The Lowry will open its doors this week to children and adults with sensory or learning differences for a day of special theatre performances, art sessions and exhibitions.
The busy auditoriums, loud sound effects and bright lighting associated with some of the dazzling performances at the Lowry Theatre can feel overwhelming and stressful for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
To ensure the arts venue remains a welcoming space for all, the Lowry will host its first-ever Relaxed Day for families who want to experience all it has to offer in a gentler and more comfortable environment on Thursday 13 August.
Specially adapted shows and screenings will run alongside accessible arts and crafts sessions on the day.
Meanwhile, across the building, adjustments will include quiet rooms, reduced sound levels, hand dryers switched off in bathrooms, and lower background music in public spaces including the Coffee Shop and Lowry Bar and Kitchen.
A designated picnic area will be available for families who prefer to bring their own food.
“We always strive to make every visitor feel welcome, but we know that for some, a busy environment can be overwhelming,” said Grace Ng, Artist Development and Access Producer at The Lowry.
“While we regularly offer relaxed performances in our theatres and activities in our galleries, this is the first time we’ve brought together teams from across Lowry to create a fully relaxed experience.
“This day is about creating a space that feels comfortable and inclusive for everyone.”
The day is for all families who would like to visit Lowry in a less busy environment and will include considerations to support the needs of those with sensory processing differences, neurological conditions, and neurodivergent visitors.
It comes at a time when demand for accessible family activities continues to grow. In Salford, 25 per cent of pupils are identified as having SEND, above the national average of 20.8 per cent.
Families can explore Lowry’s Andrew Law Galleries at a reduced capacity, including Wild Things, a free summer exhibition that takes visitors on an animal-themed journey through some of the most loved stories of all time from 10am – 3pm.
Elsewhere, self-guided activities in the galleries, including a Jack the Dog Trail and Gallery Bingo for the LS Lowry Collection, will take place from 10am-3pm.
Sensory tools and resources such as ear defenders, magnifiers and a communication sticker system will be available from the Galleries Access Hub to make sure everyone can enjoy the stunning artwork.
A drop-in workshop in the LS Lowry Collection will run from 10am–12pm, while relaxed screenings of LOWRY 360 will take place throughout the day featuring reduced capacity and lower sound levels; the last screening will begin at 2:45pm.
Relaxed performances of Dear Zoo in the Quays Theatre will begin at 11am and 1:30pm.
Visitors with pre-booked tickets will receive visual stories in advance of the day to help them prepare for their visit.
Relaxed Performances of Dear Zoo include a reduced capacity, adapted lighting and sound, with house lights remaining on throughout the performance.
Families are also free to leave and re-enter the show as needed, and a dedicated calm space is available nearby with Dear Zoo themed craft activities – this is available from an hour before each performance. The performance is 55 minutes long.
More information can be found here.
