Better Access for our Disabled Audiences

Access Guide: The Festival has published a comprehensive Access Guide which provides full details about accessible performances and venue accessibility, and is available in a number of formats – PDF , plain text PDF, or plain text word document. A braille version is also available upon request: email access@eif.co.uk.

The Guide contains an overview of a wide range of accessible performances and this information can also be found online as follows:

• British Sign Language interpreted
• Audio Described
• Captioned
• Relaxed performances

Festival programme brochure: available in a variety of accessible formats - including PDF, plain text PDF, or plain text word document - and once again, a braille version is also available upon request: email access@eif.co.uk.

Venues: The Access Guide also contains access information about each of the festival venues and you can also find this venue access information online. The disabled access review website Euan's Guide also contains user reviews of many of the festival venues.

Access Pass: a free membership scheme for D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent people. When you register, you will be asked about your access requirements. This access information is then added to your Festival account, to ensure that our box office and venue staff can provide a Festival experience that is best placed to support you. There is no physical card provided. To make bookings simply use the email address associated with your account. You can sign up to the Access Pass HERE. 

Concessions: D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people are eligible for a 50% concession on full price tickets. We also offer free Essential Companion tickets for people who require them. Select the Essential Companion ticket type when booking; this ticket type initially shows a cost but it will reduce to zero at the checkout.

To give greater clarity on access provisions, the festival has created a series of five short animated videos.

And if you have any questions or feedback for the festival team, don't hesitate to email access@eif.co.uk

Access booking service: The Fringe Box Office has staff in place specifically for access enquiries and ticket bookings. This service is here to assist anyone with an access requirement to make the most of what the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has to offer. To find out more about the access tickets service please email accessbookings@edfringe.com. The access booking service is available to anyone who:

• would like to book specific accessibility services, eg enhanced performances or seating in relation to the location of a 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
• requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
• is a wheelchair user.

Enhanced Performances: Our website show listings can be filtered [hit the 'More Filters' button] by a range ofmaccess needs - audio described, captioned, relaxed and signed performances as well as performances offering a touch tour - and the listings are updated throughout the festival as more performances go on sale.

Our Enhanced Performance Guide is a programme of enhanced performances taking place at Fringe 2026. It also includes handy access information to help you plan your visit to the Fringe. You can view the guide online or download it below in your preferred format:

• PDF [screen reader compatible]
• PDF [black and white]
• Plain-text word document [audio described and touch tour listings only]
• Plain-text word document [full text guide]

Sighted-Guide service: We have partnered with The Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland (RNIB Scotland) to offer a free sighted-guide service to visually impaired and blind Fringe-goers. Please email scotlandcommunityconnection@rnib.org.uk to request a guide, or click the button for more information.

BSL on Request: Our BSL on Request partnership with Deaf Action is returning for its third year, following a successful pilot in 2024. The project aims to give deaf audiences more choice during the Fringe. In practice, a deaf audience member picks a performance and Deaf Action books the interpreter for it. Deaf Action will work with artists and venues to see if the request is viable, and if so, set up practicalities such as lighting for the interpreter and reserved seating for the deaf audience member.

• Please note: Deaf Action require at least seven days' notice in order to provide this service. On occasion the service may be possible with shorter notice but cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to request BSL for a Fringe performance please email FestivalBookings@deafaction.org.
• Alternatively, you can request a BSL interpreter for Fringe 2026 performances through the SignPort app. Users can browse Fringe shows, see which performances already have BSL interpretation, and request an interpreter for shows that do not. As above requests are sent directly to Deaf Action. Users can message the team through the app and receive updates when an interpreter is confirmed. Find out more about how SignPort works.

Sensory resources: The Fringe can be an overwhelming place. We offer free sensory tools for anyone who needs them during August. These can be ordered in advance for delivery before the Fringe or picked up from Fringe Box Office throughout August. Please note that items may vary from the image. The collection order form is for anyone who would like to reserve one or two packs to collect from Fringe Box Office. The collection order form will close on Sunday 23 August. Orders will be available to collection between Friday 17 July and Monday 31 August. You can also drop into the Fringe Box Office from Friday 17 July until Monday 31 August to pick up a selection of items to take away with you. If you would like more information on the sensory resources, please contact accessbookings@edfringe.com.

