British Summer Time Hyde Park celebrated a double win at Attitude Is Everything's Outstanding Attitude Awards, a new event that celebrates excellence and innovation in live music accessibility for disabled audiences.
The AEG Presents-promoted festival picked up awards in the Customer Service and Ticketing Without Barriers – Venue/Event categories, and was commended for comprehensive updates to the event’s disabled access provision, which has resulted in a 50% increase in accessible ticket sales between 2017 and 2018.
BST Hyde Park was among 10 winners at yesterday's event at London’s Islington Assembly Hall, selected by an independent panel of music fans, artists, journalists and other industry experts.
Suzanne Bull MBE, CEO of Attitude Is Everything, said: “What we’re really celebrating is good customer service. 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."
Manchester’s Band On The Wall venue received a Ticketing Without Barriers Award for the depth of access information provided on its website, which includes an audio listings service and an Access Guide made available in braille format.
Other winners included Deer Shed Festival, SSE Arena Belfast, The Ticket Factory + CredAbility Access Card, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Made with Music Mini-Gigs, GigLoo and SoundSense.
According to Government data, Deaf and disabled people account for 1 in 10 of live music attendees in the UK.
“The winners represent some shining examples of how the live music business is responding to this demand," added Bull. "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.”
The full list of winners is as follows:
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.
The Outstanding Attitude Awards are an important component of Attitude is Everything’s Breaking the Sound Barriers programme, which is funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Arts Access and Participation: More and Better fund. The event is also supported by Arts Council England Sector Support Organisation funding.
