From dynamic multi-storey music venues providing a platform for the next big thing, to creative cooks transforming neglected neighbourhoods into thriving food hubs, there’s a cheeky, independent streak running through this city. And when wasn’t there?
Manchester prides itself on acceptance, but are its cultural venues as accessible as they could be? We asked three arts lovers with specific access needs about their experiences, read below to see what they had to say.
Tammy Reynolds
Tammy is a performance artist and manager of Liverpool queer cabaret and club night Eat Me + Preach
What access issues do you face?
‘Usually crowds. It’s not so much the pushing around as sometimes that’s part of the experience. It’s usually when I honestly just cannot see above people or if there’s no seating.’
Which venue gets it right?
‘The White Hotel [in Salford]. Last time I was there a staff member made sure I was at the front for the gig as it was standing. Usually you tend to feel like you are getting “special” treatment but we just want the same experience as everyone else there.’
James Greenhalgh
James is a trainee arts producer
What access issues do you face?
‘As someone who is deaf with very little knowledge of sign language I’m dependent on captioning. Performances are often limited to inconvenient times (very often during working hours).’
Which venue gets it right?
‘The Royal Exchange Theatre does loads of brilliant work with D/deaf and disabled creatives, and in recent years they have been pioneering the approach of embedding access within the aesthetic of some of their productions, including captioning, audio description, BSL and physical access to the venue for all.’
Stuart Ellis
Stuart is a BBC production assistant
What access issues do you face?
‘As a wheelchair user, the main issues for me are stairs, no loo, cobbles and shockingly bad pavements – a curse everywhere.’
Which venues get it right?
My recent hits are Elnecot, Neo Quatro for pizza and Nectar Bistro for Lebanese. All of these places have great access and a wheelchair- friendly loo. But if any venue deserves five stars for getting wheelchair access right it has to be HOME. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff and they assist effortlessly. It’s also a great place for a drink or a bite to eat.’