TOP town music venue The Forum has become the first in the UK to be accredited in a charity’s new ‘Charter of Best Practice’.
The initiative has been launched by Attitude is Everything, the country’s leading authority on live music accessibility for deaf and disabled people.
Their charter is targeted at small and independent music venues, with the aim of implementing low or zero-cost access solutions, acknowledging the tough economic conditions that most venues operate under.
And first out of the blocks was the Tunbridge Wells Forum, which is in the process of retrofitting an accessible toilet, and which has recently made adjustments to external access routes to enable level entries both into the performance space and into the backstage area.
The Forum has already updated its website to include detailed access information, such as how to obtain tickets for personal assistants and how to use their viewing platform. The efforts have earnt them a bronze award.
Richard Simm, co-owner of the Tunbridge Wells Forum, which is located on the Common, said: “The Forum is honoured to have been the first venue to be accredited under this scheme. “Attitude is Everything’s advice has been invaluable in improving access by better understanding the needs of deaf and disabled patrons.
“Live music, enjoyed up close as only a small venue can provide, is a beautiful thing, and should be available to all.”
