Edinburgh International Festival Access Pass

The Edinburgh International Festival welcomes the world to Edinburgh to experience a hand-picked programme of the finest performers in dance, opera, music and theatre.

Created in 1947 to celebrate the human spirit, Edinburgh International Festival is the world’s leading performing arts festival, featuring the finest performers from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre. For three weeks each August the city becomes an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for people of all nations.

What is the Access Pass?

At the Edinburgh International Festival they believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to cultural discovery. The Access Pass is a free membership scheme designed to improve the booking experience for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent audience members.

When you register, you will be asked about your access requirements. This access information is then added to your Edinburgh International Festival account, to ensure that the box office and venue staff can provide a Festival experience that is best placed to support you.

There is no physical card provided. To make bookings simply use the email address associated with your account.

What does it involve?

By becoming an Access Pass member, you receive a customer experience tailored to your requirements:

• Box office and venue staff will be aware of your access requirements, so you don’t have to explain every time you book or attend.
• Book accessible seating options (wheelchair spaces, aisle seats and seats with extra leg room).
• Book free essential companion tickets.
• Book seats with the best view for British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances.
• Receive pre-show emails with venue information relevant to you.
• Get details of the accessible shows that might interest you, directly into your inbox.
• If digital tickets present a barrier to you, you can have printed tickets posted out to you without the postage fee.
• Declare your fire evacuation requirements, so venue staff know these in advance.
• Let Edinburgh International Festival know if you prefer brochures in braille, large print or plain text formats.
• If you’re a carer or usually attend as an essential companion for a D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent friend, you can sign up to the Access Pass and book on their behalf.
• You’ll receive the Access Guide and brochure as soon as the Festival launches each year, so you can plan your trip and book your tickets as early as possible.
• You can book tickets for a touch tour, which complement the audio described performances.

For full details and to sign-up go to Edinburgh International Festival Access Pass.