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 our customers to telephone our box office to discuss accessibility, can also act as a barrier to access, so Blackburn Empire has been working hard to make your visit to the theatre more accessible. We are pleased, that with this new system, we are able to more accurately meet your needs and also enable to use our online booking system for more of your bookings. Depending on your requirements it will mean you can book Essential Companion tickets and Accessible seats online, without having to call our box office. You will, of course, still be able to call or visit our box office to book.

Please note that Essential Companion tickets cannot be purchased on the day of a show, either online or at the box office before the show.

Most of our shows will have between 3 and 6 accessible seats and a limited allowance of Essential Companion Tickets.

How does our Essential Companion Ticket policy work?

The Blackburn Empire Theatre has made a change to its Essential Companion Ticket Policy in order to create a system that is fair and accessible to all eligible customers. The new system will also help to prevent abuse of the system. The new system began on 1 November 2023 and all bookings after this date will follow this new policy, even if you have registered with us in the past.

Under the old system, customers had to provide proof of eligibility, such as a copy of their disability benefits letter. This could be difficult and time-consuming for some customers, and it also required them to share their private information with the theatre. Unfortunately, the old system has been subject to abuse and we believe this is not fair to those that have genuine accessibility needs or to the theatre which operates as a charity.

The new system is based on the Access Card, which is a nationally recognised disability card. The Access Card allows customers to access a range of benefits and discounts at attractions and venues 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 for them to access services without support from another person. This means that customers who hold an Access Card with the +1 symbol can book an essential companion ticket without having to provide any further proof of eligibility. 

The new system is fair because it is based on a nationally recognised disability card. It is also accessible because it does not require customers to share their private information with the theatre. Additionally, the new system will help to prevent abuse of the system, as it is only available to customers who hold an Access Card with the +1 symbol. The card also comes with a range of other discounts and offers with other organisations.

The theatre is unlikely to award an essential companion ticket to applicants under the age of 16.

All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at any theatre performance. As all children are required to be in direct supervision and guidance by a parent or other adult, we would not be able to allocate free companion tickets.

The Essential Companion will be required to assist should an emergency evacuation arise, therefore must be an Adult over the age of 16.

The Blackburn Empire Theatre is committed to providing a fair and accessible experience for all customers. The new Essential Companion Ticket Policy is another step towards achieving this goal.

Apply to Join the Blackburn Empire Access Register

Blackburn Empire Access Register

The Blackburn Empire Theatre offers a limited allocation of free essential companion tickets for selected performances. These tickets are available to holders of an Access Card with the +1 symbol. The Access Card be purchased for a minimal charge here: https://www.accesscard.online/

 

The +1 symbol demonstrates that:

You have a disability that makes it significantly difficult for you to access services without support from another person.

The support you need is substantial, significant, or frequent.

The support is directly related to your needs as a disabled person.

Without the support, you would receive a lesser service.

The support needed is in excess of what could be reasonably expected of family/friends already accompanying you.

We are sorry, but Essential Companion Tickets are only available to holders of an Access Card showing the +1 symbol.

We are sorry, but the theatre is unlikely to award an essential companion ticket if the child would otherwise be required to be in direct supervision and guidance by a parent or other family member, as all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at any theatre performance.