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New to concerts? Here's our handy FAQs...

What should I wear?

Wear what you like! The orchestra on stage don’t wear bow ties and tails so why should you? Come as smart or as causal as you like. If it’s a special occasion feel free to dress up.

Help! When should I clap?

It's common that the audience won't clap until a piece of music has completely finished (e.g. after all four movements of a symphony) to keep a sense of tension throughout the performance. However sometimes audience are so impressed that they will clap spontaneously at a great performance - and who can blame them? If you're very unsure, hold off until everyone else starts to clap.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Like many events we ask you to turn off your phone during the concert or at least have it on silent mode. But we’re also usually broadcasting on BBC Radio 3 so it’s important your phone doesn't interrupt the performance.

Photography and recording of the performance isn't allowed, but feel free to take pictures before the concert or during the applause and to tag us @bbcsso .

How do I find out more about the music?

Free digital programmes are available (sent by the box office via email, or by scanning QR code at the concert), which have introductions to all the music played. We also post these on this website on the week of the concert. Check the navigation bar above.

Alternatively, you can buy a printed programme when you arrive at a concert which has has information about the music, the performers and the orchestra's players.

You can also visit our social media s where we frequently share information about the pieces being performed, or scroll down on the event page for your concert - you might find an audio introduction from Radio 3's archives.

Glasgow City Halls - FAQs

What time do concerts start?

Evening concerts at City Halls typically begin at 7.30pm and Afternoon Performances at 2.00pm. As concerts are broadcast on BBC Radio 3, and to minimise disturbance in the concert hall, please be seated for the start of the performance. It might not always be possible to let latecomers into the auditorium before the interval.

Are there bars at City Halls?

Yes, there are two bars in City Halls: the Candleriggs Bar at the opposite end of the promenade from the Recital Room and the Bazaar Bar on the ground floor. Top tip: beat the queues by pre-ordering your interval drinks!

Where can I eat before the concert?

Food is not available at City Halls, but the Merchant City and the centre of Glasgow is full of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy food before or after the concert.

How do I get to City Halls?

Click HERE to view Glasgow City Halls on a map

City Halls and the Old Fruitmarket are situated at the heart of the Merchant City at the north end of Candleriggs between Trongate and Ingram Street. They are within easy walking distance of Argyle Street, Queen Street, High Street and Central railway stations as well as St Enoch and Buchanan Street subway stations. Buchanan Bus Station is a 15 minute walk away.

All entrances at City Halls and the Old Fruitmarket are fully accessible with lifts to every level of the auditorium. Wheelchairs are available on request and can be pre-booked via the Box Office. Guide dogs are welcome at City Halls.

Accessibility

The Grand Hall at City Halls is accessible to those with mobility difficulties. A lift from the Candleriggs entrance gives access to all levels. The auditorium is equipped with an induction loop and an infra-red assisted hearing facility. Please notify the Box Office when booking.

Edinburgh's Usher Hall - View our FAQs

What times do concert start?

Our Usher Hall concerts begin at 3.00pm on Sundays and last approximately 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.

How do I get to the Usher Hall?

Click HERE to view the Usher Hall on a map

Bus, tram or train

Public transport links are excellent, so if you’d like to make the greener choice, it’s a great way to reach the concert hall. Buses 1, 10, 11, 15, 16, 24, 34 and 47 all stop outside the Usher Hall and Filmhouse on Lothian Road, with many other routes stopping only a short walk away. You’ll find more information on the Lothian Buses website. If you’re coming from further afield, you’ll find information about travelling by bus at citylink.co.uk.

Edinburgh’s tram services are also a great way to get around, with stops on Princes Street and St Andrew’s Square just a few minutes away.

The venue is only 5 minutes away in a cab or a fifteen-minute walk from Edinburgh’s main station, Edinburgh Waverley — visit National Rail Enquiries on nationalrail.co.uk to plan your journey.

Car

The Usher Hall is in a busy part of Edinburgh and parking is limited. You’ll find some paid on-street parking on Lothian Road, with additional paid parking facilities at the Sheraton Hotel or N Castle Terrace. There are free spaces for blue badge holders across from the Royal Lyceum Theatre on Grindlay Street and outside the Traverse Theatre on Cambridge Street.

Are there bars at the Usher Hall?

The venue offers refreshments and bar nibbles on every level of the Hall, with each bar open an hour before the concert begins in the the main auditorium.

Where can I eat before the concert?

There's plenty of restaurants and eateries close by to the Usher Hall, with many located conveniently along Lothian Road (opposite the main entrance).

Accessibility

You’ll find level entry to the Usher Hall's ground floor on the Grindlay Street side of the building’s new wing, and lift access to all levels of the hall. There’s a loop system in place for hearing aid s (switch your hearing aid to the T position) and assistance dogs are very welcome.

Please the box office by emailing customer.enquiries@usherhall.co.uk in order to book wheelchair spaces and disabled companion places. Or call the box office on 0131 228 1155.

It’s worth noting that the Upper Circle isn’t suited to anyone with mobility issues, difficulty climbing stairs, vertigo or a fear of heights.

More information

You can find out more information about the Usher Hall on the venue's website

Aberdeen's Music Hall - View our FAQs

What time do concerts start?

Our concerts in Aberdeen begin at 7.30pm and typically last 2 hours, including 20 minute interval.

We normally record our performances in Aberdeen for broadcast on BBC Radio 3 so, in order to minimise disturbance in the hall, please be seated for the start of the performance.

How do I get to Aberdeen Music Hall?

Click HERE to view the Music Hall on a map

The Music Hall is located conveniently on Union Street in the heart of Aberdeen City, within a few minutes walk from the bus and train stations.

If you are travelling by car there is nearby parking on Golden Square, the Chapel Street multi-storey car park and the venue has parking deals available at the Bon Accord Centre.

Accessibility

Car parking for disabled people is located –

  • Golden Square
  • South Silver Street

The main entrance is on Union Street

  • There is a ramp from street level to the main entrance
  • A state-of-the-art sesame lift to provide access to the foyer level. This can be self-operated, staff are always on hand to assist.
  • The auditorium stalls are on the ground floor
  • Lift access to our balcony.

Wheelchair spaces

Pre-book wheelchair spaces through the box office by phoning 01224 641122. They can also set you up with an online which will allow you to book wheelchair spaces on the venue's website.

The spaces located in row T are best for anyone using a mobility scooter or large motorised wheelchair. They are slightly raised and offer a great view of the stage.

Walking sticks, crutches and walking aids can be taken into our performance spaces. Any equipment that will not fit safely under the seats will be stored by staff during the performance and brought to you at the end.

More information

You can find out more information about Aberdeen Music Hall on the venue's website

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