Access tickets service
The Fringe Box Office has staff in place specifically for access enquiries and ticket bookings. This service exists to assist anyone with an access requirement to make the most of what the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has to offer.
The access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- would like to book specific accessibility services, eg a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units or seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
- requires specific accessibility information for each venue
- requires extra assistance when at a venue, including avoiding waiting in queues and busy environments
- has specific seating requirements
- is a wheelchair user
- requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance.
To find out more about the access tickets service please email [email protected] or visit our access bookings page.
We also offer accessible show listings, with information on performances that are audio-described, BSL interpreted, relaxed or offer touch tours.
BSL at the Fringe street events
BSL interpreted street performances take place on various days throughout the Fringe. We are delighted to work with Deaf Action to provide this.
Changing Places toilets
There are typically a number of Changing Places in central Edinburgh during August. These are accessible toilets with an adult-sized changing bench and hoist, for people who are unable to use a standard accessible toilet.
Changing Places toilet locations in Edinburgh city centre:
- The Booking Office Pub, Waverley Bridge, EH1 1BQ, Monday to Thursday 07:00 – 00:00, Friday to Sunday 07:00 – 01:00.
- National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 1JF, 10:00 – 17:00.
- The Scottish Parliament, 1 Horse Wynd, EH99 1SP, Monday to Saturday, 10:00 – 17:00. Last entry 16:30.
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, ModernOne carpark, 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR, 09:45 – 17:30.
- Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh, EH1 1BB, Monday to Saturday 04:00 – 23:45, Sunday 06:00 – 23:45.
- St James Quarter, St James Crescent, level one of the Galleria, Edinburgh, EH1 3AD, Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 20:00, Sunday 10:00 – 18:00. This facility can only be accessed with a key which can be collected from the Guest Services Desk located on level one of St James Quarter (a radar key will not work).
Covid-19
In line with Scottish Government guidance, there is currently no legal requirement for Fringe venues to observe covid safety measures such as compulsory face coverings, minimum social distancing, etc.
However, we recognise that covid and other illnesses are still a serious concern for people who are clinically vulnerable. If you'd like to visit the Fringe but have health concerns, please get in touch with our access bookings team on [email protected] and we'll explore what options are available to make your visit as safe as possible.
Sensory backpacks
The Fringe Society provides sensory backpacks for children and adults who might find the festival environment overwhelming.
Our Trespass backpacks contain a variety of sensory products chosen to help support various sensory needs, including ear defenders. All of the items in these backpacks are free to keep and take home, with the exceptions of the ear defenders and the Trespass bags themselves – we ask that these are returned to one of our pick-up / drop-off points.
A drawstring bag option is also available; this includes earplugs instead of ear defenders, which can be kept and taken home – nothing needs to be returned and everything is yours to keep!
You can drop in at any pick-up point to request a returnable or non-returnable bag.
If you would like more information on the sensory backpacks please contact [email protected].
There is also a PDF of the street events social story available to download here.
We are grateful for the support of the Edinburgh Festivals 70th Anniversary Legacy Tourism Innovation Fund, Trespass and Edinburgh Trams.
Venue Access Award
The Venue Access Award has been produced in partnership with Attitude is Everything, to promote best practice across Fringe venues.
The award recognises the unique challenges of managing a Fringe venue and ensuring it is as accessible as possible. It guides venue managers and event organisers through 16 different topics which lead to the achievement of awards (levels one to three, with level one designed to be achievable by all venues).
Find out more about the venue access award
Useful links
Blue badge car parking in Edinburgh
Search for a parking space for a disabled person on this map from the City of Edinburgh Council.
Find out more at edinburgh.gov.uk
Lothian bus access information
Lothian buses aim to make travel easier for everyone, including passengers with disabilities and those traveling with young children.
Find out more at lothianbuses.co.uk
Artlink Edinburgh - Arts Access
Artlink works towards making the arts accessible to people with experience of a disability. The Arts Access service creates links between people who want to discover and enjoy the arts in Edinburgh. The service works to ensure that the trickiest part of an Arts Access outing is choosing where to go. They provide "What’s On" information, book tickets, match members with volunteers and organise transport.
Find out more at artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Euan’s Guide
Euan’s Guide is the disabled access review website that aims to "remove the fear of the unknown" and inspire people to try new places.
Find out more at euansguide.com
Gig Buddies
Gig Buddies is a befriending project in Midlothian, which aims to link music fans who have a learning disability with volunteers who share a common interest. Many Gig Buddies enjoy coming to a variety of shows at the Fringe.
Find out more on the Gig Buddies webpage