Around 3000 standing capacity, does have disabled area in balcony and some seating away from stage (Birmingham Carling Academy)

Member Name: sarah101

Product:	Birmingham Carling Academy
Date:	11/12/08 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good sized, good friendly staff, no pushing, suitable to youngsters too

Disadvantages: None I can think of

I first visited this venue around 6 years ago as it was the only place that my friends and I were able to get last minute tickets to for New Years Eve! I visited again last week for the first time since. I went to a Scouting for Girls performance and did not quite know what to expect as it has been a while since I have attended a gig in a club or anywhere outside of an arena or hall. I took my nine year old as we are both fans of the band, I was slightly apprehensive about taking her but called the venue before getting the tickets and they assured me that a lot of youngsters go and are more than welcome as long as they are accompanied with an adult (all under 14's must be with someone over 18).

When we got there there was a large queue to get into the venue but it moved really quickly and the doormen were friendly and warned the nine year old not to cause any trouble that evening!!! Something she enjoyed relating to friends at school the following morning! The age range went from kids her age to people around my parents age. We headed straight to the first level that you enter on as I had remembered they have a balcony area that I thought would be less busy that down on the ground level. We managed to get a good spot, right across from one of the bars. After a while she wanted to go downstairs and see what it was like from down there and I could see areas that were quite clear and we would be able to stand without getting pushed into and still get a decent view. We both enjoyed the evening and I would return on my own or with her again in the future. The drinks were served in a plastic pint glass regardless of the drink you had. One good thing I did notice was the bar staff were giving away free water to the people at the front of the stage who obviously would not be able to get out and back in again easily. I felt it was a safe venue for us both to visit.

Summary: A well enjoyed evening that counted towards a Christmas pressie!