Over our latest series of blog posts the Quingo Scooters team have been encouraging mobility scooter users to get out and about visiting interesting or unusual places. In our accessible attractions series, we aim to share some hidden gems; places that you wouldn’t usually visit or that you maybe thought weren’t accessible for your Quingo Scooter. This week we’re taking you to Manchester to an accessible attraction that has something to offer for everyone.
On Pier 8 at Salford Quays sits The Lowry – a large theatre and gallery complex named after the early 20th century painter, L.S. Lowry. However, don’t be fooled by this as the complex has so much more to offer than its art galleries. Officially opened in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth II, this impressive complex has two theatres and a drama studio which is host to plays, comedy, musical events and Opera North. There are also restaurants and bars to treat yourself to a post-show meal, and an accessible shopping centre next door if you want to turn it into a real day out!
The Lowry Galleries
The art galleries at The Lowry offer a stunning and exclusive look at some of the finest art around. With the different exhibitions constantly changing, there’s always something fresh to take a look at.
Every month sees the ‘Art After Hours’ exhibition, in which The Galleries keep their lights on and the doors wide open so you can join them for exclusive events, drinks and art after hours. This is something really special and different, and the July instalment sees music from the Galleries’ resident singer/songwriter Lucy Hopkins. What a great way to liven up your art viewing. Admission is free, and you can check what else is going on at the Galleries on the Lowry website to help plan your visit effectively.
Theatres
There are two theatres at The Lowry, offering a wide variety of performances from comedy, drama and music acts. The Lyric Theatre has 1,730 seats whilst the Quays has 466 for smaller performances. The Lyric Theatre has the largest stage in the United Kingdom outside London’s West End, and it even played host to the 2011 Royal Variety Performance.
If you’re into your comedy, one of the highlights of this summer at The Lowry will be when Sara Pascoe, who is known for being on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week, performs her stand up extravaganza ‘Animal’. And if you’re after something a little bit different, don’t miss Derren Brown as he brings his ‘Miracle’ show to the Lowry until the 13th July. All the information on what’s on at the Lowry can be found on their website.
Accessibility
The Lowry is a fully accessible venue, with plenty of ramps, lifts to all floors and wide doors throughout.
Outside the building there is a passenger drop off point. There is also secure parking available in The Lowry Outlet Mall car park which is free for blue badge holders. From the street outside there is great level access, with volunteers to assist on the entrance doors. There are also accessible toilets throughout, which are incredibly spacious.
In the actual theatres there are spaces for your mobility scooter where the seats have been removed to accommodate, with stools available for carers. The Lowry are available on 0161 848 1850 if you have any questions or queries regarding your visit.
Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!
If you want to share your mobility scooter accessible attraction, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.
About Quingo
The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.
Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.
All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC). AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.
