Anyone been to a gig at The Piece Hall? Accessibility question

[Overthinking89]

I’m going to a concert at The Piece Hall in Halifax this weekend with a friend and I’m starting to worry about the standing.

I have a General Admission ticket and it appears to be mostly standing only. The problem is that I struggle with pain when standing for long periods and I’m not sure I’ll manage several hours on my feet. I have endometriosis and hyper mobility.

I’ve emailed the venue to ask whether there are any accessibility options or seating available, but I’m waiting to hear back.

My friend booked the tickets as a birthday gift and I didn’t realise at the time it was standing only.

Has anyone been to a concert at The Piece Hall and can tell me what it’s like? Are there any places to sit, lean against a wall, or take breaks? Has anyone successfully arranged seating or access to the accessible viewing platform after buying a General Admission ticket?

I’m really looking forward to the gig but I’m worried that the pain will spoil it.

Any advice or experiences would be appreciated.

There are some steps that I was able to sit on as I found it hard to stand up for a full concert. But it is all standing otherwise.

Typically at venues security staff can access seats though you may not be able to see very well.

Can you hire a wheelchair for the occasion?

I’ve not been to a gig there but I walk through the Piece hall often.

its all open, no seating.
as PP says there are some steps, but depending on his busy the gig is, they may be full of people.

I’ve just remembered, a friend of mine is an usher there. I’ll message & ask her your question.

I’m going tonight, go every year to something. If you get there really early you might be able to bag a bench, there are a few. Otherwise it’s all standing unless you buy the wheelchair/ accessible seats.

Or could you take a folding chair? There are loads in the shops at the moment. I bought one recently at Mountain Warehouse.

There’s a raised platform with seats for those with accessibility issues. I’m assuming you book a place there when you buy a ticket but they might get back to you to offer a place as you’ve contacted them? I’ve been there before and stood in front of this area and used it to lean on/rest my drink on so that might be a possibility?

They're not allowed in to the gigs.

OP if the venue can't help with a seat on the accessible platform, loads of people sit on the steps. Get in a bit early and grab yourself a patch

@Donna1001
Thank you, that’s really kind. Will you message me via DM or on here to let me know what your friend says about it?

@DollopOfFun
How early would you recommend to arrive?

I was there last night! If you get there early you will be able to sit on the stone steps until your concert starts. We got there about 7 and everywhere you could sit and view the stage was fully occupied by then. There was an accessible entrance and I saw a lady with a crutch talking to someone on the door so they might be able to do something for you when you get there if you ask.

I also think there might have been a bar with seats and tables on one side where you couldn’t see the stage but you could sit, but I might be misremembering and that might’ve been outside. It’s a beautiful venue hope you have an awesome time!

We sat on one of these. They go round the back.

I obviously couldn’t resist posting on this thread! If you are unable to swap your ticket for one for the accessibility platform, I would recommend that you get there as soon as the gates open, usually at 6pm, for a concert start at 8pm. There are steps you can sit on, or benches, but be aware that everyone in front of you will probably be standing up.

See if you can upgrade to the balcony. They can put chairs up there. It's usually VIP tickets with access to food/drinks in the rooms though, so more expensive.

Was going to say, when we went you could sit on those big blocks around the edge and you can still see from there. It was no problem at all and we didn't arrive early

I have low blood pressure and chronic fatigue which makes standing for long periods of time problematic. I’ve always been able to find some steps or a low wall to sit on when I need to. It’s a beautiful venue!

I’ve seen this recommended on other threads.

I need accessible seating all the time and would advise you not to do this.

These perching stools and folding chairs are specifically banned by venues for creating a hazard in the standing area for other people. You would be stopped at the door. I had an email about them from a major venue just last week.

The only way to get accessible seating is to go through the process used by the venue.

As others have said, go for gates opening around 6 ish.

I've been to loads of gigs there, and the staff are really very helpful in my experience. I'm also there tonight!

I’ve sent you a PM wuth the info from my friend.

I’ve been to quite a few events there and you’ll be fine if you get there early. You’ll probably need somewhere to sit if you’re going to any of the food vendors and when I have I can always find somewhere.
People move around during the gigs so if an area is busy you’ll find somewhere else if you walk around.
Also the toilet queues seem to be getting much better than they were a few years ago.
Enjoy, it’s a gorgeous venue.

@Overthinking89 have you been, if so, how was it?