“Access is not an option if we want the music industries to represent everyone". Photo: Shutterstock.
Drawing on feedback from Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent audiences, artists and professionals, the report provides a comprehensive picture of accessibility across the UK's music and live events sector.
The report highlights a system that too often relies on disabled people to identify barriers, solve problems and educate organisations without compensation.
Key findings from the State of Access Report include:
- 94% of respondents reported that attending events exposed them to additional personal risk.
- Although 58% of audiences perceive improvements in access, 67% described provisions as either ‘inconsistent’ or ‘very inconsistent’.
- Disabled people are too often expected to identify barriers, troubleshoot failures, educate staff, and provide expertise that organisations rely on to improve.
- Poor access affects safety, participation, creative opportunities and employment across the sector.
The MU fully endorses the report’s recommendations
The State of Access Report 2026 makes the case that access is not an additional provision, but economically productive, profitable and makes events safer. The report provides a new evidence base that will help shape Attitude is Everything's guidance, training, consultancy services and Live Events Access Charter over the coming years.
Dr Diljeet Bhachu, MU Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer said of the report: “Access is not an option if we want the music industries to represent everyone. This important new evidence demonstrates that audiences, artists and industry professionals alike are still being let down and excluded in ways that are avoidable, and bearing substantial financial burdens of access costs.
“We particularly welcome the inclusion of artists for the first time in the State of Access report, and fully endorse its recommendations.”
Read the report in a range of accessible formats.
Watch the short report in British Sign Language (BSL) or with closed captions and audio description.