Over Half of Disabled Music Fans Avoid Gigs Due to Poor Venue Accessibility

A new survey by Transreport reveals that 52% of disabled music fans in the UK avoid attending concerts and festivals because of accessibility barriers.

The study, which sampled 1,000 people with disabilities, found that nearly seven in ten respondents believe venues are “ill-equipped” to meet their needs. The main obstacles include difficulty entering and exiting venues, overcrowding, and restricted visibility of the stage. On top of that, 63% said they face a so-called “accessibility tax” — extra costs tied to travel, accommodation or companion tickets.

Transport links featured prominently in the findings: 67% of disabled fans cited poor connections as a barrier, and 27% said travel to venues felt nearly impossible. The survey also flagged booking systems as a major issue: many said they didn’t feel welcome or supported at live events because the infrastructure simply wasn’t built for them.

The message from the study is clear: for thousands of fans, attending live music isn’t just about finding the right show — it’s about navigating a system stacked against them. The result isn’t just lost attendees; it’s a major gap in who can access the culture. For the live music industry — one built on crowd connection and shared experience — the cost of exclusion is real.