Edinburgh Corn Exchange

Marta managed to reserve me a space on the accessibility platform last minute after phoning ahead. She offered to put me on the queue skip list so I didn’t have to wait. She emailed all this information over to me right away and it was really helpful to have it to hand. When I arrived, she had her colleague Lynne take me to my seat. Throughout the whole evening, anytime I left the platform she preemptively shone her torch so I could see my path. All other staff I interacted with were excellent. Everyone else on the platform were enjoying themselves. It was very busy as it was a sold out gig so the platform was a bit cramped. It could be made bigger to make this space perfect. Marta followed up with me a few days later to see if I enjoyed the gig. I was really impressed by the outstanding service.

Saw Faithless. Got off to a good start with the welcome prior to taking our seats in the accessible seating area but it went down hill. The accessible area was a shambles! We were meant to be upstairs in the balcony. When we got there we were told there were no seats in the balcony, so had to use the raised platform at the back, which was fine, except they said only I could enter and not my companion. The companion was to stand at the side or front of the platform but what use is that? A companion may not just be accompanying but may be an absolutely necessary companion to support the person. The staff relented but said my companion may need to leave if it got busy!!! No use at all. The accessible platform space was far too small for the amount of people in it. 2 rows and not enough room to walk between them unless going sideways. Fine if you’re able bodied but there was a big guy with crutches who was trying to walk sideways with his crutches to get out. And THEN someone came in with a wheelchair just as Faithless came on, and all the seats in the back row had to be folded down to get this man in! He was then trapped in the corner of the platform until the end as there was no way of him getting out unless everyone stood up and folded away their seats again. Pretty sure it didn’t comply with Health & Safety evacuation plans. Folk were complaining and moving seats and leaving early. The experience spolied the night. I doubt I'll be visiting in the future.

Felt safe visiting this venue and it was accessible too! Jason Byrne was brilliant and it was so great to be out and going to a show again!