Access Scheme

Find out how to book access tickets for events at Aviva Studios

A person in a wheelchair reading from a sheet of paper in a wooden brown rehearsal room

Join today

Join our new Access Scheme for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent visitors. Signing up to the Access Scheme means you will be able to:

  • Book access tickets online, including wheelchair user spaces and accessible seating
  • Register for free essential companion tickets (if eligible)
  • Receive information about our upcoming events in your preferred format

After signing up to the Access Scheme, your access requirements will be recorded for all future visits. Please note that accessible tickets are always subject to availability.

How to Register?

Option 1: Complete our online application form

Online Application Form

Option 2: Download our application form and return it to us either via email or post

Download the Application Form

Email: access.scheme@factoryinternational.org

Postal Address: Access Team, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ

Option 3: Talk to our Ticketing Team over the phone

Telephone: 0161 817 4531

For our latest phone times, please visit Contact us – Factory International

Option 4: Visit Aviva Studios and talk to us in-person

Address: Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ

On arrival, head to the Orange Information Point located in the Social (on the ground floor).

Essential Companion Tickets

If you require the support of an essential companion to safely attend events at Aviva Studios, please submit some proof of eligibility. We ask for this because we do not charge for our essential companion tickets and we are committed to making sure availability is protected for those with the most need.

A photocopy or scan of one of the following documents qualifies you for a free essential companion ticket when purchasing tickets for events at Aviva Studios:

  • Access Card with ‘+1’ symbol – issued by either Nimbus, Hynt or All In
  • Front page of either Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), War Disablement Pension (WPS), or Attendance Allowance decision letter, dated within the past 12 months where relevant
  • Certificate of Visual Impairment
  • Letter from social services or local authority detailing deaf registration
  • Letter from your relevant local authority confirming you are in receipt of a Social Services Care Package, a Continuing Healthcare Package, or registered for Direct Payment
  • Travel pass indicating concessionary travel for an essential companion

We recognise that the evidence listed above is not definitive and that some of our visitors may experience substantial barriers when attempting to attain relevant proof of eligibility.

If you do not have any of the above but still feel that you require an essential companion ticket to safely attend our events, you can tell us why and provide any alternative supporting documentation you have access to. Please do not submit photographic evidence as this is not required to assess your eligibility.

Please send any proof or explanation of eligibility via email to access.scheme@factoryinternational.org, via post to Access Team, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ, or by uploading it to the online application form.

Evidence will be destroyed after processing, so please do not send any documents by post that you may need to keep.

For more information, please visit our Essential Companion Ticket Terms & Conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the Access Scheme?

Our Access Scheme is intended to support the booking journey of any visitor who self-identifies as disabled, as well as others who may not identify as disabled, but who experience disabling barriers to live event attendance.

This includes Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent visitors, as well as those living with other impairments (mobility, sensory, cognitive, learning etc.) such as individuals with long-term health conditions and older adults.

Do I need to join the Access Scheme to book access tickets?

No, you do not need to join our Access Scheme to book access tickets for events at Aviva Studios. However, you will not be able to purchase these tickets online or book a free essential companion ticket.

If you wish to purchase access tickets without signing up to the scheme, you will still be able to do so by calling our Ticketing team on 0161 817 4531 or emailingaccess@factoryinternational.org. For further information on booking access tickets, please visit: How to Book Access Tickets

Do I have to submit proof of eligibility to join the Access Scheme?

No, you do not have to provide supporting documentation to join the Access Scheme unless you wish to apply for free essential companion tickets. Details of the types of evidence we accept for essential companion tickets is detailed above.

How long will it take to be registered?

We aim to review all applications within five working days and will update you on your application outcome as soon as possible. If you need to book tickets urgently or would like to make an access booking whilst we are processing your application, please give our Ticketing team a call on 0161 817 4531. Our latest phone times can be found here: Contact us – Factory International

How can I update my access requirements?

We recognise that many of our visitors have fluctuating conditions and that some may acquire additional impairments or access needs after submitting their application. If your circumstances have changed since joining our Access Scheme, please email access@factoryinternational.org or call us on 0161 817 4531, so that we can update your requirements.

What is the role of an essential companion?

An essential companion accepts responsibility for providing the necessary 1-2-1 assistance required by the access patron to attend an event. This includes providing the access patron with assistance during an emergency evacuation, as well as assisting them with all personal care tasks and any navigation support they require.

The Visitor Experience team at Aviva Studios are unable to provide 1-2-1 assistance in excess of their typical role and general reasonable adjustments, so it’s important that if an access patron needs personal assistance while at the venue, their companion is able, ready and willing to provide this support. For this reason, all essential companions must be aged 16+.

For more information, please view our Essential Companion Ticket Terms and Conditions.

How will you store my data?

The information you provide when registering to join our Access Scheme will be held securely in line with our Privacy Policy. Your access requirements will only be shared with the people responsible for ensuring your access needs are met during your visit. Any proof of eligibility for essential companion tickets will be securely destroyed once your application has been processed.

How can I provide feedback on the Access Scheme?

At Factory International, we believe in enabling everyone to share in what we do on an equitable basis, with dignity and respect. We aim to offer a high-quality accessible experience for all visitors to Aviva Studios. We recognise that this is an ongoing process and are committed to listening to the lived experiences of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent visitors.

We welcome all feedback that is shared with us as we continue to refine, improve and embed accessibility across our organisation, so if you’d like to share your experience of our Access Scheme with us, please email feedback@factoryinternational.org or give us a call on 0161 817 4531.

Download the Application form

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