Access
We strive to make all our shows at O2 Academy Bristol accessible to everyone and we work with Attitude Is Everything and Nimbus Disability to make sure things keep improving. There are challenges, but together we can identify issues and come up with practical solutions. Your feedback is always welcome and we’ll do our best to be as flexible as possible to meet your needs.
We also accept the Access Card. It’s not compulsory, but it means you won’t have to provide repeat details every time you book, and lets us know about any support or facilities you’ll need when you visit.
If you don’t have one, you can complete one of our booking forms, just download it here and please do call or email if you’d like us to send one by post.
With your say-so, we can add your access requirements to our internal database for up to three years and that way we’ll know what they are without you having to duplicate them when you book with us again. Just fill it in and send it back with the supporting documents specified on the form within seven days of your booking.
You have our assurance the information you supply is confidential and only for the purpose it’s provided.
Booking tickets
Please contact before you buy your tickets by email to inform us of any access or personal assistant requirements you may have.
After that part’s done, and you’ve purchased your ticket through an authorised outlet - ours is Ticketmaster - just get back in touch with us to finish up your reservation.
We’ll do our best to make this as smooth a process as possible for you.
Companion ticket
If you need a ticket for a companion or personal assistant, please just let us know when you book. We offer one companion ticket, free of charge, to provide support you need and additional assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation.
So you know, proof of eligibility will be required.
Alternatively, if you have an Access Card please provide your full name and the card number.
Our full Essential Companion Policy can be found here.
Box office
Our box office is just inside our foyer at the main entrance, which is flat access from the pedestrianised street. Unfortunately, it does not have a counter that’s of accessible height or an induction loop or mic.
Please bring your all your booking information with you.
Getting here
Head over to our Venue Info page for all travel information and accessible options for getting to us.
In addition, our transportation partner Uber has wheelchair accessible and mobility options in hte app. Find out more at t.uber.com/uber.access
Wheelchair spaces
These are available when you book, but they’re limited on a first come, first served basis.
Viewing area
We understand that you want to be with your friends, but due to space limitations, we may only be able to allow you and your companion into an accessible area and cannot always guarantee seated options.
Blind or vision impaired visitors
If you need braille or large print material, please let us know in advance by contacting us on +44 (0)117 927 9227 or by email.
Guide and assistance dogs
Guide and hearing assistance dogs are welcome, just be sure to let us know when you book.
We can discuss suitable locations where your dog can stay throughout the show. Alternatively, if you would like your dog to be looked after, we'll arrange for someone to meet you at the entrance and guide you to your seat. Dogs will be looked after throughout the event in a quiet location with somewhere to lay with a bowl of water.
*We recommend bringing hearing protection for your dog please.
Your visit
The pavement is flush into our venue and staff will be available when you arrive.
We’d recommend arriving about 15 minutes before doors open, just to make things easier.
Auditorium
There’s a designated viewing area in the main auditorium. This is accessible for wheelchair users and staff will be on hand to guide visitors to a ramp that will lead you into the auditorium from the side of the venue.
Alternatively, if you’ve reserved a seat in this area and have let us know, there are steps into the auditorium.
Our smaller venue, O2 Academy2 Bristol, is non-accessible for wheelchair users as unfortunately we don’t have a lift. It is on an upper level, with three sets of stairs with turns to get there.
If you would like to come and see any area of venue during office hours, we’d be more than happy to show you around.
Just so you know, e-cigarettes and vapes are not permitted, please see our FAQs for details.
Toilets
There’s an accessible toilet on the ground floor at the rear of the venue which staff will guide you to and assist with access if needed. Other toilets are available throughout the building, but have several stairs, please ask our staff to show you the way if you’re visiting us for the first time.
Bar service
We have a number of bars throughout, unfortunately none of which have lowered counters. Lots of staff will be on hand and happy to assist you.
Cloakroom
Please just ask any member of our team if you wish to use our cloakroom when you arrive and they will be pleased to help you; these facilities are on the first floor.
Medical room and emergencies
We have a medics room on the ground floor if you require any assistance or a private area at any point, please just speak to one of our staff. Any particular requirements can of course be asked, in confidence and in advance. Just get in touch.
Customers with medical requirements
Should you need to bring food or drink to manage a medical condition, or bring medicines or medical equipment with you, just get in touch.
Merchandise
If there’s merchandise for sale, you’ll find it just outside the auditorium in the foyer. The counter, unfortunately isn’t lowered, but staff will help with any purchases.
For any O2 Academy2 Bristol shows, if it’s for sale, it will be at the back of the room.
Strobe lighting and special effects
Most shows and events now use strobe lighting and smoke effects, but we’ll make sure there are signs up to let you know and you can also ask when you arrive. If this is an issue, please do let one of our team know, before or during an event.
Have we got it all covered?
Hopefully, but if we’ve missed anything, do try our FAQs or just get in touch.