Accessibility

Access Information When Visiting Colchester Arts Centre

Colchester Arts Centre operates from a fully accessible converted church. We follow the social model of disability, which looks at dismantling the external barriers experienced by d/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people. We want to ensure that our staff, artists, and audiences are welcomed to our space and can access our programme of performances and events.

We offer a complimentary ticket for a PA/ Companion who is necessary for your visit. Select your ticket 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.

Assistant 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.

We have three blue badges parking spaces directly outside our venue on Church Street. Additional parking is at St Mary's Multi-storey car park. Please visit the ‘'How to Find Us' page on our website.

Where possible, we provide an Access Host to assist you with finding your seats and purchasing drinks, if required.

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES

Here is a list of our upcoming performances, please click on the show to find out more information.

For further access provisions please read on.
 

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.

Hearing Loop

If you use a hearing aid, please ask at the front desk for one of our necklaces - wearing this with your hearing aid in the T position will give you access to the hearing loop. We have also recently introduced bluetooth connection for the hearing loop.

Accessible Toilet

We have brand new accessible toilet located near the main entrance.

Sign Language Interpretation

Shows with BSL will be listed in the table above and the BSL symbol is shown on the event page.

Captioning

Shows with Captioning will be listed in the table above and the captioning symbol is shown on the event page.

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.

Relaxed Performances

Relaxed performances are adapted to create a more relaxed environment such as sound levels adjusted, lights may not be as dark, you may move around and make noise during the show. These shows are typically for people with autism and/ or sensory communications and learning difficulties.

Daytime Box Office

We regret that at present we can't provide ramped access through the main 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.

Access Riders

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.

Rest Space

Our rest space is located near the box office. If there are any specific things that would make this space comfortable for you, then please do contact us and we will see what we can provide for you.

We're Here to Help

If you are attending one of our standing gigs and are unable to stand for the duration due to medical reasons, we'll make sure you have a chair. If you're attending a seated performance but require a particular seat due to sight, hearing or anxiety then please let us know at the booking process

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 2pm Monday to Saturday.