Access Info

Welcome to West End LIVE. We aim to offer an accessible and inclusive event and provide the largest accessible viewing area of any event in Trafalgar Square, providing a full view of the stage, BSL interpreter and event screens.

Full details are currently being confirmed including entrance information and will be updated on this web page as soon as they are available.

CONTACT

Email: westendlive@westminster.gov.uk

Post: West End LIVE, 16^th floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP

We aim to respond to your query within five working days.

SITE DESCRIPTION

Trafalgar Square is an outdoor venue with no shade from the sun or shelter from rain.

Please prepare/dress for the weather and bring sunscreen and a hat if hot and waterproofs and an umbrella if rain is forecast.

Please bring water with you and ensure you keep hydrated

All pathways are concrete.

Performances take place from a single stage in the main Square.

The accessible viewing area will return to the steps between the North Terrace and main Square, which is in a raised position with a direct view of the stage and BSL interpreters (stage left).

We also provide:

A small, shaded area for assistance dogs. There is no spending area
A quiet tent if you need space away from the crowds subject to capacity – this area is not soundproof
Accessible toilet for use by those in the accessible viewing area
BSL interpreter stage left and on the two screens either side of the stage
First Aid provision.

There is a lift that provides access into the main body of the Square should this be required.

TRAVEL

Charing Cross (train and tube) – 210m

Embankment (tube) – 400m

Leicester Square (tube) – 200m

Parking is not available.

Please check your journey before you travel at tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey.

Accessibility guides - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)

ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREA

The accessible viewing area is for wheelchair users and people with other accessibility requirements who are unable to stand for long periods or be in the main Square.

Entry is managed by stewards on a first come, first served basis and we cannot guarantee entry. You do not need a ticket.

Demand for this area is high and to maximise the space, one companion or carer is permitted per guest. You will be given a companion pass on entry, which will also give you entry to the accessible toilet. Your companion can swap over during the day with the pass, subject to availability.

One this area reaches capacity, entry will be on a one in, one out basis. You may need to queue in addition to the entrance queue.

The accessible viewing area is seated only.

It is not possible to provide shade or shelter so please check the forecast and bring a hat, plenty of water and sunscreen or an umbrella and waterproofs.

ENTRANCE INFORMATION

There will be a dedicated entrance for the accessible viewing area to minimise any queuing time as much as possible, as many people who use this area are unable to be in the main event queue.

The accessible viewing area entrance (Entrance B) will be located on the north east corner of Trafalgar Square. It is opposite Duncannon Street and St Martin-in-the-Fields, next to the sponsor entrance.

You will need to queue. Entry is on a first come, first served basis and we cannot guarantee entry.

Both the accessible viewing area entrance and general entrance are due to open at approximately 10.15am on Saturday and 11.15am on Sunday.

Step free access to the event is via the accessible viewing area. Please email westendlive@westminster.gov.uk if you have any questions.

Bag searches will be in operation, and we ask you to keep luggage to a minimum. There will be food and drink vendors at the event or please do bring your own. Alcohol is not permitted.

BSL INTERPRETER

A BSL interpreter will be on the Trafalgar Square stage. They will be located stage left (the right-hand side as you are facing the screen) and will be relayed onto the event screens which are fully visible from the accessible viewing area.

ASSISTANCE DOGS

We welcome assistance dogs at our events.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission states that:

“Assistance dogs are highly trained which means they:

Will not wander freely around the premises.
Will sit or lie quietly on the floor next to their owner.
Are unlikely to foul in a public place.”

We recognise that not all assistance dogs are registered with Assistance Dogs UK Members and assistance dogs can be trained by their owners.

Where an assistance dog has not been trained by an Assistance Dogs UK registered charity, we need to ask customers to demonstrate that their dog has been trained:

Not to wander around the premises or approach other customers.
To only go to the toilet on command in a designated area of the event.
To sit or lie quietly next to their owner.
Wear hi-vis jacket.

