MUSIC without barriers is the message at the heart of leading access charity, Attitude is Everything, set up to transform deaf and disabled people’s access to live music. And Cambridge Live is delighted to announce that both Cambridge Corn Exchange, one of the region’s biggest venues and world renowned Cambridge Folk Festival, have been awarded Bronze for the level of access now achieved.
The dynamic charity works with audiences, artists and the music industry giving essential support to make live music events more accessible. Beginning as a pilot scheme in 2000, Attitude is Everything has gained immense support across the country with festivals and venues from Glastonbury, Download and Green Man to Roundhouse and St John at Hackney Church, signing up to the charity’s Charter of Best Practice.
Endorsed by numerous industry figures including BBC6’s Steve Lamacq, Sleaford Mods, The Maccabees, Futureheads, Adam Ant, Alex Zane, Frank Turner, Anna Calvi, Gogol Bordello, System of a Down, Lauren Laverne, The Cure, Rizzle Kicks and more, Attitude encourage events producers to go beyond legal obligations set out in the Equality Act and implement Best Practice, providing a fair and equal service to their deaf and disabled customers.
Encouraging live venue promoters to publicly show their commitment to improving access, Cambridge Corn Exchange and Cambridge Folk Festival have been working with the charity after Cambridge Live signed up to Attitude is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice – awarded in three stages, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
From dedicated viewing areas, named telephone contacts, and the introduction of large print menus among festival traders to information being available in alternative formats like large print and braille, accessible campsite showers and lowered counters, these were just some of the key access requirements fulfilled by the venue and festival before being accredited with Attitude’s Bronze Award.
Welcoming the news, Cambridge Live’s Director of Operations, Neil Jones said: “As an organisation we place great importance on ensuring that everyone who accesses our venues and events has both an excellent and equal experience. We’re pleased to be working with Attitude Is Everything and look forward to continue to welcome deaf and disabled visitors to our venues and events.”