Live events

Sign Language interpreters

These days, more and more live events are offering performances with live British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation. 

A live interpreter will interpret the lyrics and feel of the music through signing, body language and facial expressions. Depending on the venue, they may be stood on stage, on a platform in the crowd, or shown on a large screen by the stage.

Some venues reserve specific seats or space for BSL users, so that they can see the interpreter clearly. Contact your venue to find out if this is an option for you.

If a show offers shows with BSL interpretation, they should advertise on their website which performances will be signed. You can also contact venues directly, or get in touch with interpretation companies, such as Performance Interpreting. They can help you liaise with the event organisers to arrange interpretation.

People think it’s about sound, but it’s about the feeling you’re left with at the end of a song.

I’ve realised how important it is to have access to entertainment for mental wellbeing. We see people cry, laugh and dance at the shows and it’s beautiful to witness."

Marie is a professional performance interpreter, working with artists including Ed Sheeran and Adele. She also has one-sided deafness.

Using hearing technology at live events

Many stadiums, arenas and live venues have technology installed for users of hearing aids and implants.

Loop systems

Some venues have loop systems. These take sound from the audio system and turn it into a wireless signal.

Hearing aids and implant processors can pick up the signal when they are turned to the T-setting. This means hearing technology users can hear sound from the stage clearly with little background noise.

As stadiums and arenas are larger, the loop system will usually only cover a specific area or block of seats. You may have to book seats in a particular block to use the loop system. Check the accessibility information on your venues website or contact them directly for more information.

Radio frequency systems

Some venues now offer radio frequency systems. These are similar to loop systems but use different technology. This means the signal covers the entire auditorium, so users of hearing technology can choose to stand or book seats wherever they like. 

When you arrive at the venue, a member of staff will provide a receiver and a personal neck loop. When the neck loop is plugged into the receiver, it will connect with your hearing aid or implant, letting you hear the performance directly through your technology.

Alternatively, for people who don’t use hearing technology, the venue can often provide a personal headset to use with the receiver instead.

Depending on the venue, you may be able to request a receiver pack on the day, or you may have to book one in advance.

Check the accessibility information on your venue’s website or contact them directly for more information. 

Enjoying live music through vibration

People of all levels of deafness may enjoy live music through vibration. This is a different way to experience music but can be just as fun and exciting.

Sound is produced through vibrations moving through the air, or another solid, liquid or gas. When these vibrations reach a person’s ear, they move through different parts of the ear and carry a signal to their brain, which processes it as sound.

For some deaf people, their ears may not be able to carry vibrations in the same way as others. However, they can still feel the vibration of the music with different parts of their bodies.

At live events, the powerful sound systems create strong vibrations. Different instruments, voices, volumes and pitches can also use different sound frequencies, which creates a different vibration. 

Some deaf people may enjoy feeling the difference between vibrations on different surfaces in the venue, or the contrast between feeling vibrations through their chair and putting their hands on a speaker. 

Scientists have also created wearable ‘haptic suit’ that replicates the sounds of a live performance through vibrations across the body. This technology is still being tested but could become more mainstream in the future.

Deaf events

There are lots of live events specifically organised by and for the deaf community. These combine brilliant live entertainment with a chance to connect with others.

Deaf Rave puts on various live events, including a yearly festival with events for people of all ages. They showcase deaf and hearing artists through music, sign-song and visual performances.

The Edinburgh Deaf Festival takes place every year and offers a wide variety of performances in BSL. This includes shows for children and families. 

Free companion tickets

Many venues offer free companion tickets for their events. This allows deaf and disabled people to bring another person with them to an event free-of-charge. 

Booking a companion ticket varies between different events and venues. In some cases, you will have to contact the venue’s box office directly. For others, you may need to book your tickets through a website like Ticketmaster or AXS.

You may need to provide evidence to prove you are eligible for a free companion ticket. This may be things like:

• A letter from your doctor.
• Proof you receive support such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
• A Nimbus Access Card with a +1 symbol.