Blackpool’s Winter Gardens are all set to champion accessibility rights as the venue is about to become the first in Blackpool and one of the first in the North West to join a new scheme.
The Access Card, operated by Nimbus Disability, makes access to shows, concerts and events much more dignified and easier for disabled customers. Rather than having to explain why they may need certain facilities or adjustments when booking tickets, the scheme gives customers the option to pass over their unique card details so Winter Gardens staff are aware of their requirements. This also enables the registered cardholder to request an extra ticket so that an assistant can attend and, once at the event show their card to staff who are then aware of an able to assist with any extra requirements they may have.
Winter Gardens Managing Director, Michael Williams said he was delighted to be introducing the Access Card to the venue. He said “This is a scheme that helps both customers planning to visit the venue and venue staff. Everyone should have an enjoyable time when they purchase tickets for a show or event without having to describe their particular disability or impairment to members of staff”
The Winter Gardens were encouraged to join the scheme by Hannah McKearnan from Lytham who contacted them after she attended a show last year. The live music lover felt that not enough was being done to support those with disabilities and health impairments. After she explained the benefits of the scheme to him, MD Michael Williams worked with Hannah to launch it at the venue.
Michael added “We always listen to our customers and Hannah, quite rightly, pointed out that more could be done to help people. I am delighted she brought this to our attention and I hope many, many more people can now be assured that the Winter Gardens will do all that it can to help those with disabilities and impairments have a great time when they visit our venue”
For more information visit the Access Card website at accesscard.org.uk
