• NEXT EDITION
  • 22-26 OCT 2025
  • Tampere, Finland

WOMEX is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to fully participate and enjoy the event. In this section, you will find information that will hopefully help you plan your visit, including an overview of venue accessibility and resources available to support attendees with diverse needs.

Our Awareness Team will be available on-site, further information can be found in our FAQ.

For more questions about accessibility at WOMEX, please reach out to inclusion@womex.com

VENUE-SPECIFIC ACCESS INFORMATION

Manchester Central is your go-to venue for all daytime activities including the Trade Fair, Conference, Films, and Daycase Stage. We prioritize accessibility for all attendees.
The venue has three entrances which are all accessible, sensor-activated and feature Paxton Intercoms for assistance from the Control Room if required.

Daytime access: Please use the Central Foyer Entrance, more details and a live video can be found here.
Evening access: Please use the Exchange Foyer Entrance, more details and a live video can be found here.

The Trade Fair, all Conference Rooms, Registration and Check-In, Cloakroom, Internet Corner and Catering are on the ground floor for easy access. Lifts are available for all activities taking place on the first floor. Manchester Central provides ample wheelchair space and offers self-propelled wheelchairs for use within the venue.

Quiet Trade Fair hours: For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the early hours. The Trade Fair tends to be less crowded on Thursday to Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM, and right after the opening on Wednesday from 2 PM to 4 PM.

Quiet and Prayer Room: For those seeking to reduce sensory overload during the trade fair and conference programme, a Quiet Space and a Calm Room are readily available during the day in the Central Foyer at Manchester Central.
A dedicated Prayer Room can be found in the Exchange Lower Foyer.

Info Point: For all questions and materials around accessibility during the event, please reach out to the info point at the entrance of the Trade Fair Hall.

Please see Manchester Central’s accessibility page for specific information.

Live concert

Albert Hall is a Grade II listed building which is adapted to accessibility requirements with accessible toilet facilities,a viewing platform and a recently installed passenger lift for accessibility requirements, as well as staff providing drinks running services, where required.

The lift capacity is 630kg and has internal dimensions of 1110mm x 1310mm and a door opening width of 810mm. Wheelchair access tickets and any accessibility requirements must be booked in advance. Please see Albert Hall’s accessibility page for more info Albert Hall’s accessibility page and contact accessibility@alberthallmanchester.com or inclusion@womex.com with any questions.

Albert Hall's PDF Accessibility Guide

Modern architecture venue

Aviva Studios ensures accessibility with step-free access to all areas of the venue. Additionally, accessible toilets are available on every public level. They have portable stools available to borrow if you would benefit from resting along the way during your visit. There is currently no quiet room/space in the building.

Please see Aviva Studio’s accessibility page for further information. Additional event information will be added closer to the date.

Glass building

HOME provides access to all areas of the building via the lift. The cinema screens are situated on the top floor with wheelchair access in every screen. Assistance is also available for deaf or hearing-impaired patrons.

Please see the venue’s accessibility page for further information.

Artificial lake with fountain, venue in the background

With step-free access throughout the venue, The Bridgewater Hall ensures ease of mobility for all guests. Wheelchair spaces are available on every level, accompanied by a mobility aids and wheelchair loan service for added convenience.

Please see The Bridgewater Hall’s accessibility page for further information.

Cinema main entrance

02 Ritz Manchester provides wheelchair access to the auditorium. Additionally, assistance dogs are welcome, and arrangements can be made for their care during events. Wheelchair spaces are available when booking, but limited.

Please see 02 Ritz Manchester’s accessibility page for further information.

Brick building with a large glass window, music and video gear on the inside

Deansgate Mews offers convenient lift access directly from Deansgate street level or through the Great Northern Warehouse. Once out of the lift, visitors will find level access to Low Four, ensuring easy navigation throughout the venue. Main spaces at Low Four are all situated on a single level, however, control rooms are located on a lower level which require alternate access via wheelchair. For further information or to discuss specific accessibility requirements, please get in touch with us.


 

Accessibility FAQ

All venues offer lifts or are on the ground floor.

Please contact us before the event at inclusion@womex.com if you have any special access needs, to make your time at WOMEX as easy as possible. Fully-registered disabled delegates may be accompanied by their Personal Assistant (carer) free of charge.

Yes- all venues offer a limited number of wheelchair spaces and/or designated areas.

Information on accessible parking is available for all venues. Please see the individual access pages of venues for further information.

Manchester City offers a range of accessible local transportation options, for more information please see: https://tfgm.com/accessibility/guides. For assistance with routes between venues, please directly contact: inclusion@womex.com

Yes, all venues offer accessible toilets. Please see venue-specific information for further details and contact members on-site for signage/directions.

Changing places toilets can be found throughout Manchester City. Please see here to search for nearby Changing Places toilets.

Yes, assistance dogs are welcome at all venues. Special arrangements can be made for their care during events.

Some venues, such as The Bridgewater Hall, offer mobility aids and wheelchair loan services for patrons who require extra assistance. Please check with individual venues for availability.

From Manchester Central:

  • Albert Hall: 0.2 km, 3 min walk
  • Aviva Studios: 1 km, 15 min walk
  • Bridgewater Hall (Opening): 0.1 km, 2 min walk
  • HOME: 0.7 km, 9 min walk
  • 02 Ritz Manchester: 0.8 km, 10 min walk