This request is to ensure we meet customers’ access requirements whilst ensuring we also fulfill our legal obligation to provide a safe environment for all customers.

ACCESSIBLE TOILET

An accessible toilet is located approximately five meters away from the accessible viewing area.

STROBE LIGHTING

Some performances may feature some flashing lights.

Event information

ABOUT

Enjoy performances from London’s most celebrated West End musicals and discover exciting new shows at West End LIVE, live and free in Trafalgar Square on 22-23 June 2024.

Theatre’s biggest stars will perform some of London’s leading musicals and must-see new shows.

This event is free, unticketed and very popular.

Enjoy all the highlights from 2023 at West End LIVE 2023 - YouTube

West End LIVE is presented by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre with support from the Mayor of London and our sponsors.

ARRIVAL AND ENTRY

There will be one general entrance (Entrance A) to Trafalgar Square located on the north west corner of Trafalgar Square, close to the National Gallery.

We advise arriving from the Haymarket end of Pall Mall East where Stewards will direct you.

In 2023, the queue was almost a mile long and reached Holborn. Sunday is quieter.

The accessible viewing area entrance (Entrance B) will be located on the north east corner of Trafalgar Square, opposite Duncannon Street and St Martin-in-the-Fields, next to the sponsor entrance.

Entry will be on a first come, first served basis.

To ensure your safety and that of those around you, bag searches will be in operation on entry. Please do not bring large cases or bags. Left luggage facilities are available at Charing Cross station.

Please do bring your own food and soft drink. Alcohol is not permitted.

Pimms, water, coffee and ice cream will be available to buy at the event.

Chairs are not permitted.

FAQs

WILL WEST END LIVE MOVE TO A BIGGER VENUE?

The event will remain in Trafalgar Square, the largest space owned by and available to Westminster City Council, the joint organisers of West End LIVE.

Trafalgar Square is in the heart of Theatreland, close to many West End theatres. This means shows and performers can get to us quickly and easily after their matinees and we can include performances from shows that wouldn’t be able to get to us if West End LIVE was further away.

The aim of West End LIVE and many of our sponsors is to bring more people into the West End, showcase the area and generate business for the shops, restaurants, theatres and other cultural venues surrounding Trafalgar Square.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

West End LIVE is an outdoor event without shelter or shade, so please check the forecast and be prepared.

We suggest layers and a raincoat if the forecast is cold and wet or sun cream and a hat if it’s sunny.

Please bring your own food and soft drinks and drink plenty of water in the queue and during the event if it’s hot.

DO I NEED A TICKET?

You do not need a ticket for West End LIVE. The event is free, and entry is on a first come, first served basis.

IS SEATING AVAILABLE?

West End LIVE is a standing event and there is no seating for the public except on the accessible viewing area. Fold up chairs will not be allowed into the event.

We host a sponsor area with seating for sponsors, producers and theatres who perform free of charge. West End LIVE would not take place without the support of our sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring West End LIVE, please email westendlive@westminster.gov.uk.

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

Dogs are not permitted in the event except for Assistance Dogs on the accessible viewing platform. It is a very busy and loud event which is not suitable for animals.

WILL THERE BE FOOD AND DRINK?

Ice cream, water, coffee and Pimms will be available to buy in the Square. You can bring your own food and drink with you but no alcohol please.

There is one water fountain in the Square for which there will be queues. Please bring your own water.

PROGRAMME

The event programme will be available for sale in the merchandise tent. The schedule will also be available at westendlive.co.uk and on social media.

CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers are recruited via the council’s Westminster Connects volunteering programme [link to: Westminster Connects | Westminster City Council]. Please note you will be front of house, dealing with guest queries, updating people in the queue and helping in the accessible viewing area and information tent. There are no backstage or production volunteering roles.

LOST PROPERTY

Items handed in to the event team will be kept in the information tent on the North Terrace then handed to the police if they remain unclaimed at the end of the event.

WHEN WILL THE SCHEDULE BE ANNOUNCED?

The schedule will be announced in June, approximately one week before the event.