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Partners
Welcome to West End LIVE. We aim to offer an accessible and inclusive event and provide the largest accessible viewing area of any event in Trafalgar Square, with full view of the stage, BSL interpreter and event screens.
The accessible viewing area is located on the North Terrace and is ticketed.
An accessible entrance is available for general event entry, for those who do not have tickets.Contact us
Email: WestEndLIVE@westminster.gov.uk
Post: West End LIVE, 13th floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP.
We aim to respond to your query within five working days.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is an outdoor venue. All pathways are concrete.
Performances take place from a single stage in front of Nelson's Column.
The ticketed accessible viewing area is located on the North Terrace in front of the National Gallery, overlooking the Square.
We also provide:
There is no shade from the sun or shelter from rain in the square or entrance queues. Please check the weather forecast in advance, bring water with you and dress appropriately. This includes light, loose clothing, a hat and sunscreen in the event of hot weather.
Bookable accessible viewing area
The accessible viewing area on the North Terrace is ticketed and is available to wheelchair users and people with other accessibility requirements.
We are pleased to be working with Nimbus Disability, using their www.accesscard.online to provide guests a more consistent and better experience.
Guests requiring use of the accessible viewing area are invited to go via Nimbus Disability to have their access requirements validated. This will help us to provide any reasonable adjustments and protect them from potential misuse.
You will need to complete a simple application form and upload any validating evidence along with some narrative about your access requirements. If you already have an Access Card, then you don't need to reapply.
It is free to register for a West End LIVE Digital Access pass and it's valid for three years. Registering does not guarantee entry to West End LIVE.
The accessible viewing area is available to guests with the following symbols:
For those who are unable to engage in the Access Registration process, please email westendlive@westminster.gov.uk and we will endeavour to support you in participating in West End Live 2026.
You can then register for space in the ticketed accessible viewing area. If there are more applications than spaces, tickets will be allocated via a ballot.
The deadline to register is 23.59 on Friday 10 April 2026.
How to apply
If you already have an Access card or Pass, you don't need to apply again.
Registrations close at 23.59 on Friday 10 April 2026. We will be in touch within 7 days to let you know if you have a ticket.
If you are successful, you will be sent a wristband to the address provided on your application form with additional information week beginning Monday 8th June. If you have the essential companion symbol on your card, your companion will be given a pass on the day which they can swap with someone else during the event, if you would like.
For more information about the accessible viewing area ballot, see our full terms and conditions.
Travel
Tottenham Court Road - 900m is the nearest tube station with step free access.
Trafalgar Square is close to the following stations:
Charing Cross (train and tube) - 201m
Embankment (tube) - 400m
Leicester Square (tube) - 200m
Please check your journey before you travel at tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey
Accessibility guides at tfl.gov.uk
Download the TfL Go app to plan a step-free journey.
Parking
Find Blue Badge parking bays at westminster.gov.uk.
Arrival
There is no shade in the entrance queue or in Trafalgar Square. Please check the weather forecast ahead of your visit and wear a hat and sunscreen if it's hot. We will update on weather alerts on this web page to help you plan your visit.
Accessible entrance
The accessible entrance is available to guests with a Nimbus Access Card or free West End LIVE Digital Access Pass. If you already have one, you do not need to apply again.
You can apply at app.accesscard.online/apply/west-end-live. Registration remains open until the event weekend. Please bring it with you on the day.
Guests using this entrance will have access to the main event area only, and not the pre-ticketed accessible viewing area.
The dedicated entrance aims to reduce queuing time as much as possible, but queuing will still be necessary, particularly on Saturday. Sunday is generally quieter. Entry is not guaranteed and once the Square is full, entry will be on a one out, one in basis.
Accessible entrance location
The accessible entrance will be located on the north east corner of Trafalgar Square, opposite Duncannon Street and St Martin-in-the-Fields, next to the sponsor entrance.
There are steps from the entrance to the main Square.
Entrance opening times
The accessible entrance is due to open at approximately 10.15am on Saturday and 11.15am on Sunday subject to change on the day.
Companions
You are welcome to use this queue with one companion, regardless of whether you have the companion symbol on your Nimbus Access card.
Bag searches
Bag searches will be in operation and we ask you to keep bags to a minimum where possible. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink, and there will be light refreshments available to buy at the venue. This will include coffee, ice cream and sandwiches. Alcohol is not permitted but will be available to buy once inside the venue.
