Making visits to the Blackburn Empire as accessible as possible
We are always working hard to make visits to Blackburn Empire Theatre as
accessible as possible to as many people as we can. That can sometimes
present challenges in a building that is over 100 years old, but we are
committed to improving access and making planning your visit easier.
Our Access Register is designed to make booking simpler for customers with
access requirements. Depending on your needs, it can help you book
accessible seating and, where eligible and available, Essential Companion
tickets online without needing to call the Box Office every time.
You are still very welcome to call or visit the Box Office if that is your
preferred way to book.
The Empire Access Register
We understand that asking customers to telephone the Box Office to discuss
access needs can itself be a barrier. The Access Register was introduced to
make the process more straightforward, more respectful of privacy and easier
to use for repeat bookings.
Once registered, many customers are able to use our online booking system
for accessible seats and, where applicable, Essential Companion tickets,
without needing to contact us for every order.
Please note that Essential Companion tickets are limited and cannot be
booked on the day of a show, either online or at the Box Office.
How our Essential Companion policy works
Blackburn Empire Theatre updated its Essential Companion policy to create a
system that is fair, accessible and more consistent for eligible customers,
while also helping prevent misuse of the scheme.
Under the previous system, customers were often asked to provide private
documents directly to the theatre. That could be difficult, time-consuming
and uncomfortable. Our current approach is designed to reduce that burden
wherever possible.
The policy is based primarily on the Access Card, a
nationally recognised card used by venues and attractions across the UK. If
you hold an Access Card with the +1 symbol, this indicates
that you may require support from another person to access services.
Why we use this approach
Fair – it uses a recognised standard.
Accessible – it reduces the need to share private paperwork directly with the theatre.
Robust – it helps protect a limited scheme from misuse.
Customers with an Access Card showing the +1 symbol may be
eligible for an Essential Companion ticket without needing to provide
additional proof.
We also accept certain other forms of evidence through the application
process. These include specified rates of Disability Living Allowance,
Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Armed Forces
Independence Payment, and certain visual impairment documentation, as set
out in the application form.
Every application is considered on a case-by-case basis, and the number of
Essential Companion tickets available for each show is limited.
Please note
A Blue Badge is not accepted as evidence for this scheme.
Only the evidence types listed in the application process are accepted.
Membership of the Access Register is normally valid for up to three years, depending on the evidence provided.
Companion ticket availability is limited and may not be available for every performance.
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.
Because children must always be under direct adult supervision, free
companion tickets cannot usually be allocated for children in the same way
as for adult customers.
Where an Essential Companion ticket is approved, the companion must be an
adult aged 16 or over, as they may be required to assist in an emergency
evacuation.
Booking guidance and extra help
The Access Register is there to help remove unnecessary barriers and make
booking more straightforward. It also helps us prepare better for your visit
and understand any other support needs you may have.
If you require accessible seating, support from an Essential Companion, or
any other adjustments to help make your visit easier, please complete the
application form below.
You can also explore the access FAQs below, which cover parking, level
access, wheelchairs, assistance dogs, toilets, relaxed performances, quiet
spaces, pre-show visits and more.
Good to know
You can still call or visit the Box Office if you would rather speak to someone.
The Access Register helps with future bookings too, not just one visit.
If your needs change, you can contact the theatre and update your information.
Booking guidance videos
These short videos are here to help you understand the Access Register and
booking process before you apply.
If you would still rather speak to someone, you are very welcome to contact
the Box Office and we will do our best to help.
Watch our guidance
The videos below explain the process step by step and may answer some of the
most common questions before you complete the form.
Access FAQs
The FAQ section below includes more detailed guidance on accessible parking,
level access, wheelchairs, accessible toilets, assistance dogs, quiet spaces,
fire procedures, pre-show visits and more.
Apply to join the Blackburn Empire Access Register
Complete the form below to tell us about the access needs of the person who
will be attending. This helps us review eligibility, understand any seating
or support requirements, and make future bookings easier.
We are always working to improve accessibility at Blackburn Empire Theatre.
If you have feedback, suggestions or a question about your visit, please get in touch.