More Access information about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe can be found HERE. 

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is Scotland’s biggest, bestselling outdoor spectacle. The venue itself is situated in the most popular part of the city on Edinburgh Castle’s doorstep, high above the skyline.

For this reason, patrons with limited mobility, those with heart or respiratory problems and those that suffer from vertigo, may find access more challenging. However, the Tattoo does not want anyone to miss out, so if you are in any doubts whatsoever about the venue accessibility, we recommend that you contact the Tattoo Office to discuss your particular requirements.

Wheelchair spaces: which include the admission of one essential companion are located at the front of Sections 1-4 and 12-17 and at the top of Section 10. Access to the wheelchair areas in Section 1–4 and 12–17 is via a ramp and access to the wheelchair area in Section 10 is by way of an elevator. Wheelchair spaces can be purchased by calling the Tattoo Office on +44 131 225 1188 or emailing tickets@edintattoo.co.uk

Accessible seating: is available in the front row of Sections 12-17 with only 5 steps from ground level and Sections 1-5 with only 7 steps from ground level. Accessible seating can be purchased by calling the Tattoo Office on +44 (0)131 225 1188 or emailing tickets@edintattoo.co.uk.

Accessible Vehicle Convoy: Our Accessible Convoy allows access for a personal vehicle or taxi to drop off wheelchair and accessible ticket holders on the Castle Esplanade, prior to the Show start. These take place on single Show nights only, meaning there will be no Accessible Convoy on Saturday 8, 15, 22 and 29 and Friday 28 August 2026. Spaces will be limited, however all Accessible and Wheelchair ticket holders will be contacted by the Tattoo Box Office when details are confirmed. More information for 2026 will be released soon.

Accessible toilets: are available within the venue on ground level under the stands and beside wheelchair Section 10. A changing places facility is also available just inside the venue entrance. We have installed a modular changing place toilet at our venue. Supplied and installed by Innova Care Concepts, the unit includes specialist healthcare equipment such as an overhead hoist system.

British Sign Language: A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter will be available at the 6.15pm performances on Saturday 8 and Friday 28 August 2026. With seats available in Section 11, the live BSL interpreter will be visible alongside the action of the live event. Tickets, with access to the BSL interpreter, can be booked by calling +44 (0)131 225 1188 (12pm to 4pm (BST)), or by email at tickets@edintattoo.co.uk. Please make the subject of your email 'BSL enquiry' so our team can identify your request. Customers may wish to use a text to speech or relay service to assist with your telephone booking.

Personal PA System: Available for all performances, anyone wishing to access a Personal PA System (Neckloop Induction Coil for use with hearing aids equipped with a 'T' switch) should contact the Tattoo Box Office for further details.  All equipment is subject to availability.

Personal Audio Description: Anyone requiring Personal Audio Description equipment should contact the Tattoo Box Office for further details. This is available at select performances only, and all equipment is subject to availability. It is also possible to attend a Touch Tour ahead of the performance.

Assistance dogs: are permitted in the wheelchair accessible seating area at the front of Sections 1-4 or 12-17 only, due to space restrictions and for safety. Please contact the Box Office on +44 (0)131 225 1188 to discuss your requirements and book the correct seating.

For further information about accessibility at the Tattoo, please see the dedicated access pages HERE. 

EIFF is committed to ensuring that our Festival is accessible to all audiences. Below, you will find instructions on how to book tickets and request accessibility services, a description of each of our different enhanced access screening offerings, as well as the full list of access screenings for EIFF’s 2026 Festival.

Access Booking Service: Tickets are sold through the EdFringe Fringe Box Office, and they have staff in place specifically for access enquiries and ticket bookings. This service is here to assist anyone with an access requirement to make sure their experience of EIFF meets their needs. The access booking service can help you:

• Book specific accessibility services, e.g. enhanced screenings or seating in relation to the location of a BSL interpreter
• If you require specific accessibility information for each venue
• If you require extra assistance when at a venue, including avoiding waiting in queues and busy environments
• If you have specific seating requirements
• If you are a wheelchair user
• If you require a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a screening or event.