Toilets
An accessible toilet will be on the North Terrace behind the accessible viewing area.
Additional portable toilets including an accessible toilet will be on the south of the Square, by the stage. Public toilets are located at the bottom of the central steps including disabled toilets and a baby change facility.
Medical services
First Aid will be available on site. The location will be marked on our venue map which will be available online closer to the event and stewards will help you on the day.
General information
Folding chairs
Folding chairs are not permitted in the venue. If you are using a chair in the accessible entrance queue, it must be kept folded and with you once inside the venue. There is no storage for folding chairs.
Hot weather
Hot weather is usually forecast during West End LIVE. Please check in advance and bring water and drink plenty of fluids during the day, use sunscreen, wear a hat and loose, light-coloured clothing.
There is no shade in Trafalgar Square or the entrance queues.
Find out more about staying safe in hot weather: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
More information about the Nimbus Access Card Scheme
Nimbus offers greater privacy without needing to carry supporting documents. Nimbus will help us to validate access requirements, highlight additional reasonable adjustments and protect against potential misuse.
The Nimbus Access Card is an award-winning scheme run by disabled people. It is free to register exclusively for West End LIVE and is valid for three years. You can choose to upgrade your card to be transferable to any other organisation at a cost of £15 for three years. This will mean your access requirements are pre-registered at 2,500 venues and events in the UK and beyond.
Registering does not guarantee entry to West End LIVE.
Privacy
We will only retain your name and email address to contact you with information about the event and for the guest list on the day. We will never use your information for any other purposes (unless specifically stated). Your name only may be shared with our partners and or contractors managing the guest list on the day.
FAQs
What is the difference between an Access Card and a West End LIVE Digital Access Pass?
An Access Card is a universal way of conveying your access requirements with thousands of organisations, venues, events and ticketing systems in the UK and beyond.
You can purchase an Access Card for £15 for 3 years.
A West End LIVE Digital Access Pass is a free way of conveying your access requirements, just for West End LIVE. You still go through the same process, but receive a digital number and no card. Please bring your confirmation email with you.
Already got an Access Card or what do I do once I have a West End LIVE Digital Access Pass?
Once you have your West End LIVE Digital Access Pass number, found on your confirmation email, you can register for the accessible viewing area.
It is available to guests with the following symbols:
For those who are unable to engage in the Access Registration process, please email westendlive@westminster.gov.uk and we will endeavour to support you in participating in West End LIVE 2026.
Registering does not guarantee space in the accessible viewing area or entry to the event.
You can use your Access card or Digital Access Pass to use the dedicated accessible entrance. You do not need to apply, just bring your card or Nimbus digital access pass confirmation to show to the stewards on the day.
Your card or pass gives you entry to the main Square and does not guarantee entry, which is subject to capacity. Entry is on a first come, first served basis and once capacity is reached entry will be on a one out, one in basis.
What happens if I am not successful in the ballot?
If you are unsuccessful in the ballot, you can use the accessible entrance but will not have entry to the accessible viewing area which is pre-ticketed. You will have entry to the main Square only.
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The nearest stations are Charing Cross, Embankment and Leicester Square. |
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Queues will be very busy, especially on Saturday. Once we reach full capacity, the queue will be closed in Leicester Square. In previous years, capacity was reached at 11am on Saturday. Sunday is usually much quieter. Entry is on a first come, first served basis and we cannot guarantee entry except for accessible viewing area ticket holders who are guaranteed space. There is no shade or shelter in the queue or in the Square, so please wear a hat if it's hot or bring an umbrella and waterproofs if rain is forecast. Please follow the latest weather advice and take sensible precautions. |
There will be two entrances to the event: A general entrance and dedicated accessible entrance. The site layout will be posted on this web page one week before the event. Both entrances are due to open at approximately 10.15am on Saturday and 11.15am on Sunday.
