Access
Access
This page contains information about accessible performances, our venues and our booking scheme the Access Pass.
We want to make sure you have a relaxed and enjoyable experience with us at the Edinburgh International Festival. If you have any questions or feedback for our team, don't hesitate to email us at [email protected].
Access Pass
The Access Pass is a free membership scheme for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people. It is designed to improve your booking process with us and means we can tailor an experience suited to your specific access requirements.
- Share your access requirements with us once when you join the Access Pass, and they will be saved to your account, automatically flagging your access requirements to box office staff each time you book.
- Book online for accessible seating options, free essential companion tickets, seats with clear sightlines of BSL interpreters and touch tours.
- Request printed copies of our brochure and Access Guide, with options for braille, audio (digital or CD) and large print.
How to Book Accessible Performances
You can view our Booking Guide on how to book tickets below.
In-Person Bookings at The Hub
We also offer in-person booking appointments for Access Pass members on the following dates:
- 21 March–31 July, Monday to Friday 12noon – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday closed (by appointment only).
- 1–25 August, Monday to Sunday 11am – 5pm (open late on performance nights at The Hub).
We encourage customers to book online or by phone, but if you require in person assistance with your booking you can arrange an appointment by contacting us on [email protected] or +44 (0) 131 473 2000.
The Edinburgh International Festival Box Office is based at The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE.
Concessions
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people are eligible for a 50% concession on full price tickets. We recognise that people can experience disabling barriers, regardless of whether they identify as disabled or not. See below for information about how we define who is eligible for this concession.
What we mean by "disabled"
The Edinburgh International Festival uses the term "disabled people" to refer to anyone who self-identifies as disabled. This can include D/deaf and neurodivergent people if they identify as disabled, as well as others living with impairments (physical, sensory, learning, cognitive, long-term health conditions etc) that identify as disabled.
Some D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent people may not identify as disabled but the Edinburgh International Festival is guided by the Social Model of Disability and recognises that people can experience disabling barriers, whether they identify as disabled or not.
What we mean by D/deaf
The ‘uppercase D’ Deaf is used to describe people who identify as culturally Deaf. They speak British Sign Language (BSL) as their primary language and hold a strong deaf identity, often being very active in the Deaf community.
The ‘lowercase d’ deaf simply refers to the physical condition of having hearing loss. Some people may not have a strong connection with the deaf community and don't necessarily use sign language to communicate. They may be losing their hearing later in life or due to medical reasons.
Our use of D/deaf aims to be inclusive of all deaf people, as well as those who are deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing.
Types of Accessible Performances
We also have surtitled performances, which you can find listed on our access guide.
Access guide
The access guide contains full details about accessible performances and venue accessibility.
- Download a pdf version of our Access Guide
- Listen to the Access Guide on Soundcloud
- Or view it on Issu below:
Contact Us
- Email [email protected]
- SignLive signlive.co.uk
- Phone +44 (0) 131 473 2056 (textphone prefix 18001)
2024 Brochure Accessible Formats
Discover more about our venues
The International Festival this year is hosted at 11 venues across the city. To ensure your visit is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible we have included information about travelling to the venues and what to expect when you arrive. Venue staff will be on hand should you require assistance during your visit, but if you would like any specific information about a venue’s accessibility in advance, please use the contact details provided at the bottom of each page. All our venues have level access and assistance dogs are welcome. For accessibility reviews from disabled people and their friends and families, visit euansguide.com/edintfest
Accessible performances and provisions are supported by Claire and Mark Urquhart.
