I recently visited Liverpool and went to the Cavern Club, home of the Beatles. Of course, this is not the original Cavern Club, that closed in 1973 after British Rail made a compulsory purchase of the warehouses above the basement where it was situated. The current version is a copy boasting a faithful reproduction of the stage, although it is 30% smaller and located 20ft away from it as well. Despite this it is a popular venue for Beatles fans from all over the world.

I am not a Beatles fan. I do not dislike the Beatles, I just prefer the Rolling Stones, but when in Rome you visit the famous sites and my wife bought tickets for the Cavern Club. She had asked if she could reserve seats as I am disabled and find it uncomfortable to stand still, but she was told that this was not possible. When we arrived most of the seats had been taken but two were vacant. When we approached them a member of staff told us that the seats were reserved?! I eventually found a spot towards the back, leaning against a pillar, from where I could see a part of the stage. Another member of staff approached me and asked me to move my walking stick as it was a potential trip hazard! I put it on the side of the pillar behind me. A little while later I was told to remove it because it was on the wrong side of the line! Then, a member of staff coming from behind barged into me and nearly knocked me over. They did not stop to apologise, just glowered at me over their shoulder. It seemed quite clear that I was not wanted there, whether that was because I am disabled or because I am a Rolling Stones fan I will never know. Needles to say, I have no intention for ever returning to the Cavern Club!

On Sunday, 3rd July 22, we attended the British Summer Time (BST) in Hyde Park, London, featuring The Rolling Stones as the headline act. I had managed to buy tickets for the viewing platform reserved for disabled people. I have been to the BST previously, but had to remain at the back and watch the video screens. I cannot cope with large crowds as I lose my balance too easily and being towards the back meant that I could sit down on the grass as necessary. When we arrived at the BST venue the staff proved to be both friendly and helpful. After verifying our tickets, they directed us to the disabled customers route, which moved quicker because there were fewer people. Everything was explained and we were encouraged to ask questions. The staff were patient, positive, and friendly. We were then escorted to our seats on the platform, which guaranteed us an excellent view of the concert to come. It proved to be a fantastic experience!

The BST event is bigger than the Cavern Club but that is not the point. The attitude displayed by the staff at the venues was the opposite of each other. At BST I felt like a valued customer, at the Cavern Club like a necessary inconvenience. It made a world of difference. When it comes to disabled people trying to enjoy the same events as the able-bodied there are still many instances where they are discriminated against, often quite actively. I am glad that BST is bigger than the Cavern Club as it is likely to have a much greater influence on social attitudes. BST is getting it right when it comes to being inclusive. The Cavern Club reflects attitudes that belong in the past it tries to recreate. Perhaps, when it comes to disabled music lovers like me, BST will indeed prove to be our Summer Time!