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
We are delighted to work with Deaf Action to provide British Sign Language interpretation at the Fringe street events. We'll update this page with information on BSL provision at the 2024 street events once it is confirmed.
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.
See changing places locations
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 variety of bags and backpacks contain tools to help support various sensory needs, including sunglasses, neck cushions, fidget toys and and ear defenders. All of the bags and items are free to keep and take home, with the exception of the ear defenders – we ask that these are returned to our Box Office at the Fringe Shop by the first week of September 2023.
You can order sensory tools bespoke to your own sensory requirements via our online booking form.
Find out more and book a sensory backpack
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