Accessibility Tested at Famous Festival Fringe

Visually impaired secret shoppers are going undercover at Edinburgh Festival Fringe venues to put accessibility to the test.

The volunteers, who have helped deliver accessibility training to Fringe staff and performers over the past two years, have been carrying out unannounced visits across the city to identify what's working, highlight barriers, and help drive further improvements for disabled audiences.

The secret shoppers, who are members of Sight Loss Councils Scotland and Sight Scotland’s Policy Group, have welcomed the progress made so far, highlighting accessibility training and stronger collaboration with venues as key drivers of change.

Callum Lancashire, Engagement Manager for Sight Loss Councils Scotland, has helped deliver accessibility training to venues at the Fringe and at Glasgow's Celtic Connections festival, helping staff develop the skills and awareness needed to better support visitors with visual impairments.

"We have seen first-hand how accessibility is improving, particularly when venues are willing to listen, learn and take practical steps to make a difference,” said Callum, who has macular degeneration.

“Over the past two years, we have worked alongside our rehabilitation colleagues at Sight Scotland to deliver accessibility training for venues across the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and it has made a big difference.

"What is really encouraging is that we don't just deliver the training and walk away. Afterwards, our volunteers go back as secret shoppers, visit the venue, attend shows and experience the customer journey for themselves.

"Many of the changes we're talking about are simple to implement. Often, it's just about raising awareness and helping people understand the small adjustments that can make a big difference. It's about making staff aware of visual impairment, helping them understand the barriers people can face, and giving them the confidence to offer assistance when needed.

"Something as simple as clearly introducing yourself, offering sighted guidance, explaining the layout of a space, or proactively asking if someone needs help can completely transform a visit. It helps people feel welcome, included and able to enjoy the festival independently.

"We have now worked with venues across the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, supported organisations involved in Celtic Connections, and have a number of new partnerships in the pipeline.

“We know this approach works because we've seen the impact first-hand. More and more venues from across Scotland are reaching out to us to take part in our accessibility training and events, which is hugely encouraging.

“Accessibility is improving, but there is still more to be done. Every venue has a responsibility to make it a priority. A person with a visual impairment should be able to enjoy a show just as much as anyone else."

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have also been working with Extant, the UK's leading professional performing arts company of blind and visually impaired artists, to promote and celebrate visually impaired talent while advancing accessibility across the festival. 

A Guide to Accessible Arts at the Edinburgh Festivals 2026 can be found here: sightscotland.org.uk/influencing-change/our-campaigns/your-guide-accessible-arts-edinburgh-festivals.

Photo caption: Visually impaired secret shoppers who are going undercover at Edinburgh Festival Fringe venues to put accessibility to the test.