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Bag searches will be in operation on entry. Please do not bring large cases or bags. Left luggage facilities are available at nearby Charing Cross station. Please do bring your own food and soft drink. Alcohol is not permitted. Pimm's, water, coffee and ice cream will be available to buy at the event. For safety reasons, folding or portable chairs, are not permitted in the Square. |
A BSL interpreter will be on the Trafalgar Square stage. They will be located stage left (the right-hand side as you face the screen) and will be on the event screens, which will be fully visible from the accessible viewing area. |
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There is no photography pit at West End LIVE. We do offer a small number of press accreditation passes and applications open in late May when a link to the form will be posted here. You do not need permission to film or photograph at West End LIVE and can bring cameras into the event via the general entrance. We no longer offer specific accreditation for content creators. If you run press and social media on behalf of a show performing at the event, Society of London Theatre will send accreditation details on confirmation of your performance. If you have a media query, please email pressenquiries@soltukt.co.uk. |
The event will be filmed and photographed. By entering the event you are consenting to being filmed and photographed for use online, in print, on social media and in broadcast media. You are welcome to bring your camera into the venue and do not need permission. |
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Vendors will be confirmed closer to the event. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink. |
Items handed in to the event team will be kept in the information tent on the North Terrace then handed to the police if they remain unclaimed at the end of the event. |
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West End LIVE merchandise will be for sale on the North Terrace close to the general entrance. An online shop will be available from the event date and a link will be posted on this website. |
Pall Mall East provides a more relaxed viewing area for those who may not be comfortable in crowds. There will be a restricted view of the stage but no viewing screen. There will be some deckchairs in this area. Entry to this area is via either the general entrance or accessible entrance. |
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Performers will be announced in May, and the schedule will follow around one week before the event on this website and our social channels. The schedule is subject to change on the day. |
Seating is available to ticket holders in the accessible viewing area only. Limited deckchairs will be available on Pall Mall East, where the event can be seen on the stage screens. This area does not have a direct view of the stage but does provide a more relaxed space away from the crowds. |
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Folding chairs or any type of portable chairs must not be used inside the Square. |
An accessible toilet will be located on the North Terrace, close to the accessible viewing area. Free public toilets including a disabled toilet are available under the central steps from the North Terrace to the Square. Portable toilets will be available on the south of the Square by Nelson's Column. |
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A small number of event volunteers will be recruited through the council's Westminster Connects volunteering programme. Volunteer roles are front of house, including dealing with guest queries in the information tent, updating people in the queue and wayfinding. There are no backstage, filming or photography or production volunteering roles. |
Please bring your own water. Water will be available to buy from vendors inside the Square and a water fountain is also available for top ups, although expect queues particularly in hot weather. |
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If you're unable to join us in person, follow us on the West End LIVE Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels, and keep an eye on our YouTube channel for highlights from the weekend. Please share your photos, videos, posts and comments @WestEndLIVE. |
What should I bring? West End LIVE is an outdoor event without shelter or shade in the Square or entrance queues, so please check the forecast and be prepared. In hot weather, please bring water and drink plenty of fluids during the day, use sunscreen, wear a hat and loose, light-coloured clothing. Find out more about staying safe in hot weather: the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Can I bring my dog? Dogs or any animals are not permitted in the event except for Assistance dogs. It is a very busy and loud event which is not generally suitable for animals. Will there be food and drink? Ice cream, water, coffee and Pimm's will be available to buy in the Square. You can bring your own food and drink with you but no alcohol please. There is one water fountain in the Square for which there will be queues. Please bring your own water. When will the schedule be announced? The schedule will be announced in June, approximately one week before the event. The line-up will be confirmed in May. Is seating available? West End LIVE is a standing event and there is no seating for the public except in the accessible viewing area, which is ticketed. Fold up chairs cannot be used in the Square but there will be some deckchairs on the Pall Mall East viewing area. We host a sponsor area with seating for sponsors, producers and theatres who perform free of charge. West End LIVE would not take place without the support of our sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please email westendlive@westminster.gov.uk Do I need a ticket? The accessible viewing area will be ticketed and space will be allocated in a free ballot ahead of the event. General entry is not ticketed and is on a first come, first served basis. Will West End LIVE move to a bigger venue? The event will remain in Trafalgar Square, the largest space in the West End that is available to Westminster City Council, the joint organisers of West End LIVE. Trafalgar Square is in the heart of Theatreland, close to many West End theatres. This means shows and performers can get to us quickly and easily after their matinees and we can include performances from shows that wouldn't be able to get to us if West End LIVE was further away. The aim of West End LIVE and many of our sponsors is to bring more people into the West End, showcase the area and generate business for the shops, restaurants, theatres and other cultural venues surrounding Trafalgar Square. We will therefore not move the event to venues outside of Westminster. Can I bring a bag? Yes, you can bring a bag, bag searches will be in operation. |