Accessible Information When Visiting Colchester Arts Centre
Colchester Arts Centre operates from a converted church, the venue event space is all on one level with step free access when attending shows. We follow the social model of disability, which looks at dismantling the external barriers experienced by d/deaf, disabled, and neuro divergent people. We want to ensure that our staff, artists, and audiences are welcomed into our space and can access our programme of performances and events.
Accessible Entrance
If you have purchased a PA/ Companion ticket and you are unable to queue you are welcome to come in via our Access Entrance door. These will usually open 10 minutes before the main doors. Ring the doorbell on the right side and the Duty Manager or Access Host will let you in. It is not possible to let you in earlier than 10 minutes and sometimes we may ask you to wait outside whilst we finish setting up the space.
Once the main entrance doors are open, we ask that you use this entrance into the venue.
Access Hosts
Where possible, we provide an Access Host to assist you when you come to our venue. This can include helping you find your seats and purchase drinks, if required.
Accessible Performances
We update any accessible performances here where you can click through to the show for to find out more information. New events will be added here as they are added into the programme. Artists / companies who use access riders, please send these on to stafford@colchesterartscentre.com. Staff have been trained to understand what access riders are and how they can be used to support nuanced access provisions.
| SHOW | DATE | TIME | TYPE |
| 18/3/26 | 7.30pm | BSL |
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the venue and at all events. Bowls of water can be supplied; please let us know when booking or on arrival.
Audio Description
Shows with Audio Description will be listed in the table above and the captioning symbol is shown on the event page. If you require audio description and it is not listed please add a comment in your booking and we will contact you.
Box Office (daytime)
At present we are unable to provide step free access to the box office entrance. Wheelchair users are asked to ring the assistance bell on the wall outside and we will come and see you to arrange step free access.
Captioning
Shows with Captioning will be listed in the table above and the captioning symbol is shown on the event page.
Car Parking
We have three public blue badge parking spaces directly outside our venue on Church Street. These are for any blue badge user and not exclusively for our customers as they are on a public road therefore we are unable to reserve them. In addition, be aware that if you’re attending an event where there are tour buses or vans parked outside, due to the width of the road, these parking spaces become inaccessible.
Additional accessible parking is available at St Mary's Multi-storey car park. Please visit the ‘'How to Find Us' page on our website.
Watch a short video on the step-free journey from St Mary's Car Park to Colchester Arts Centre here:
Euan's Guide
Colchester Arts Centre has joined Euan's Guide to increase the awareness of the venue and the accessibility it offers If you have visited our venue please leave us a review by clicking the link below. When it opens, click Write Review. It will ask you to create an account to leave the review.
euansguide.com/venues/colchester-arts-centre-colchester
Hearing Loop
If you use a hearing aid and require additional support please contact accessibility@colchesterartscentre.com or call the box office on 01206 500900, 10am to 3pm Monday to Saturday.
The hearing loop is currently out of action, we are reviewing this imminently.
PA/ Companion Tickets
We offer a complimentary ticket for a PA/ Companion who is necessary for your visit. Select a paid for Access ticket during the booking process on the website and then select 1 on the PA/ Companion ticket to add to your basket. You can also call the box office on 01206 500900.
Performance Space
We have step-free access from the street to the space. Our front doors can be opened and closed by means of a low level button press. Low level serving areas at our front desk and bars.
Relaxed Performances
Relaxed performances consider the needs of all audience members and the environment is adapted to create a more relaxed environment. Adaptions could be sound levels adjusted, lights may not be as dark, you may move around and make noise during the show.
Seated Shows
At seated shows & gigs our seats are unallocated. However, we can reserve a number of seats reserved for customers with additional access requirements. During the booking process please add your requirements in the comments box for the duty manager to see on the night of your visit. For example you require to sit near the front on the right due to being partially sighted or you prefer to sit at the back as you have autism and may need to leave the room.
If you are a wheelchair user please book a wheelchair ticket where they are available or annotate the access requirements during the booking process. We normally make provision for wheelchairs by removing seats so if your wheelchair is larger than standard please let us know as this may influence where we reserve space for you – especially at sold out shows.
Sign Language Interpretation
Shows with BSL will be listed in the table above and the BSL symbol is shown on the event page.
Standing Shows
Wheelchair users are free to position themselves wherever they feel most comfortable for the gig. At our busy standing shows shows we have a rubber mat indicating a priority wheelchair area right in front of the stage close to the bar giving wheelchair users a clear view of our stage, and be in the thick of the action. The area is not reserved but the mat encourages other gig goers to show consideration. Please be aware that seats are not allowed in this area. If you are a wheelchair user coming to a standing event please let us know by stating in the 'access requirements' box when you book your tickets or by contacting our box office.
At standing gigs we can provide a limited number of seats at the rear of the venue for access customers, however visibility is very restricted at busy shows. We recommend that these seats are best suited to customers who are able to stand but would struggle for an entire gig. If you require use of a seat please ensure you request this in the access requirements box during the booking process.
Due to the size of the Arts Centre there is no reserved/ raised area for access customers.
Toilets
We have an accessible toilet located to the right of the main entrance. This is available to anyone with access needs - including (but not limited to) physical disabilities, neuro divergence, people experiencing anxiety or anyone who feels they would like to use it to feel comfortable.
We also offer gender neutral toilets (located on the right-hand side of the main entrance) which include 3 individual cubicles and a separate area with urinals.
We have women's toilets located to the left-hand side, which include 5 individual cubicles.
If you require a visual description of our toilets prior to attending, please see our Visual Guide on this page.
Visual Guide
If you require a visual story of our venue which describes everything in pictures and text, from how to get to our venue and what to expect when you arrive., as an artist or audience member, you can download it below.
Colchester Arts Centre Visual Story for Visitors.pdf
We're Here to Help
We're always happy to discuss any requirements you may have. Please email accessibility@colchesterartscentre.com or call the box office on 01206 500900, 10am to 3pm Monday to Saturday.