Venue Description

Colchester Arts Centre - the little church with the big attitude deep in the heart of Essex. Well that's how we describe it anyway. It sort of works, it at least gives a flavour of what we're about. We put on events. We have projects. We provide a space for community or corporate hire. How do you describe a venue that can put children's entertainer Palfi the Clown on, on the same day as Cradle of Filth? Where a Vinyl listening session in the morning becomes a comedy club in the evening, where folk enthusiasts can sit happily knitting (and they do!) in the exact same spot a ferocious mosh pit of teenage dancing takes place the following night? And where the beautiful historic architecture of St Mary's Church dating back over a thousand years, plays host to some of the newest comics, most modern choreographers, some of the coolest DJ's and some of the freshest talent in Britain. Over the years we've promoted Coldplay, Eddie Izzard, Graham Norton, Harry Hill, Catherine Tate, Jo Brand, The Libertines, Ash, The Killers, The Strokes, Phill Jupitus, Mick Jones, Bill Bailey, Jack Dee, Count Arthur Strong - all before anyone had ever heard of them of course - plus the likes of jazz legend Ronnie Scott and even the late lamented and much loved Brian Johnston the cricket commentator. Our passion to present new work bringing great bands and comics to Colchester burns more brightly than ever. Our business is all about fresh ideas, new acts, new art forms and vibrant new ways of working. We can't stand still. We embrace the new, the quirky the original - and yes, the surreal!

Accessibility

Access Information When Visiting Colchester Arts Centre Colchester Arts Centre operates from a fully accessible converted church. We follow the social model of disability, which looks at dismantling the external barriers experienced by d/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people. We want to ensure that our staff, artists, and audiences are welcomed to our space and can access our programme of performances and events. We offer a complimentary ticket for a PA/ Companion who is necessary for your visit. Select your ticket on the website and then select 1 on the PA/ Companion ticket to add to your basket. You can also call the box office on 01206 500900. Assistant dogs are welcome throughout the venue and at all events. Bowls of water can be supplied; please let us know when booking or on arrival. Where possible, we provide an Access Host to assist you with finding your seats and purchasing drinks, if required. Performance Space We have step-free access from the street to our office. Should you require it, you may use our side entrance which can be accessed by ringing a bell and a member of staff will give you access - this takes us into our main space. Our front doors can be opened and closed by means of a low level button press. Low level serving areas at our front desk and bars. Accessible performances These will be listed under our 'accessibility' webpage for any upcoming accessible events - e.g captioned, BSL interpreted etc. Hearing Loop If you use a hearing aid, please ask at the front desk for one of our necklaces - wearing this with your hearing aid in the T position will give you access to the hearing loop. We have also recently introduced bluetooth connection for the hearing loop. Accessible Toilet We have brand new accessible toilet located near the main entrance. Sign Language Interpretation Shows with BSL will be listed in the table above and the BSL symbol is shown on the event page. Captioning Shows with Captioning will be listed in the table above and the captioning symbol is shown on the event page. Audio Description Shows with Audio Description will be listed in the table above and the captioning symbol is shown on the event page. If you require audio description and it is not listed please add a comment in your booking and we will contact you. Relaxed Performances Relaxed performances are adapted to create a more relaxed environment such as sound levels adjusted, lights may not be as dark, you may move around and make noise during the show. These shows are typically for people with autism and/ or sensory communications and learning difficulties. Daytime Box Office We regret that at present we can't provide ramped access through the main box office entrance. Wheelchair users are asked to ring the assistance bell on the wall outside and we will come and see you to arrange step free access. Access Riders Artists / companies who use access riders, please send these on to stafford@colchesterartscentre.com. Staff have been trained to understand what access riders are and how they can be used to support nuanced access provisions. Rest Space Our rest space is located near the box office. If there are any specific things that would make this space comfortable for you, then please do contact us and we will see what we can provide for you. We're Here to Help If you are attending one of our standing gigs and are unable to stand for the duration due to medical reasons, we'll make sure you have a chair. If you're attending a seated performance but require a particular seat due to sight, hearing or anxiety then please let us know at the booking process We're always happy to discuss any requirements you may have. Please email accessibility@colchesterartscentre.com or call the box office on 01206 500900, 10am to 2pm Monday to Saturday.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://colchesterartscentre.com/accessibility/

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://colchesterartscentre.com/access/

Accessible Performances

As our seating arrangement changes depending on the show there are no allocated seating areas. However, we aim to meet and accommodate visits needs when visiting our venue. Rather than have a dedicated seating area, we are able to seat you where it appropriate based on the disability you have. For example, visually impaired prefer nearer the front and autistic visitors prefer nearer the back. Some shows will include a British Sign Language Interpreter or Captioning. For audio description this is done on a 121 basis. We also offer relaxed family shows with crash mats out at the front and seats at the back.

Toilets

We have a brand new accessible toilet located near the main entrance. They are functional and award winning. Quirky toilets of the year 2023.

Staff

The venue is run by paid and unpaid staff and training is provided for all. Recent training includes Blind Awareness, Deaf Awareness, Profound and Multiple Learning Disability Awareness

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Yes, our venue is a church connected to a graveyard which could be used by your dog.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water bowls can be provided