Access

We strive to make all our shows at O2 Academy Leeds accessible to everyone and we work with Attitude Is Everything and Nimbus Disability to make sure things keep improving. Our venue was built in the late 1800s, so 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, or email us or call 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 repeat them when you book with us again. Just fill it in and send it back with the supporting documents 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

To book tickets, please email us.

You can also contact us through Next Generation Text Service by 18002 +44 (0)113 389 1555.

Companion tickets

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 counter is at an accessible height, has an induction loop and mic and the entrance is at the side of the venue on Portland Gate.

Please bring all your booking information with you.

Getting here

Head over to Venue Info for all travel information and accessible options for getting to us.

Wheelchair spaces

These are available when you book, but they’re limited on a first come, first served basis and on the balcony, first floor. We have space for four wheelchairs and additional seating room. 

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 by email or call +44 (0)113 389 1555.

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

If you need assistance, let us know in advance and someone will meet you at the front doors on Cookridge Street.

We’d recommend arriving about 15 minutes before doors open, just to make things easier.

Auditorium

Wheelchair users will be directed to a viewing area on our balcony using the lift. Any other seated requirements are also on our upper balcony level via the stairs or lift. 

With any other access requirements, please let us know in advance and if you require a seat on our balcony, our staff will guide you. There are a number of steps, so do get in touch in advance and we can arrange for you to use our lift.

Just so you know, e-cigarettes and vapes are not permitted, please see our FAQs for details.

Toilets

There’s an accessible toilet controlled by a RADAR key which staff will provide access to if needed. This is just outside the auditorium accessible either by lift or a small number of steps. There are more toilets available in the same area and if you’re in stalls, there are more on the lower levels by stairways, so please speak to any member of staff, especially if you’re visiting us for the first time for directions and any assistance.

Bar service

All our bars in the main auditorium have lowered areas and there is another at the top of the balcony, which is accessible by our lift or balcony stairs. Staff will also be on hand and happy to help you with any service you may need.

Cloakroom

Please let any staff members know if you need assistance for our cloakroom facilities when you arrive and they can help you as this is on the lower ground floor.

Medical room and emergencies 

We have a medics room available, if you require any assistance or a private area at any point, please just speak to a member of our staff. Any particular requirements can of course be asked in confidence, 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 is merchandise for sale, it is usually found in the main auditorium at the back of the venue, so please ask our staff if you need any assistance.

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.

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