Access Register

The Blackburn Empire Theatre Access Register

We are always working hard to make visits to
The Blackburn Empire as accessible as possible to as many people as we can.
This sometimes presents challenges in a building that is over 100 years old.

The Empire Access Register

Our updated system to streamline access to tickets & improve your visit

We understand that asking customers to telephone our Box Office to discuss accessibility can itself act as a barrier. Blackburn Empire has worked hard to make your visit to the theatre more accessible.

Our system enables us to meet your needs better and allows you to use our online booking system for many of your bookings. Depending on your requirements, you will be able to book Essential Companion tickets and accessible seats online, without needing to call the Box Office. Of course, you are still welcome to call or visit us if you prefer.

Please note: Essential Companion tickets cannot be purchased on the day of a show, either online or at the Box Office.

Most shows will have between three and six accessible seats, along with a limited allocation of Essential Companion tickets.

How does our Essential Companion Ticket policy work?

The Blackburn Empire Theatre has updated its Essential Companion Ticket Policy to create a system that is fair and accessible for all eligible customers. This update also helps to prevent misuse of the scheme. The policy came into effect on 1 November 2023, and all bookings made after this date follow the updated rules, even if you registered with us previously.

Under the previous system, customers were required to provide proof of eligibility, such as a copy of a disability benefits letter. This process could be difficult and time-consuming, and it required customers to share private information with the theatre. Unfortunately, the old approach was also open to abuse, which we believe was unfair both to customers with genuine accessibility needs and to the theatre, which operates as a charity.

The Blackburn Empire Theatre’s Essential Companion Ticket Policy is based on the Access Card, a nationally recognised disability card that provides access to a range of benefits and discounts at venues and attractions across the UK. You can apply here: https://www.accesscard.online/

The +1 symbol on the Access Card demonstrates that the holder has a disability that makes it significantly difficult to access services without support from another person. Customers with an Access Card showing the +1 symbol can book an Essential Companion ticket without needing to provide further proof of eligibility.

This approach is:

Fair – it uses a nationally recognised standard.
Accessible – it removes the need for customers to share private documents with the theatre.
Robust – it reduces the potential for abuse, as only those with the appropriate Access Card symbol are eligible.

The Access Card also provides a range of other discounts and benefits at participating organisations.

Age Guidance

The theatre is unlikely to award an Essential Companion ticket to applicants under the age of 16.
All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at performances. Since children must always be under direct adult supervision, free companion tickets cannot be allocated for children.
The Essential Companion must be an adult (16+), as they may be required to assist in an emergency evacuation.

If You Do Not Hold an Access Card

If you are unable to obtain an Access Card, you may complete the application form and upload alternative proof.

Eligibility for Essential Companion Tickets

Free Ticket for Essential Companion
Available to those who:

Hold an Access Card with the “+1” symbol
Receive the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (care or mobility component)
Receive the higher rate of Attendance Allowance
Receive the enhanced rate of Personal Independence Payment (daily living or mobility component)
Receive the Armed Forces Independence Payment
Hold a Certificate of Visual Impairment or are registered blind

50% Price Reduction on Top Price Adult Ticket for Essential Companion
Available to those who:

Receive the middle rate care component of Disability Living Allowance
Receive the lower rate of Attendance Allowance
Receive the standard rate daily living component of Personal Independence Payment

Please note:

A Blue Badge is not accepted as evidence, as it relates to parking concessions rather than personal support needs.
If you, or a member of your party, receive any other benefits not listed above, you will not qualify for this scheme.
No other forms of proof are accepted.
Membership of the Access Register lasts for up to three years (depending on the expiry date of your card), or 12 months if applying with alternative evidence.
There are a limited number of free Essential Companion tickets per show, and they may not always be available.
Every application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.