Music fans being refused entry to shows because of their disability

Charity Mencap say that 12.5% of survey respondents claim to have been denied entry to concerts.

29.2% also say that they have been abused by other concert goers - again, because of their disability - and almost half were worried about asking for help at venues.

The charity's head of campaigns, Rossanna Trudgian, says: "The reality is if you are young and have a learning disability you're likely to be blocked out of something as universal as music due to fear of staff or public attitudes."

The Music Venue Trust's Mark Davyd adds: "It's very worrying if they've come back with 29%, it's quite outrageous. It's less of a problem [in small venues] than in bigger venues... small independents are community-driven."

300 people with learning disabilities between 18 and 35 responded to the survey.

As well as calling for venues and fellow fans to make those with disabilities feel welcome, and to do more to tackle bullying at events, Mencap are asking for people to join the Sidekick initiative. Sidekicks are volunteers that help those with learning disabilities so that they can live their life the way they want.