skip to main content

Attitude is Everything State of Access Report 2016

Simple changes to online information provision could drastically improve the experiences of Deaf and disabled venue and festival goers, shows new report.

Published: 17 March 2016 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM

Attitude is Everything (AIE), which works to improve Deaf and disabled people’s access to live music, has launched its latest State of Access Report. The 2016 report reveals that simple changes to online information provision could have a dramatic impact on the experiences of Deaf and disabled customers.

The report assesses the prevalence and quality of access information across venues and festivals of all sizes across the UK, and gives a ‘good’, ‘adequate’, or ‘poor’ rating.  The survey covers all aspects of access from information provided, including booking, travel and arrival, parking, step free access, toilet facilities, food and drink, and accessible camping to name a few.

Of the 386 venues and festivals were surveyed, 1 in 3 of venue and festival websites provided no information, and fewer than 1 in 5 provided information rated ‘good’.

Venues wanting to sign support AIE and improved access for Deaf and disabled people can sign up to AIE’s Charter of Best Practice.

David Webster, National Organiser for Live Performance, said: “The MU welcomes this report. There is clearly work to be done here, and raising awareness is part of the battle. This report helps to cement that awareness amongst venues owners and festival organisers.”

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Young Black male musician, singing into a microphone against a bright studio light.

MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025

The MU is proud to sponsor the 2025 Black Welsh Music Awards (BWMA), which will take place on Saturday 4 October at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff.

Published: 03 September 2025

Read more about MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025
Exterior of the venue - a white tiled building with writing on the windows and an orange neon sign saying Belgrave Music Hall.

MU Member Discount for New FFWDxLEEDS Conference

On 9 September the North of England team will be attending FFWDxLEEDS—a new conference aimed at bridging the gap between local artists and the wider music industry. MU Members can also access a 10% discount on tickets with our exclusive code.

Published: 03 September 2025

Read more about MU Member Discount for New FFWDxLEEDS Conference

Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability

As the climate crisis intensifies, Aayushi Jain explores the balance between affordability and sustainability on the festival circuit. Drawing on her summer tour last year as an independent artist, she shares practical and creative ways to reduce the environmental impact of touring.

Published: 29 August 2025

Read more about Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability