Are you looking for accessible events in Bristol? There are many accessible events across Bristol that people with additional needs can enjoy.
These include theatre shows with signed, audio described or captioned performances, early opening and relaxed sessions and dementia-friendly events. For more Accessibility Information for Bristol click here.
Many of the venues offer free tickets for accompanying carers as well, check out all our special offers for carers here.
These relaxed, chilled and quiet openings and performaces welcome visitors and audience members with a range of conditions such as autism, learning disabilities and cognitive disorders, who may benefit from a more relaxed environment. Often these include gentler volume, sensory input and house lights on. Many of Bristol's attractions also offer visual stories and guides and calm bags.
Calm Sensory Sessions at Brunel's SS Great Britain
These Calm Sensory Sessions have been designed a series of events for children who benefit from visiting at a time when there is a calmer background sensory environment (for example, some autistic children and neurodiverse families). They will turn down, or off, many of their audio-visuals and smells. Lighting levels will be adjusted, capacity will be reduced and a dedicated sensory room will be available.
These sessions will vary throughout the year with some happening before they open, and others during quieter times on site.
Keep Calm at Bristol Aquarium: Sensory Awareness Mornings
Bristol Aquarium will be opening at 9 am to visitors and will be turning off their music and children's rides as well as increasing lighting levels. These changes will be made until midday, allowing you to take your time around the Aquarium and enjoy the wonders of the deep.
Bristol Aquarium recognises that some children may be more sensitive to our usual sensory experience, so they hope this will help some guests! They hope our introduction of Sensory Awareness Mornings will allow children and adults to come in and enjoy the Aquarium in a mindful and peaceful setting.
Relaxed performances at Bristol Old Vic
These perfomances welcome audience members who may benefit from a more relaxed environment – with gentler volume and house lights on.
Bristol Hippodrome Relaxed Performances
Bristol Hippodrome offer relaxed performances for many of it's longer running and/or family shows. You can find out more by emailing bristoladmin@theambassadors.com
Tobacco Factory Theatres Relaxed Performances
Tobacco Factory Theatre regularly offer relaxed performances which are specifically adapted for those with additional needs and their families
Watershed Cinema Relaxed Screenings
Watershed cinemas are available to hire for groups who would like to host a relaxed screening.
Happy Families Holiday Workshops at Royal West of England Academy (RWA)
Sensory, explorative workshops are specifically designed for families with children with SEN+D. Taking place on Mondays when the galleries are closed to the general public, families can come and explore and play with an experienced facilitator in a quiet, calm, and welcoming space. Free activity Trail and Happy Packs (sensory bags) are available to all to enjoy during their visit at any time (ask at the front desk).
Autism-friendly early opening at We The Curious (POSTPONED)
Please note this is currently postponed. However, We The Curious offer a quiet room with weighted blankets and over the head ear defenders if you need them.
A quiet, early morning autism-friendly session, this is a chance to explore the exhibits at your own pace, chat with the staff and take part in some intriguing activities.
These welcome visitors and audience members who are partially-sighted, blind, Deaf/deaf, hard of hearing or have additional needs where they will benefit from an assisted performance and/or event. These included Audio Described, Signed and Captioned Performances.
Audio Described Screenings at Watershed
Watershed cinema offer Audio Description on select films. In addition to the film's main soundtrack playing through the cinema speakers, AD users listen to a narrator detailing what's happening on the screen at selected breaks during the film's dialogue, through a set of headphones. The headphones are personal and the user is still able to hear the film's sound through the cinema surround sound speakers.
Descriptive Subtitling Subtitling at Watershed
Watershed cinema offers Described Subtitling on select films. As well as showing the dialogue, Descriptive Subtitles provide information on other significant sounds. For example: when something is being sung; when a phone rings; when a door slams. This extra information allows customers using the subtitles to access the film more fully.
Bristol Hippodrome Assisted Performances
Bristol Hippodrome offer captioned, audio-described and BSL-interpreted / signed performances for many of it's longer running and/or family shows. You can find out more by emailing bristoladmin@theambassadors.com
Audio Described performances at Bristol Old Vic
These performances offer live narration through headphones for visually impaired audiences. Touch tours and audio notes also available.
Signed performances at Bristol Old Vic
Signed performances feature a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter who interprets the shows for Deaf/deaf audiences.
Captioned performances at Bristol Old Vic
Captioned performances converts live spoken word into text that appears on a screen for Deaf/deaf or hard of hearing audiences.
BSL (British Sign Language) Interpreted Performances at Tobacco Factory Theatres
Tobacco Factory Theatres aim to offer BSL interpreted performances of shows whenever possible.
Described and BSL Gallery Tours at RWA
These tours, led by experienced facilitators, explore the work in current exhibitions. Email info@rwa.org.uk for more information about their next event.
There are events in Bristol and the surrounding area that cater specifically for people living with dementia and their families.
Organisations such as Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Services and LinkAge have full lists of dementia-friendly events, activities and groups in Bristol. As well as the events listed below.
Many of Bristol's community swimming pools offer Dementia-friendly swimming sessions which are quieter sessions with trained staff and appropriate facilities.
Memory Cafes, Singing Groups and Social Groups
Memory cafés offer a friendly welcome for anyone affected by dementia, or worried about their or someone else’s memory. They provide practical information and support, as well as the opportunity for people to ask questions and to listen to others’ experience. They also provide an informal and social environment in which to learn new skills, enjoy activities, listen to guest speakers and make new friends. You don't need to be a resident and visitors to the city are welcome to go along.
Alzheimers Society Events - including Memory Cafes, Singing Groups and Social Groups
Memory Cafes in South Gloucestershire
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