Access Pass

We want everyone to be able to access and enjoy the Edinburgh International Festival.

Our Access Pass is designed to improve the booking experience for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent audience members.

What is the Access Pass?

The Access Pass is a free membership scheme for D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent people. When first registering, members are asked to enter their access requirements into the system which then enables our box office and venue staff to provide a Festival experience that is best placed to support them.

What does it involve?

By becoming an Access Pass member, you can receive a customer experience tailored to your requirements:

  • Box office and venue staff will be aware of your access requirements, so you don’t have to explain every time you book or attend
  • Book accessible seating options (wheelchair spaces, aisle seats and seats with extra leg room)
  • Book free essential companion tickets
  • Book seats with the best view for British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances
  • Receive pre-show emails with venue information relevant to you
  • Get details of the accessible shows that might interest you, directly into your inbox
  • If digital tickets present a barrier to you, you can have printed tickets posted out to you without the postage fee
  • Declare your fire evacuation requirements, so venue staff know these in advance
  • Let us know if you prefer brochures in audio, braille, or large print formats
  • If you’re a carer or usually attend as an essential companion for a D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent friend, you can sign up to the Access Pass and book on their behalf
  • You’ll receive the Access Guide and brochure as soon as the Festival launches each year, so you can plan your trip and book your tickets as early as possible
  • You can book tickets for a touch tour, which complement our audio described performances

Accessible seating options will be held for Access Pass members up until 72 hours (three days) before the start time of an event. After this time, they will be released on general sale.

A man is touching a wall whilst a women is explaining something to him

A Touch Tour for Phaedra Minotaur in the 2023 International Festival

© Andrew Perry

Who is eligible to join the Access Pass?

The Access Pass is for anyone who self-identifies as disabled. This can include D/deaf and neurodivergent people if they identify as disabled, as well as others living with impairments (physical, sensory, learning, cognitive, long-term health conditions etc) that identify as disabled.

Some D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent people may not identify as disabled but the Edinburgh International Festival is guided by the social model of disability and recognises that people can experience disabling barriers, whether they identify as disabled or not.

A women with long hair sits on stage with a microphone in hand. A women in a green t-shirt stands next to her signing.

A BSL performance of "A Toast to the People: Hollie McNish and Wana Udobang"

© Jess Shurte

Concessions

D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people are eligible for a 50% concession on full price tickets.

How do I sign up?

Please complete the form below to sign up for the Access Pass.

Once we have processed your registration form, you will receive an email confirmation. You will then be able to log in and book online. Please allow sufficient time for our box office staff to process the form.

If this form is not accessible to you, or if you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.