Featured Image: M&S Bank Arena
Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena has been awarded Gold status for its commitment to disabled music fans, artists and team members following recognition by charity Attitude is Everything.
The charity campaigns on behalf of disabled audiences and operates a UK-wide Live Events Access Charter.
In order to qualify for charter status, live event venues and festivals are required to demonstrate exemplary access provision, as well as an ongoing commitment to improving accessibility. Venues and events will then work with Attitude is Everything to go beyond the legal obligations set out in the Equality Act to implement best practices, and fair and equal service.
Over 100 venues and events nationwide have committed to the Charter, including UK flagship festival Glastonbury, BBC Big Weekend, The Southbank Centre in London, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival as well as 20,000-seat London venue, The O2. Additionally, a range of smaller clubs and student union halls have also signed up to the Charter.
M&S Bank Arena was recognised by Attitude is Everything for its commitment to creating safe spaces and removing barriers to participation. The 11,000-capacity venue rolled out an Accessibility Strategy to help introduce improvements to create more inclusive and accessible events.
More recently, M&S Bank Arena launched an Inclusivity Toolkit, which included practical tips, resources and suggestions for best practices to help event organisers create truly accessible experiences.
“We believe live entertainment should be enjoyed by everyone, and we recognise accessibility is about more than just physical facilities,” said Eddie Dos Santos, director of operations and venue management for ACC Liverpool, which operates M&S Bank Arena.
“With the support of Attitude is Everything we have developed our understanding of equality and diversity to promote an inclusive culture both for our staff and our visitors. Achieving gold status in the Live Events Access Charter is testament to our commitment to improve the service we provide to our clients and our community.”
Alex Covell, Attitude is Everything’s live events access manager, added: “Attitude is Everything is proud to have been working with M&S Bank Arena since 2014, where we have supported their progress through our Live Events Access Charter to achieve our Gold award this year.
“The whole team have been fully invested to improve accessibility year-on-year to champion inclusive practice. The team have been working closely with the disability community to be mindful of current practice and have trained their staff to provide high quality customer service. Backstage, the team have improved their employment practices by utilising our Accessible Employment guidance. We look forward to continuing to work with M&S Bank Arena in future years as they continue to provide excellent, inclusive entertainment.”
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