It may not surprise you to learn that I remain both a huge fan and supporter of live entertainment.

Whether it’s a mainstream, household name bringing their award-winning live show to either Medina Theatre or Shanklin, or a band showcasing new material in a slightly boutique venue.

Such smaller venues frequently lack the accessibility requirements in order to attract an inclusive audience and arguably denies fans the opportunity to share in the joy of live music.

On Friday, May 10, I was honoured to be invited to Strings Bar in Newport to see Britpop legends Mark Morriss and Adam Devlin bring their acoustic tour to the Island.

On receiving such a prestigious invitation from these musical heroes, there was no way I wasn’t attending and even a flight of stairs couldn’t stop me from outliving a childhood dream to see The Bluetones live in such an intimate setting.

As a disabled person, I’m lucky to have people whom I trust to be able to get me to places which otherwise would be impossible and the staff at Strings were accommodating to my situation.

Yet I realise that not everyone on the Isle of Wight has this luxury and many are forced to miss out, due to inadequate access requirements.

Why does it always need to be like this?

Fortunately our two leading theatres, Medina and Shanklin, have adequate provisions for disabled audience members, with designated areas, disabled toilets and ample parking.

Yet what if you’re a fan of more boutique entertainment? What if you don’t always want to watch mainstream shows?

I’m far from a disabled activist but I believe that the whole entertainment sphere should be available for all. In my opinion entertainment aficionados should never be put off from being a valid and equal audience member.

Having attended a whole range of shows throughout the country, I’m now aware of the bespoke adaptations that can be made to a theatrical venue in order to make it accessible.

The Museum of Comedy in Bloomsbury has been adapted from a church basement which obviously wasn’t on ground level. The use of an outdoor hydraulic lift has been the answer to the theatre’s inclusivity problems and now wheelchair users can enjoy the impressive array of live entertainment which the theatre now boasts. If a grade listed church can make these sorts of provisions, let’s hope more entertainment venues follow suit.

Under the 2010 Equality Act, public buildings are required to provide disabled access in all new establishments and here’s hoping that it won’t be long before this is the case for pre-existing structures.

This shall be a long awaited happy day for people like me who appreciate quality live entertainment and crave a safe and appropriate way to enjoy it.

Yet in the meantime, I just can’t wait for the next time The Bluetones make their ‘Slight Return’ to the Island!