Sheffield music venue The Leadmill has been named as one of the best in Britain by an organisation devoted to improving access for disabled concertgoers.
Attitude Is Everything, which works with audiences, artists and the music industry, is a disability-led charity set up 18 years ago. Its professional expertise is reinforced by a rolling programme of research and the continual feedback of hundreds of Deaf and disabled mystery shoppers, who report back on their experiences accessing venues and events across the UK.
An article in the latest Motability newsletter compiled by AIE puts the Sheffield venue – which has been open since 1980 and has hosted many top acts including Culture Club, Oasis, Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and The Killers – in its top ten for all concert halls nationwide and says it is one of the four best rock haunts.
The feature says that its ground floor location makes access a breeze and you can also get priority entry and personal assistance tickets if you apply in advance. The Leadmill Road location is also very near to the train and bus stations and taxi ranks.
Attitude Is Everything is always on the lookout for disabled people to act as one of their mystery shoppers who they describe as the cornerstone of their work, reporting back on the accessibility and overall experience at UK music venues, clubs and festivals. This is vital for identifying each venue’s strengths and areas for improvement. The detailed feedback on accessibility is then passed on to management, so that any potential barriers are identified and practical solutions are suggested.
