Meet The Team: Niamh McAnespie
Hi, I’m Niamh McAnespie, and I’m a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Board at Different Breed.
What’s your role at Different Breed, and how does it make live events more inclusive?
I’m a volunteer member of the Lived Experience Advisory Board, where I draw on my experience with cerebral palsy and my background both studying events and attending them as a fan with access needs. My goal is to help create the accessible information I wish I’d had at past events.
Which part of Craig’s vision speaks to you, and how does it shape your day-to-day?
What speaks to me most about Craig’s vision is that, even though Different Breed is mainly marketed to venues, he always keeps the fan experience at the heart of it. It’s not about what’s easiest for the venue; it’s about making the experience the best it can be for fans.
What recent project or partnership taught you something new about accessibility?
GiveVision has really made me think. Seeing major sporting teams adopt their tech for blind and visually impaired fans is unreal. It’s shown me just how much more accessible events can be when the right tools are in place.
If every venue did one thing tomorrow to improve access, what would it be and why?
For me personally? Toilets. Install a Changing Place or have a manual hoist available. Having a truly accessible toilet could be the difference between attending or not for some.
Which feature or workflow are you most proud of, and what problem does it solve for disabled fans?
I’d say I’m most proud of the tip guide we have put together for venues to use when creating accessible guides. As disabled individuals, we know firsthand the kind of information that makes gigs and events more enjoyable and inclusive. That’s why we believe it can make a real difference, helping venues understand exactly the kinds of things disabled fans need to know to allow them to have the best possible experience.
Favourite gig: what made it unforgettable?
Definitely Luke Combs in October 2018 at the O2 Academy in Glasgow, before he hit the big time. Just 2,500 fans, everyone knew every word, it was unreal and tickets were under £20. I’ve seen him three other times, including headlining at the Hydro twice but nothing compares to that rainy night in 2018.
What’s the best accessibility innovation you’ve seen at an event you’ve attended?
The best accessibility feature I’ve experienced at an event was having staff around to help with things like grabbing food or merchandise. It made such a difference because my companion could focus just on supporting me, instead of juggling extra tasks. It really made the whole event feel easier.
Who would you drop everything to see live, and what’s your dream venue?
Would have loved to have seen Kenny Rogers! But in terms of artists who are still with us — John Mayer, Luke Combs, or Morgan Wallen. Dream venue is either the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville or Red Rocks Colorado.
Do you have any hobbies outside of live events?
Record collecting and I like to travel, it’s usually for a gig though!
Lightning round: big gig or small venue?, access pet peeve? and one tip for first-time attendees?
It has to be small venues. Pet peeve is definitely toilets that are tiny, and my number one tip is: screenshot every correspondence email with the venue.