Birmingham Asylum Venue

[IkeaBagLady]

I’m taking teenage son to his first gig at Asylum 2 in Birmingham soon. Has anyone that’s been got any inside info, tips, suggestions etc? He’s autistic, so we’ll have earplugs, I just want to be as prepared as possible to help him have a good time. Thanks!

Been loads of times, although my only real suggestion is standing towards the back and not getting stuck in the middle of a crowd! Might be an idea to show him where the toilets are before the gig starts, I think they are back out of the main room and you go back towards the entrance to get to them (I’ve missed my favourite song before cos I was looking for toilets!) Can I ask who you’re going to see? Might be easier to get an idea of what the vibe will be like ☺️

Ah thank you for your reply! We are
off to see Jhariah. Toilet location is important, I will definitely make sure we find them early.

Cool, I hadn’t heard of him until I just googled him (only because it’s not my type of music) but looks like you’ll have a great time. Take ear plugs (important regardless of whether you’re neurodivergent but I know loud noise can be a concern), get there early and scope out toilets, bar, and where you’ll go if you get too hot. Enjoy!

Oh and I meant to say, how cool are you that you’re taking your son to a gig!!

Asylum 2 is the small upstairs room so has a separate entrance from the main part of the building. Once through the door the ladies toilets are on the left, the gents are through the door straight ahead of you and then on the left. The actual room is up the stairs on the right and then at the top of the stairs you turn left into the actual room with the stage at the far end. As you get to the top of the stairs there is a corridor to the right. It is usually fine to go and stand in the corridor if you need a bit of space but still want to hear the music. It is also usually fine to just go and stand and outside for some fresh air. There is a small bar in the main bit but you used to be able to buy snacks downstairs in the reception area (which is for the rehearsal rooms on the ground floor) but I am not 100% on that now.

Ah sorry I missed that it said asylum 2 🤦🏻‍♀️ the advice that @TobiasForgesContactLense has given is much better ☺️

Thanks both so much! I feel a bit reassured, I struggle with anxiety and I’m putting on a very brave face to take him to this. It feels important, and being prepared helps me cope with the worries. I am very pleased to be able to take him, he has a lot of difficulties and I’m sure lots of teens wouldn’t want to go with their mum, but it’s an honour for me really. We live a long way away, so it’s involving train trips and 2 nights in Premier Inn. He handles them just fine as they are all identical no matter where we are.

Aww I am sure that your son will have a fab time!

My DH has anxiety and my DS is awaiting an ASD assessment so our trips also have to be meticuously planned.

Just to say that the venue run a charity called the Uprawr Mental Health Foundation and a lot of the staff have had training like Mental health first aid. I have always found it to be a nice inclusive place.

We survived the trip, and son had a brilliant time at the gig.
thanks for all the advice, and reassurance, it helped.

I am so glad that your son had a good time.