Using this website
We have designed this website to be accessible to all.
We use regular headings, clear text and high colour contrast to make content easier to read for all users.
To make text larger:
On a PC: press and hold the control key and press + (the plus key) to enlarge the text. Use control and - (minus) to make it smaller again. You can also hold down control and use the scroll wheel on your mouse.
On a touchscreen: touch the screen with two fingers and move them apart from each other to zoom in.
Screenreader accessibility
People with visual impairments can use our website with screenreader software.
Keyboard accessibility
If you find using a mouse difficult, you can navigate the menus on this site using your keyboard.
Flexible layout
This website is designed to display responsively, working equally well on computers, phones, and tablets.
If you have any questions or comments about using this website, please email us at marketing@efdss.org.
Visiting Cecil Sharp House
Chilled venue
If you require any support during your visit, please ask a front of house team member who will be happy to help you.
Cecil Sharp House is a small, friendly, flexible venue with a welcoming team – we want everyone to feel at home here.
We view Cecil Sharp House as a ‘chilled venue’. We welcome people who can’t always sit still and in silence throughout a performance. We ask that everyone is respectful and kind to other audience members and to the artists, remembering that not all disabilities are visible.
Our doors typically open 30 minutes before the start of performances which allows time for people to get into and settled in our performance spaces. Start and approximate finish times of events are shown on our website event listings, and in the foyer during events.
Although we don’t have a dedicated quiet, ‘chill’, or private space for people attending events at Cecil Sharp House, we will always strive to meet your needs, so please talk to a member of staff.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your access needs in advance of your visit, please contact us on info@efdss.org or 020 7485 2206.
Free tickets for personal assistants
Ticket-bookers with a disability can reserve a free ticket for a personal assistant to assist you during your visit. You may be asked to provide proof of your entitlement.
Accessible toilets
There are two wheelchair-accessible toilets and baby changing facilities on the ground floor, and one accessible toilet plus baby changing facilities on the basement level.
Unfortunately Cecil Sharp House does not currently have a Changing Places toilet. The Changing Places website may help you find the nearest facility.
Sound
Kennedy Hall and Trefusis Hall have hearing loops, as indicated by signage. There is also a hearing induction loop at the reception desk.
Our venues have noise limiters to keep amplified sounds below fixed levels. Please ask any of our front of house staff if you require disposable ear plugs.
Assistance animals
Assistance animals are welcomed at Cecil Sharp House. Please ask us if you require drinking water for your animal.
Not all disabilities are visible
We are pleased to support the Sunflower Lanyard scheme.
Family Friendly
We want the whole family to enjoy their trip to Cecil Sharp House. Our Family Friendly information answers some questions.
Access to the venue and emergency exit
Cecil Sharp House has step-free access to all floors via a lift. Our lift can be accessed from the car park on the Gloucester Avenue gate side of the building:
Please note there is no ‘level access’ in or out of the building and so if you think you may need help evacuating in an emergency please do get in touch with us via info@efdss.org to discuss what support you may need. We also provide room-specific emergency evacuation information for Kennedy Hall, Trefusis Hall, Storrow Hall and the Committee Room.
Our stage can be accessed by wheelchair users via a ramp which can be put in place by staff.
See also: General Emergency Evacuation Plan for Cecil Sharp House
Parking
A limited number of disabled parking bays are available on the grounds of Cecil Sharp House, accessible via Regents Park Road. Spaces can be reserved for visitors with access needs, on a first-come-first-served basis, by calling 020 7485 2206 or emailing info@efdss.org.
Viewing area
Most of our events are all seated and we can organise a direct sight line of the performance if you require it. If in a large group we may only be able to accommodate you and a companion. For standing events we can provide an area in front of the stage (either to the left or right, depending on the event set-up and customer preference): please let our staff know if you would like us to provide these.
Strobe lighting
On the rare occasions that strobe lighting is used, warning signs will be placed on the online event listing and within the venue.
Promotional materials
We no longer produce a printed season brochure. Event listings are available upon request – including large print, braille and audio. Please let us know in advance.
Get in touch!
If you’d like to contact us about access, please call us on 020 7485 2206 and we’ll be happy to talk to you. Or email us on info@efdss.org and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
What they say
We hold Attitude is Everything Charter of Best Practice at Silver Level.
Attitude is Everything improves deaf and disabled people’s access to live music by working in partnership with audiences, artists and the music industry.
Cecil Sharp House truly impresses when it comes to accessible facilities, showing that even listed buildings can create a hospitable environment for all to enjoy
– Age UK
We are committed to Attitude is Everything’s Mystery Shopper programme. The venue is visited periodically and without notice by Mystery Shoppers – Deaf and disabled music fans who report back on accessibility and overall experience.
