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At Belfast International Arts Festival we firmly believe that access is an essential part of creating a truly inclusive arts festival.

We are committed to creating a welcoming, accessible environment for our D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists, staff, volunteers and audience members, and are constantly working to ensure that BIAF is a festival for all.

We welcome feedback from our audiences and commit to continuously improving our practice. 

You can download our entire BIAF 2025 Accessibility Guide here

Carer/ Companion Ticket Policy

If you require assistance to enable your visit to an event, a ticket for a carer/companion is available at no extra charge. 

This can be booked directly from our Box Office at Visit Belfast.

To book your ticket and discuss your needs, please telephone 028 9024 6609 or email ticketing@visitbelfast.com.

If you are booking through one of our partner venues, please contact their Box Office team directly to arrange a companion ticket.


Accessible Performances

Wheelchair Seats

Many of our festival venues have designated seats available for wheelchair users. Please contact the venue’s Box Office team directly when booking your ticket to request a wheelchair space.


BSL Interpreted Events

BSL interpreted events will feature a live signer positioned beside the stage.

Events with BSL interpretation in the 2025 festival are listed below:

Please contact The MAC or The Lyric’s Box Office teams directly for advice on which seats offer the best view of sign-language interpreters.


Audio Described Events 

Audio description is delivered through a personal headset and provides a description of the performance as it occurs on-stage. 

Audio Described events in the 2025 festival are listed below:

  • Anchored in Air | | C.S. Lewis Square | Saturday 18 October | 1pm & 3pm| Description available via QR code. Please bring your own phone and headphones.
  • The Rest of Our Lives | The MAC | Saturday 8 November | 7.45pm

Captioned Events

A captioned event features a transcript of audio content displayed on a screen behind or beside speakers. 

Captioned events in the 2025 festival are listed below: 


Touch Tours

A touch tour is a guided introduction for blind and partially sighted audience members.


Our BSL, captioned, and audio described performances are presented with the support of The Foyle Foundation.

Foyle Foundation