Wheelchair user couldn't see Take That from accessible seating due to "prison" bars

SWNS 2024-07-26

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A wheelchair user says the view of Take That from her accessible seating at their gig was so bad it was like "being in prison”.

Metal bars obscured Michelle Ritchie's view at Birmingham’s Utilita arena and she says she couldn’t see anything on the stage.

The 33-year-old had travelled over 200 miles to the Midlands to see Take That supported by Olly Murs.

But she says she was disappointed by the experience and doesn’t think it was worth the £90 ticket, in May.

Michelle from Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, said: “The arena is horrendous – there were bars all the way around me and it felt like I was in a cage.

“I couldn't see the stage. I couldn't see anything. It was awful.

“I've been to quite a few shows and it’s never been like that before.

“I was so annoyed and upset. I’d spent a lot of money travelling down and staying overnight.

“I've been to loads of venues and it’s never been like that before. I’ve always had decent seats.”

Michelle said she planned the trip to Birmingham as a big treat to herself – splashing out £270 on tickets, travel and accommodation.

But she was left bitterly disappointed by the experience and says despite complaining to the venue, she’s not received a satisfactory response – and says they eventually stopped replying to her.

Michelle said: “Take That were someone I really wanted to go and see.

“It was going to be a big treat for me. I thought I'd treat myself.

“I’m a wheelchair user and went alone but I don’t feel it was worth the money I paid.

“I just feel that the venue has not thought about accessibility very well.”

Utilita Arena Birmingham has not responded to a request for comment.

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