Mystery Shopping is at the heart of our work. Our team of disabled music fans report back on the accessibility and overall experience at UK music venues, clubs and festivals.
“Mystery Shopping venues for Attitude is Everything has been one of the most positive and rewarding experiences I have ever had. I am committed to spreading awareness of accessibility issues and if my efforts improve conditions for just one person it will be more than worthwhile.”
Improving access together
We’re always on the lookout for new volunteers to assess almost any live music or outdoor event, but we specifically target venues and festivals that are signed up to our Live Events Access Charter.
Who can mystery shop?
Anyone who considers themselves to be Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent or to have a long-term physical or mental health condition. We do not ask for “proof” and you do not need to have a formal diagnosis, be receiving medical treatment or receive disability benefits.
How do I become a Mystery Shopper?
Update (June 2026)
Mystery Shopping Update
Mystery shopping the accessibility of venues and festivals has been an essential part of Attitude is Everything’s work for several years. Individually and collectively, mystery shop reports by our volunteers have helped to amplify the lived experiences of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent music fans, advocating for inclusive change in the Live Events industry.
Since 2017:
- 361 volunteers have completed over 1,775 mystery shops
- Across 606 venues nationwide
This work has provided invaluable insight into access across the sector and helped shape improvements.
From 2016 until 2025, our Mystery Shopping programme was funded as part of projects supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the John Ellerman Foundation. We are very grateful to both funders for their support.
Currently we do not receive funding to continue the Mystery Shopping or volunteering programmes in their current format. We are, however, committed to seeking feedback from people with lived experience. We are currently designing new feedback processes, and we’re planning to update our audiences and community by the end of the year.
If we have previously agreed to pay you expenses for a shop then we will pay those expenses. Please email [email protected] to request our new expense form and a link to a form to complete your mystery shop.
We apologise for any inconvenience or uncertainty whilst we make these changes.
To receive further updates through our Audience Newsletter, please sign up to the Audience Network via the link below.
You can read our code of conduct and frequently asked questions here:
Any other questions?
If you are not sure if you are eligible or have any other questions about Mystery Shopping, please contact [email protected]