Edinburgh Summer Sessions is an outdoor live music festival held at the Royal Highland Centre Showground in Ingliston. The 2026 event took place in late August and featured some of the biggest global artists and bands, such as The Cure, Florence and the Machine, Prodigy, and Deftones. In this review, I will discuss the disabled access and wheelchair accessibility at Edinburgh Summer Sessions from my perspective as a power wheelchair user.
This year we were back to see Deftones. I was excited to see how the accessibility at Edinburgh Summer Sessions had improved since last year, when we were there for the incredible Sam Fender.
I can honestly say that this year was the best Edinburgh Summer Sessions yet.
The DF Concerts accessibility team are awesome and always looking for ways to enhance the experience for everyone. And they certainly did that.
I was invited along for an accessibility site visit to check things out ahead of the events. It was great to have a look around the site and provide feedback on the accessibility experience from start to finish from my perspective as a wheelchair user. The staff from DF Concerts and the Royal Highland Centre who showed us around were understanding and passionate about prioritising accessibility and providing the best service possible.
Edinburgh Summer Sessions Accessible Facilities
Edinburgh Summer Sessions are making live music accessible for all. Here is my accessibility review, including accessible parking, viewing platform, accessible toilets and Changing Places.
Accessible Parking
The pre-approved accessible parking was available at the Silver Car Park at the north side of the site. This was a new and improved location from the previous year. The accessible parking was on hardstanding tarmac, which was easy to navigate in my wheelchair.
An accessible drop-off and pick-up location was also provided in this area. If you receive pre-approval for accessible parking, you will receive a parking pass.
Accessible Entrance and Box Office
The Accessible Entrance was right next to the accessible parking, so it was quick and easy to access. We entered the building and collected our ticket (plus companion ticket) and wristbands from the accessible box office. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Once we had our wristbands on, we entered through the access lane, which brought us into the Highland Hall.
The Highland Hall has an accessible toilet, a Changing Places toilet and Sensory rooms. What I appreciated about this year’s Edinburgh Summer Sessions was that the entire route from the accessible parking to the accessible entrance, through the Highland Hall, and along the pathways leading to the accessible area and viewing platform was exclusively for accessible ticket holders. This created a less crowded environment, which really helped with getting around.
Accessible Viewing Platform
Another improvement this year is that the raised viewing platform now has two levels and is wider. I found this change to be much better, as it created a more spacious environment, and the two levels ensured that the view of the stage was not restricted by fans in the front rows. There was also a ground level viewing area, which was mainly for standing with seating available at the back for breaks.
Volunteers, stewards, and welfare staff are in the accessible area and on the accessible platform at all times. I’ve always found them to be so friendly, helpful and approachable.
When we arrived on the platform, staff showed us to our seats, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you get a seat or wheelchair space on the platform, it is reserved for you for the rest of the event. To sit at the front of the viewing platform, you will need to arrive early.
There was a live captioner on the platform for the event we attended. I believe this isn’t available as standard at every event unless specifically requested in advance. The captioner was seated at the back of the platform, providing captions that appeared on a TV screen positioned at the front. Audio description can also be provided upon request.
Food and Drinks Ordering Service
Like previous years, there was a food and drinks ordering service available through a QR code. You simply scan the code and order what you want, and then one of the volunteers will collect your order and bring it to you. We decided to order some drinks, since we didn’t have to worry about a lack of suitable toilets.
Unfortunately, the ordering system didn’t work on my phone, but others seemed to have no trouble. I genuinely think it was a problem with my mobile’s connection. There was also a bar in the accessible area along with free tea and coffee, which was a lovely touch considering how cold and miserable the weather was on the night we attended.
Accessible Toilets and Changing Places Toilet
One of the things that’s great about Edinburgh Summer Sessions being held at Royal Highland Centre is the two permanent Changing Places toilets on site.
One is located in the Highland Hall, which is used for the accessible entrance and box office. The second one is a really nice Changing Places toilet located in the Pavilion building within the VIP area.
The accessible area had a bunch of port-a-loo style toilets as well for accessibility customers to use.
Exiting
Exiting was much smoother this year! It was quick and easy, thanks to that sectioned-off area designated for accessible ticket holders. There were no long waits for crowds to clear out or struggles to squeeze through. It made for a stress-free exit, and I loved that!
Final Thoughts on Edinburgh Summer Sessions
Overall, it was a great night with excellent accessibility at Edinburgh Summer Sessions. The Royal Highland Centre is a fantastic venue for Edinburgh Summer Sessions, as it has two permanent Changing Places toilets, tarmac pathways around the site, and a good spot for accessible parking, with the Highland Hall used as an access hub, so to speak. The accessible area and viewing platform are amazing and the staff are all super helpful. I really appreciate how DF Concerts keeps working to improve accessibility at events like Summer Sessions, and I can’t wait for next year!
Have you been to Edinburgh Summer Sessions? What did you think of the accessibility?
Where Next: You Might Also Enjoy
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The Usher Hall Edinburgh Disabled Access & Wheelchair Accessibility Review
Wheelchair Accessible Guide to OVO Hydro Glasgow: All You Need to Know
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