To contact the Access Booking Service, you can contact EdFringe Box Office via:

• Phone: +44 (0) 131 226 0002
• Email: accessbookings@edfringe.com
• WhatsApp: +44 (0)7923 525799 (text only)
• Via Contact Scotland’s BSL video interpreting relay service
• In person: Fringe Shop and Box Office, 180 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00, Monday to Friday.

Audio Described [AD]: AD cinema provides a live commentary of the film’s visuals. For audience members who are blind or partially sighted, AD is delivered via personal headsets or headphones which can be collected from venue staff. Full list of AD screenings can be found HERE.

Head-of-Hearing (HOH): These screenings are specifically designed for people who are Deaf, deafened or hard-of-hearing. Any dialogue is subtitled and additional audio description is captioned, centred at the bottom of the screen. They are a transcription rather than a translation, so as well as reproducing dialogue, they aim to describe every additional non-dialogue sound available to a hearing audience watching a film, e.g. ‘(sighs)’ or ‘(door creaks)’ and song lyrics. Full list of HOH screenings can be found HERE.

British Sign Language [BSL]: We will provide BSL interpreters for the introductions and Q&As at all of our HOH screenings. They will be visible to all audience members under appropriate lighting. Full list of BSL events can be found HERE.

The Edinburgh Art Festival [EAF] strives to prioritise inclusivity, safety, and transparency when it comes to access. 

Access Information: All EAF-led event and exhibition pages include specific details of facilities, such as seating, language interpretation, potential sensory challenges, and more. 

Venue Facilities: Information about EAF26 venue facilities and offerings can be found on our Partner Galleries + Venues page, as well as in our EAF26 Guide.

Acess Tickets: two levels of discounted access, with no ID, proof or explanation needed for either.

• Discounted Tickets (£12 or under) are for d/Deaf, Disabled, and low income visitors.
• Access Tickets are for anyone who cannot afford to pay anything at all towards a ticket.

British Sign Interpretation [BSL]: EAF is partnering with Edinburgh Deaf Festival to bring BSL tours and interpretation to the Festival - while a number of partner galleries are also presenting specific BSL tour dates. 

• BSL Tour: Earth Matters
• Glasgow Leatherdykes: From History to Today
• Bea Webster: Sadao Hasegawa + Trans Masc Studies BSL Tour

Venue Information: Information about EAF25 venue facilities and offerings can be found on our Partner Galleries & Venues web page. Euan’s Guide provides detailed access information about local venues, sourced from visitors. 

Access Requests: All EAF ticket booking forms include an “Access Needs” question, to request specific seating or other accommodations, which EAF will strive to provide.

Further information and contact details can be found on the festival's dedicated Access pages.

The Book Festival's home at Edinburgh Futures Institute is in the heart of the Old Town, in the former Royal Infirmary Hospital building. We want everyone to feel welcome at the Book Festival, so accessibility is at the heart of what we do. We have a dedicated Access Team, a Quiet Space, as many BSL interpreted or captioned events as possible, a Changing Places facility, free mobility aids (including wheelchairs), T-Loop systems in all our venues, and more. 

British Sign Language (BSL): a range of events at the Book Festival offer British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation – these have all been selected in conversation with our friends at Deaf Action. The BSL interpreters are present on stage with the authors and hosts. To make sure you’ve got the best sight of our interpreters, please let our Box Office team know ahead of time so we can make sure that you’re seated in the best spot - boxoffice@edbookfest.co.uk or 0345 373 5888.

Captioned events: We use a combination of live captioners and AI captions to ensure that we can caption as many Book Festival events as possible. Events with live captioners and AI captions are marked in our brochure and on our website. We are keen to receive feedback from audience members using our AI captions, so we can seek to improve this service. Captions will be provided on screens on the stage, either in the middle of the stage or on the sides. To make sure you’re having the best sight of the screens, please let our Access or Box Office team know ahead of time so we can make sure that you’re seated in the best spot. And before the event, please make yourself known to our Front of House team who will lead you to your seat.

Sound enhnacement/hearing loop: We have sound enhancement systems (i.e. infrared and audio induction loops) in our theatres at Edinburgh Futures Institute. Headsets can be collected from the Box Office or you can connect to the loops with your own hearing aid by switching to the T position.

