Islington Assembly Hall
WHERE
London
What it’s like
A Grade II listed music hall near Highbury with step-free access to the main floor, though the balcony's stairs only.
This is a gig venue first and foremost, so what you're getting is a night watching a band or show together rather than anything laid on specifically for kids. The main auditorium has level, step-free access, and if you need the step-free entrance you just flag it to security on the door and they'll walk you round to it. Worth knowing that most shows here run with strobe lighting and smoke effects, which is fine for some kids and a definite no for others.
Tickets are sold online in advance or on the day if the show hasn't sold out, and there's no actual box office window, so don't turn up expecting to pay on the spot unless you've got cash (that's the only payment type they'll take in person). Every ticket carries a small venue levy on top, which goes back into upkeep of the building since it's Grade II listed. If you're after door tickets on the night, check the DICE app rather than assuming you can just walk up.
The balcony and basement are stairs only, no lift, so if anyone in your group needs step-free access the main floor is where you'll be. Disabled customers can get a free carer ticket for the accessible area, but you need to ring ahead to book it since space is limited. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.
Getting there is easy enough: Highbury and Islington station is five minutes' walk, Angel a bit further at fifteen. There's no parking at the venue itself, so you're looking at the Town Hall forecourt for a quick drop-off or one of the commercial car parks nearby if you need to leave the car for the evening.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- No customer parking at venue. Islington Town Hall forecourt for drop-off
- Wheelchairs
- Level step-free access to main auditorium
- Getting there by bus or train
- Highbury and Islington Station (Victoria/Overground) 5 min walk
- There's a small venue levy of £1.50 plus VAT added to every ticket
- If you need a carer ticket for the accessible area, ring ahead on 020 7527 8900 as space is limited
- Assistance dogs are welcome
- Highbury and Islington station is the closest, about five minutes on foot
Plan your visit
Do we need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, and it's sensible to. You can also buy on the day via the DICE app right up to doors opening, or on the door in person if the show hasn't sold out, but door tickets often cost more than the original price.
Can we pay by card on the night?
The box office only takes cash. If you want contactless, use the DICE app for door tickets instead.
Is the venue OK for a wheelchair or buggy?
The main auditorium has level, step-free access, just let security know at the door. The balcony and basement are stairs only with no lift.
What about strobe lighting?
Most shows use strobe lighting and smoke effects, so it's one to think about if that's a problem for anyone in your group.
Is there parking nearby?
No customer parking at the venue itself. The Islington Town Hall forecourt works for a drop-off, and there are commercial car parks in the Highbury and N1 area if you need to park up properly.
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