O2 City Hall Newcastle — Attraction in Newcastle upon Tyne

When we first arrived at the venue, we had to stand in a line for a very long time which was expected. However, I did tell the staff that both of us were disabled and that we both had joint mobility problems so we couldn’t be standing for that amount of time, but they did not care and told us we needed to stand. Anyway I have dealt with disability my whole life and to be honest I’m kind of used to this treatment.

When we got inside the building everything was fine and we were able to use the disabled toilets, and then we got our drinks and went to the standing floor. No issues.

About midway through the concert security came over and escorted us into the lobby. They told us that my friend had had too much to drink and was acting out of character. However, my friend had not even had very much to drink as each of us had only had two glasses each, so we know that this was not true, my friend was also not acting inappropriately. She was dancing and hugging me from behind and that is all that was happening though I do feel like it’s important to mention that we are both female and we are both autistic and I do feel like the fact we are autistic, played a big part in this . My friend had been stimming throughout the concert and I believe that it was this that made the security believe that she was too drunk, which again I did try to explain to them, but they told me that they did not care and that it was obvious she had drunk too much and that we needed to leave before they called the police.

Not only was it clear that my friend was not drunk. It was also clear that this could not be a real excuse as there were multiple people around us at the time who were clearly far more drunk who were unable to even get off the floor, and who had been Telling everybody how much they loved them and slurring the words, but these people were not kicked out. We also had multiple guests around us who had been saying very homophobic and racist things but these customers were also not kicked out. We had very clearly been targeted for being autistic and being disabled.

Disgusting behaviour from the O2 security, completely ruined our otherwise amazing night we were having...

Having read the reviews and rarely getting the chance to go “out out “due to health conditions, I was a bit worried about going to the venue to see Paddy McGuinness. I decided to ring ahead, as i had to take medication and a water flask with me, I also walk with a stick so i was unsure of access, as I can’t manage too many stairs . I rang about 2 weeks before the show. The lady I spoke to was so helpful , took my name and explained that I could take my water flask in, my medication and some throat lozenges in as it’s for medical reasons, also myself and my daughter and son in law could go to the side door and we would be looked after from there. We got there early and parked in the car park across the road from the venue, then had a quick coffee at Costa coffee , just next to it before heading in. There was a queue at the side so I asked security if we were at the right door, he got a lovely gentleman to help and he escorted us to check our tickets and have a Quick Look in my bag by security. Once inside he brought a chair for me to sit on in the foyer, whilst we waited to be taken to our seats. I was told where the accessible toilet was and if I didn’t have a radar key, just to ask a team member to open it for me. If I wanted drinks, I just had to ask and a member of the bar team would take our orders and bring the drinks to our seats. The lovely lady actually filled my water flask for me when it was empty, without any hesitation! Our seats in the stalls were comfortable (k24,25,26 at the end of the front middle section) with a great view of the stage. Thank you to every single one of the team members , from the box office lady, who was so helpful and kind, to all of the team members that I came into contact with on the night. ( they did introduce themselves but I’m terrible with remembering names, sorry) Paddy also put on a fantastic show. I would say that if you have any access needs or worries, just ring ahead, they really do go above and beyond to help you to have a...

Great potential for entertainment! I just wish more was offered.

The bar downstairs has a great atmosphere when filled with people and buzz. However I feel a bit more can be added to decorate the interior. The posters are great, just add a splash of attention, so it doesn't feel a bit past its time. Doesn't need to be expensive.

The hall is better. I like the new chairs, only not much space between the rows. Even for the average size people. See my photo.

There are a number of car parks nearby, just make sure you have enough time to find space, because on some days you might have to try different car parks.

And... if you say the start is 7pm, but the artists appear past 9pm... I shall certainly not be there on time next time! Especially in times of covid...

However, I had absolutely wonderful time yesterday! Great music and fantastic stories from talented Seasick Steve. He used at least 8 of his guitars, all with different character fit for that very song he was playing on it. Included the famous haunted red guitar. I recorded a couple of videos thinking to share with friends but they just don't do justice to the atmosphere in the hall.

That's the atmosphere of a high quality artist creates, that what was the value for me! Invite more...