Relaxed events: In these events, adjustments have been made to support those with sensory sensitivities. Auditorium lights may be left up throughout the event, noise levels may be reduced, and during the event, you are free to move around, make noise, leave the room if you need time away and come back in.

Learning Disability Friendly events: These events have been tailored to suit the needs of people living with learning disabilities. They have a welcoming and relaxed environment meaning that during the event, you’re free to move around, make noise, leave the room if you need time away and come back in.

Wheelchair access: The Book Festival’s site and venues are fully wheelchair accessible. We have wheelchairs and a mobility scooter available on-site at the Edinburgh Futures Institute which you can borrow for the day. These can be collected at the Box Office, or from our Access Office if you would like to use them. Please get in touch with our Box Office team on 0345 373 5888 or email access@edbookfest.co.uk to reserve a wheelchair ahead of your event. You're also welcome to ask our teams about wheelchairs on the day and we will do what we can to help, subject to availability of equipment. 

Assistance dogs: are welcome within all Festival areas. Please let the Box Office know at least a day before your event that you will be accompanied by your assistance dog so we can make sure you are seated somewhere suitable.

Assistance tickets: If you need someone to support you to attend events at the Book Festival, they’re entitled to a free assistance ticket. Please note: Free assistance tickets cannot be booked online. Instead, please contact the Box Office as soon as possible after booking your ticket by emailing boxoffice@edbookfest.co.uk and we will arrange this for you. 

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard discreetly indicates to our trained staff that you may need additional support or help as you navigate the Book Festival site and attend events. Lanyards are available at the Box Office and from our Access team.

Toilets: We have toilets for everyone, including gender neutral toilets, single gender toilets,  wheelchair accessible toilets with access from both left and right, and a fully accessible Changing Places toilet (complete with a hoist and changing table, though we ask that you please provide your own sling).

Access Team: A dedicated Access team can help with any specific needs for your visit and answer questions: just email access@edbookfest.co.uk - or visit the Access Office on Level 1 (nearby Venue B) - or ask the Front of House team to get in touch with the team while you’re on site.

Full accessibility information for the Book Festival can be found HERE.

Changing Places are accessible toilets with an adult-sized changing bench and hoist, for people who are unable to use a standard accessible toilet.

Available only in August

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, 6 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LS. 07 – 31 August. 10:00 – 17:00
• Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place. Edinburgh EH3 9EF. 15-30 August. 10.00 - 22.00.
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG - available just inside the venue entrance

Available throughout the year

• Booking Office Pub, Waverley Bridge, EH1 1BQ. Sunday to Thursday 07:00 – 00:00. Friday and Saturday 07:00 – 01:00
• Johnnie Walker Princes Street, 145 Princes Street, EH2 4BL. Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
• Meadows, Middle Meadow Walk, EH3 9GE. This toilet can be accessed via a Healthmatic code. The phone number to call for the code is 01249 823143. Monday – Sunday 10:30 – 19:30
• National Gallery Scotland, level 3, The Mound, EH2 2EL. Partial Changing Places toilet with all the required facilities and floorspace (13.54m2), but as it’s in a listed building, it is a few inches too narrow to be a full Changing Places toilet. The room width is 1.9m at the narrowest point.. Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00.
• National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 1JF. Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00.
• St James Quarter, St James Crescent, level one of the Galleria, Edinburgh, EH1 3AD. 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). Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 20:00. Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
• Scottish Parliament, 1 Horse Wynd, EH99 1SP. Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00. Last entry 16:30.
• Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, ModernOne carpark, 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR. Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00.
• Waverley Station, Edinburgh, EH1 1BB. Monday to Saturday 04:00 – 23:45. Sunday 06:00 – 23:45

• 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: aim to make travel easier for everyone, including passengers with disabilities and those traveling with young children. Find out more at lothianbuses.co.uk

• City Art Centre: read access information here

• Dynamic Earth: read full access information here and the sensory map here
• Edinburgh Zoo: read access information here and download the full access statement here
• National Museum of Scotland: read full access statement here and sensory map here
• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: read access information here and download full access guide here
• Summerhall: read full access information here
• Traverse Theatre: read full access guide here

• Artlink Edinburgh - Arts Access: 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
• Deaf Action: a deaf-led charity that supports and celebrates deaf people. Find out more at deafaction.org
• Euan’s Guide: 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: 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