NEWS - LOWRY ANNOUNCES FIRST VENUE-WIDE RELAXED DAY FOR FAMILIES THIS SUMMER

Lowry Relaxed Day for Families

Lowry will host its first ever Relaxed Day for Families on Thursday 13 August 2026, offering families the chance to enjoy everything the venue has to offer in a more relaxed and comfortable environment.

The venue-wide event has been designed for families who would like to visit Lowry in a quieter setting, with adjustments to support visitors with sensory processing differences, neurological conditions and neurodivergent visitors. As the day is centred around family-friendly activities, Lowry is particularly looking forward to welcoming children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside their families, essential companions and carers.

The event comes at a time when demand for accessible family activities continues to grow. In Salford, 25% of pupils are identified as having SEND, compared with the national average of 20.8%.

Accessibility at Lowry's Relaxed Day for Families

Throughout the day, a range of adjustments will be in place to help create a more comfortable experience. Visitors will have access to quiet rooms, reduced sound levels, lower background music in public spaces including the Coffee Shop and Lowry Bar & Kitchen, while hand dryers will be switched off in the bathrooms.

Families who prefer to bring their own food will be able to use a designated picnic area. Visitors with pre-booked tickets will also receive visual stories before their visit to help them prepare for the day.

What's Happening at Lowry's Relaxed Day for Families

Families will be able to explore the Andrew Law Galleries at a reduced capacity, including the free Wild Things summer exhibition, which takes visitors on an animal-themed journey through some of the most loved stories of all time.

Self-guided activities will be available throughout the galleries, including the Jack the Dog Trail, Gallery Bingo for the LS Lowry Collection, and sensory, explorer and baby packs. Ear defenders, magnifiers and the communication sticker system will also be available from the Galleries Access Hub.

A facilitated workshop will also take place in the LS Lowry Collection between 10am and 12pm.

Elsewhere in the building, relaxed screenings of LOWRY 360 will take place throughout the day with reduced capacity and lower sound levels. The Lookout will host an Arty Party featuring artist-led animal-themed craft activities, while Wild Things themed storytelling and activities will take place across the venue.

Families can also enjoy relaxed performances of Dear Zoo in the Quays Theatre at 11am and 1.30pm, with tickets available from £19.50.

Relaxed Performances of Dear Zoo

The relaxed performances of Dear Zoo have been adapted to create a more comfortable theatre experience. Performances will take place with reduced capacity, adapted lighting and sound, while the house lights will remain on throughout the performance.

Families are free to leave and re-enter the auditorium whenever needed, and a dedicated calm space with Dear Zoo themed craft activities will be available from one hour before each performance. The production has a running time of 55 minutes.

Creating a More Inclusive Experience

Grace Ng, Artist Development & Access Producer at Lowry, said:

"We always strive to make every visitor feel welcome, but we know that for some, a busy environment can be overwhelming. While we regularly offer relaxed performances in our theatres and activities in our galleries, this is the first time we've brought together teams from across Lowry to create a fully relaxed experience. This day is about creating a space that feels comfortable and inclusive for everyone."

Booking Information

Advance booking is encouraged for Dear Zoo, LOWRY 360 and gallery visits.

Visitors can book tickets for Dear Zoo, or reserve free tickets for LOWRY 360 and the galleries online via the Lowry website or by contacting the Access Box Office on 0161 876 2183.

Tickets are not required to visit the Coffee Shop, Lowry Bar & Kitchen or the Lowry Shop.

Lowry's first Relaxed Day for Families takes place on Thursday 13 August 2026 from 10am to 3pm (doors open from 9.30am) at Lowry, Salford Quays. The adapted experience will run until 3pm, after which the venue will return to its usual levels of activity.

For more theatre news, family shows and events across the North of England, keep checking All About Theatre.