And now for a positive post about accessibility!

We went to see My Chemical Romance at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow, our first gig as a family and we had a great time.

I had to obtain a Nimbus card (£15 for a 3 year card), navigate a webform and wait a few weeks to get a space on the access form but it was pretty painless.

The set up at this Summer Sessions gig was very sensible. The accessible entrance was separate to the main entrance, with the street outside being used as a dedicated accessible pick up and drop off area.

From there we went to a check in desk to get our wristbands. It has a low counter, and staff spoke to me rather than the folks with me – always appreciated.

Temporary ramps were used where necessary and plastic matting was placed throughout the entrance and around the access platform.

The platform had three tiers, ground level – effectively in the main crowd but separated by fencing, then a first and second tier, with folding chairs provided by attentive staff as needed.
Long ramps with handrails and landings lead to the platforms.

We chose to sit on the first, which was great for us and offered a decent view.

What I didn’t appreciate was the two extremely loud folks behind us, shouting and swearing as we waited for the band to come on, moaning about the piper on stage and asserting that they didn’t give a f*ck about the no smoking/vaping sign and would vape if they wanted. I’m pretty sure one referred to the other as an influencer.  Please influence your friend to consider other people.

They then stood up (yes I know disabled folks can stand – ambulant wheelchair user here 🙋🏻‍♂️) blocking the view of others. I love that security was on them so quickly. They got told politely to either sit down or go elsewhere. Four songs in they left and didn’t return – I expect to go to the ground level to stand and vape and be annoying elsewhere.

A wheelchair user nearby also told someone off for the same thing. The message is clear, on the accessible platform, sit on your arse!

A screen on the platform provided live captioning of the show – though it wasn’t always timely.

The accessible area also had a sensory tent and a  Changing Places van (Pamiloo) provided by PAMIS.

There was also a bar in this space, serving Koparberg and Budweiser (a horrible beer in my opinion) and soft drinks. I like a beer but if it’s Bud or nothing, I’ll have a double nothing, please. Free tea and coffee is available.

Food could be ordered using a QR code on signs nearby and is brought to you by volunteer staff. To combat mobile phone congestion, a Starlink WiFi service is available.

The one downside was not having access to a merch tent or remote ordering service. I know they’re looking at solutions to this.

I spoke to Louise, who is in charge of accessibility, who confirmed this.

Ignoring the two behind us, who were the only two I could hear while sitting in a group of 200, it was a great night.

MCR put on a great show, and I would definitely go to other Summer Sessions events.