At Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, we believe everyone should be able to experience the magic of the arts. Whether you're looking for accessible performances, audio-described events, tactile experiences, or how to request a sighted guide, we’ve rounded up some of the venues and organisations committed to making the arts more inclusive for people with visual impairment.
Explore what's on offer below and start planning your festival experience.
Extant
Extant, the UK’s leading professional performing arts company of blind and visually impaired artists, returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 with two exciting events at Underbelly celebrating visually impaired talent and advancing accessibility across the festival.
On 17 August, Extant presents its acclaimed Enhance programme, showcasing theatre and comedy performances enhanced through bespoke access features, including immersive touch tours and creative audio description. On 18 August, Extant hosts a special one-off Visually Impaired Artists Showcase, bringing together some of the UK’s most exciting talent across stand-up, cabaret, dance and theatre, hosted by acclaimed blind, non-binary drag king Tito Bone.
Presented in partnership with Underbelly, both events highlight the depth and diversity of visually impaired-led performance while championing accessibility as an integral part of the Fringe experience.
Complimentary tickets are available via the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Underbelly website here.
Enhance Programme – 17 August
- Jellyfish – Blah Blah Productions (written by Jess Coppen-Gardner, directed by Lillith Freeman)
- How's Your Head – Aarian Mehrabani
Visually Impaired Artists Showcase – 18 August
- Growing Nostalgia – Ebony Rose Dark
- VIP (Visually Impaired Papa) – Tom Skelton
- Work by Neil Skene (title TBC)
- The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of – Shashank Sharma
- Half Lights Project – Holly Thomas
- An Evening with Tito Bone – Amelia Cavallo (performed by drag king Tito Bone)
Across the two events, audiences can enjoy: Jellyfish, How's Your Head, Growing Nostalgia, VIP (Visually Impaired Papa), The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of, Half Lights Project, An Evening with Tito Bone, plus additional work from comedian and performer Neil Skene.
Other enhanced shows and performances by Visually Impaired Artists
- Gameplay- an audio-described myth for the end times. A powerful piece of experimental performance. Accessibility has been built into the production from the ground up. The show includes fully integrated audio description (created in consultancy with Roz Chalmers MBE) alongside introductory notes and touch tours. Find out more about Gameplay here.
- Anne Dignan, Traditional Tales at the Scottish Storytelling Centre -Sunday 30 August Fringe 2026 – Scottish Storytelling Centre. Find out more about this and other festival events held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre here.
Edinburgh Fringe
Edinburgh Fringe festival offer accessible show listings, with information on performances that are audio-described, BSL interpreted, relaxed or offer touch tours.
Their enhanced performances page highlights audio described, captioned, relaxed and signed performances as well as performances offering a touch tour.
They also have a downloadable Enhanced Performance Guide programme listing all enhanced performances taking place at Fringe 2026. It includes helpful access information to help you plan your visit to the Fringe.
Sighted Guides
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has partnered with RNIB Scotland to pilot a free Sighted Guide service for blind and visually impaired Fringe-goers from 7–31 August.
Recognising the challenges of navigating Edinburgh during the busy festival period, the service will connect attendees with trained volunteers who can provide guidance to and from Fringe events.
The service is completely free to use, with requests now open via the Edinburgh Festival Fringe website. Anyone wishing to use the service should submit their request by 31 July.
For more information, including how to apply and frequently asked questions, visit the Edinburgh Festival Fringe accessibility pages, or contact access@edfringe.com with any queries.
Sight Loss Councils Scotland
Sight Loss Councils Scotland (SLC) offer a one-hour Visual Impairment Awareness Lived Experience Session where participants learn how to safely guide and support people with visual impairments through practical, hands-on activities to build their confidence and understanding.
The session includes SLC volunteers sharing their lived experiences alongside practical guidance on common eye conditions, stigma, mobility aids, and accessibility. Each session concludes with an interactive Q&A.
A donation to the charity is warmly welcomed to help us continue delivering these sessions and supporting people with visual impairments. Please contact policy@sightscotland.org.uk to arrange a session.
Edinburgh International Festival
The Edinburgh International Festival is working to make their performances and events accessible in a number of ways.
Types of accessible performances on offer include:
- Audio Described Performances and Touch Tours - Audio described shows provide a live commentary of the visuals of a performance.
- BSL Interpreted Performances - BSL interpreters are either integrated into the performance or stand on the side of the stage.
- Captioned Performances - Captions are displayed in large text on either side of the stage.
- Relaxed Performances - For anyone who would benefit from a more informal setting.
Details of all of their Audio Described performances can be found here.
Access Pass
Additionally, they offer free Access Passes for D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent people which are designed to improve the booking experience for audience members.
Concessions
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people are eligible for a 50% concession on full price tickets.
Access guide
EIF have made a series of films promoting the various accessibility offers for the Festival, including one specifically about audio description. You can find more information about the series here.
Their access guide contains full details about accessible performances and venue accessibility.
Find out more about accessibility at the Edinburgh International Festival here.
Venue access information
If you're looking for specific access information for a EIF venue, you can find that here.
Pleasance at the Fringe
Pleasance operate three sites at the Edinburgh Fringe: Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance Dome, and Pleasance @ EICC.
Some of their shows offer signed, captioned, audio described (sometimes accompanied by a touch tour) and relaxed performances. You can find more information about accessibility on the specific show pages for each event. For some audio described shows, booking an audio description unit may be required, please see the individual show pages for information on the type of audio description being offered.
They offer free carer or personal assistance tickets, please contact the box office to arrange. You can also contact them if you would like any additional support or early access arranged ahead of your visit. They can be reached on 0131 556 6550, access@pleasance.co.uk or in person at each site's box office.
Access Tickets are available for some showings which could provide:
- Seating in a specific section with a clear view of the interpreter.
- Seating in a specific section with a clear view of captions.
- Booking an audio-description unit if required.
A full list of shows offering accessible performances can be found here.
Find out more about accessibility at the Pleasance venues here.
The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh
The Lyceum are dedicated to making their space as accessible as possible. They have a number of different accessible performances, including audio described, captioned, relaxed, BSL interpreted, and touch tour.
You can find a full list of their accessible performances here.
Hearing Enhancement: The Lyceum has an FM radio wave Hearing Enhancement system for use during performances for both hearing enhancement and audio description. These enable users to hear sound from the stage (as well as audience noise, such as clapping). Each headset has a volume switch enabling total control. Headsets may be borrowed, free of charge, from the shop in our foyer.
Guide and hearing assistance dogs are welcome in the theatre and can go with their owner into the auditorium. Front of House staff are also happy to look after them during the performance.
You can find more general information about accessibility at the Lyceum here.
VICS (Visually Impaired Creators Scotland)
VICS are an award winning group of artists who work both on their own projects and as a team to inspire, promote and encourage the work of visually impaired artists.
Accessible Venues
Accessible venues are essential to ensure people with visual impairment can enjoy events, concerts and performances.
Accessible Streets
Accessible streets are vital to ensure blind and partially sighted people can travel safely and independently.
Our Campaigns
Our dedicated Sight Scotland policy team work with blind and partially sighted people to campaign for positive change. Read more about our campaigning work here.