London’s The Roundhouse has implemented new digital navigation aids for blind and partially sighted concertgoers.

It’s the first major performing arts and music venue in London to introduce NaviLens across its entire estate. The sight tool is described by The Roundhouse as “a digital navigation aid that empowers and offers greater independence to those who are blind or partially sighted by using a free app and QR-style codes to share spoken-word navigation assistance”.

The venue first trialled the new system in November, inviting groups from the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) and Victa to use the technology as part of workshop sessions in podcasting and DJing. 

In a statement, Marcus Davey, CEO and Artistic Director at The Roundhouse, said: “The Roundhouse – its iconic main space, creative studios and Roundhouse Works – is open to everyone. Incorporating NaviLens across our entire estate demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and marks us out as an industry leader in this space.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support from NaviLens and also those young people from the Royal Society for Blind Children and Victa who helped us trial the technology in our creative spaces. The sessions affirmed the transformative potential of accessible technology, which is part of the continuous improvement of digital accessibility at The Roundhouse. The feedback received was invaluable and will inform future developments alongside NaviLens, including development of our technical equipment and the expansion of accessible creative opportunities.”

Find out more on NaviLens’ website.

In April, The Roundhouse will host the London stop of SHERELLE’S SHERELLELAND tour.