mini-Gigs
For comprehensive access provision at their family friendly Mini-Gig series at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club, including Easy Read and video guides, Makaton and BSL interpretation, adjustments to lighting and sound, DIY multi-sensory experiences, and audience involvement opportunities.
Accessible Infrastructure Award: GigLoo Ltd
For supplying the event industry with high quality accessible toilet and shower facilities, and the extensive research and development put in to their Easy Access range.
Tech Innovation Award: SoundSense
For the development of an innovative access to performance system consisting of both static and wearable vibration packs paired with high-quality wireless audio headphones, to create customisable immersive experiences for customers with and without access requirements. The proof of concept was developed in partnership with Shuffledown Festival, Musical Vibrations and the Acoustic Research Unit at Liverpool University.
Access Starts Online Award (Outdoor Event): Deer Shed Festival
For a comprehensive access information page that provides detailed information about each area of the festival, and future plans to develop a peer-to-peer discussion group for their access customers.
Access Starts Online Award (Venue Over 500 Capacity): The SSE Arena Belfast
For leading the way amongst arenas in the area of access information, including provision in a range of formats including Easy Read and a customer journey video.
Access Starts Online Award (Venue Under 500 Capacity): Band On The Wall
For providing detailed access information in a range of accessible formats including audio and braille, and producing a monthly audio version of their brochure.
Ticketing Without Barriers Award (Ticketing/Tech Company): The Ticket Factory + CredAbility Access Card
For integrating The Access Card into The Ticket Factory’s systems, to enable a seamless online booking experience for deaf and disabled customers.
Ticketing Without Barriers Award (Venue/Event): British Summer Time Hyde Park
For major improvements to their access booking systems, including creating a dedicated access team, and future plans to expand BSL provision and viewing platform spaces.
