BST Hyde Park win double at the Outstanding Attitude Awards

13 March 2019 - Press release

 

• Awards developed by music charity Attitude is Everything to celebrate excellence and innovation in live event accessibility for disabled audiences

• Other winners include Deer Shed Festival, SSE Arena Belfast, Band on the Wall, The Ticket Factory + CredAbility Access Card, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Made With Music Mini-Gigs, GigLoo and SoundSense

• Deaf and disabled people account for 1 in 10 live music attendees in the UK

 

AEG Presents celebrated a double win at today's Outstanding Attitude Awards, a new event from music charity Attitude is Everything to celebrate excellence and innovation in live music accessibility for disabled audiences.

The music promoter's BST Hyde Park festival picked up awards in the Customer Service and Ticketing Without Barriers - Venue / Event categories, and was commended for comprehensive and extensive updates to the event's disabled access provision - which has resulted in a 50% increase in accessible ticket sales between 2017 and 2018. 

At the other end of the spectrum, Manchester's Band on the Wall highlighted how small venues are also pushing the envelope and making innovative adjustments to attract disabled fans. The venue received a Ticketing Without Barriers Award for the depth of access information provided on their website, which includes an audio listings service and an Access Guide made available in braille format. 

According to Government data, Deaf and disabled people account for 1 in 10 of live music attendees in the UK. 

Other winners at the Outstanding Attitude Awards were Deer Shed Festival, SSE Arena Belfast, The Ticket Factory + Credability Access Card, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Made with Music Mini-Gigs, GigLoo and SoundSense. 

See full list below. 

Hosted at London's Islington Assembly Halls, which is one of the 160+ venues and festivals signed up to Attitude is Everything's Charter of Best Practice, the ten winners were selected by an independent panel of music fans, artists, journalists and other industry experts from a wide-ranging shortlist.

Suzanne Bull MBE, CEO, Attitude is Everything, said:
"What we're really celebrating today 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.  

"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."

Digital and Creative Industries Minister, Margot James, said: 
"There's never been a better time to experience live music and it's something that everyone should be able to enjoy. I want to see every venue and festival create brilliant facilities for deaf and disabled people and it's great to see the Outstanding Attitude Awards showcasing what can be achieved across the UK."

 

FULL LIST OF WINNERS - OUTSTANDING ATTITUDE AWARDS 2019:

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.

For further details of each winner, please visit the Attitude is Everything website here.  

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.