At a celebratory event held last night at London’s Sinfonia Smith Square, disabled-led charity Attitude is Everything unveiled a new Live Events Access Charter that aims to further boost accessibility to live events for audiences, music professionals and artists.
The celebration event, which was attended by more than 200 guests, supporters and partners, was sponsored by LIVE, PRS for Music, PPL, Halo, and MPA.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, Attitude is Everything works to connect disabled people with the music and live events industries and to improve access together. Since 2000, the charity has delivered training to more than 10,000 creative professionals, worked in partnership with over 200 festivals and venues, and supported thousands of volunteers.
The Live Events Access Charter has been pivotal to these impacts – providing a framework for venues and event organisers to build disability equality into all aspects of their productions, while supporting disabled Mystery Shoppers to provide constructive feedback and encourage further positive change.
Through this unique process, over 210 venues and festivals have been awarded charter status, from the smallest grassroots performance spaces through to theatres, arenas and the biggest outdoor events.
Following a comprehensive audit and pilot programme, the new Live Events Access Charter will retain this core DNA.
However, reflecting the expansion of Attitude is Everything’s activities – which encompass everything from the Next Stage Artist Network programme to the Beyond The Music programme for active and aspiring industry professionals with access requirements – it will now operate as a comprehensive and dynamic online learning platform, offering Charter members access to user-friendly and accessible resources, templates and guidance.
Importantly, the new Charter will now actively ensure that access intersects with sustainability, community building, and the experiences of artists and professionals.
Attitude is Everything will also use the new online platform to track trends across membership, spot where the industry needs more support, and focus its energy where it matters most. Using real data to drive change and shape the future of accessibility in live events.
Find more information about the Live Events Access Charter and how to sign up here.
Paul Hawkins, Interim Managing Director, Attitude is Everything: “I’m really excited that we’re presenting a new Charter that integrates our learning around improving access for artists and professionals, our learnings around environmental responsibility, and that attempts to embed an inclusive culture through everything we do. We’re confident our relaunched Charter will give greater transparency to venues and audiences, and give them greater opportunities to learn new practices and demonstrate tangible change.”
Alex Covell, Interim Head of Live Events Access, Attitude is Everything: “Our new Charter isn’t just about compliance – it’s about embedding accessibility as a core value in the live events sector. Celebrating this achievement with funders, partners, sector friends, and colleagues in person at Sinfonia Smith Square felt important and special – not just for Attitude is Everything, but for the live events sector as a whole.”
John Rostron, CEO, Association of Independent Festivals (AIF): “Every year we build brilliant festivals that bring joy, music and wonder to millions. Our gift is that we then have 12 months to reimagine what the festival will look like, and we can constantly create, innovate and improve. This is one wonderful reason why festivals lead on accessibility – they’re more nimble and free to listen, adapt and change – and the new Charter is a great framework and measure by which we can all be better for the good of us all.”
The importance of these developments was illustrated in a panel discussion moderated by Attitude is Everything’s Inclusive Communities Manager, Bee Grzegorzek.
This featured one half of the sister duo ALT BLK ERA Nyrobi BM, artist, filmmaker and previous Future Leader Shakira Alleyne, Accessibility Consultant and disabled artist Yiska, and peer mentor and Mystery Shopper Hanna Jehle. Last night’s event also featured stunning live performances by the artists Auris Delan and John Kelly, both members of Attitude is Everything’s Next Stage Network.
The evening culminated in four brand-new Live Events Access Charter Awards, recognising innovation, creativity, and commitment to making live events more inclusive.
These awardees were:
Metronome – Impact Award: recognising how the Nottingham venue’s staff go above and beyond to ensure all customers are welcome, and also support upcoming artists and students with hands-on experience.
Victorious Festival – Operations Award: recognising their commitment to creative solutions to accessibility, including the transformation of the Waterfront Garden Centre, a unique partnership and community space.
Lytham Festival – Production Award: recognising their comprehensive and thoughtful access measures including a drinks service for access customers, accessible luxury trailers, and lowered bars.
Mark Schofield – Outward Voice Award: for his enthusiasm and contributions as a Mystery Shopper.
The evening’s event sponsors also highlighted their ongoing support for Attitude is Everything.
Jon Collins, CEO, LIVE: “One of LIVE’s core values is that UK live music should be accessible to all – on and off stage and in the audience. In seeking to live those values, LIVE could not ask for a better partner than Attitude is Everything. We are therefore delighted to offer our support for the revised Live Events Access Charter. Live music is a joyous communal experience enriched by taking place in inclusive and accessible spaces. It is great, therefore, that the Charter serves as a clear way for our venues and festivals to evidence their commitment to inclusion – a commitment made in the knowledge it improves the experience for us all”.
John Mottram, Chief Strategy, Communications & Public Affairs Officer, PRS for Music:
“At PRS for Music we know the power and importance of advocacy in securing a fairer and more representative music industry. We are delighted to continue our support for Attitude is Everything, this time with the launch of their Live Events Access Charter which celebrates venues and festivals demonstrating a commitment to greater inclusivity. By removing barriers to access in the live music sector we can make concerts and festivals accessible and welcoming to all.”
Kate Reilly, Chief Membership & People Officer, PPL: “PPL is delighted to support the vital work of Attitude is Everything. Music by its very nature helps create connection, and in the live space that shared connection is cemented between performers and fans. We are proud to support the relaunch of the Live Events Access Charter to help ensure all fans, regardless of a disability, can access and enjoy live music experiences.”
Helen Choudhury, Head of DEI, CSR and Wellbeing, MPA: “The Music Publishers Association (MPA) is proud to sponsor Attitude is Everything’s relaunch of the Live Events Access Charter. By supporting this launch, the MPA aims to inspire industry-wide adoption of the Charter and drive meaningful change. Music has the power to bring people together, and it’s essential that barriers preventing disabled individuals from fully participating in live events are removed.
“Through initiatives like this, the MPA continues to advocate for a music industry that values inclusion, wellbeing and corporate social responsibility. Together with Attitude is Everything, the MPA is committed to creating a world where everyone can share in the joy and connection that live music provides”
Yann Guenancia, Managing Director, Halo: “Halo is delighted to support Attitude’s Live Events Access Charter launch – we wholeheartedly endorse its aims and outreach. We look forward to seeing inclusivity become more of an event industry standard practice.”
