Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions? We've got answers!
Our season comprises of concerts across Symphony Hall, Town Hall and CBSO Centre.
You can find a full list of events on our season page.
Booking Tickets
How do I book tickets?
There are a number of ways you can book your tickets for a CBSO performance:
- Online at cbso.co.uk
- Over the phone (for events at Symphony Hall and Town Hall only) on 0121 780 3333 from 10am-4pm, Monday-Saturday.
- In person during box office opening hours at Symphony Hall for events at Symphony Hall and Town Hall only.
- On the door from 1 hour before performances at the CBSO Centre.
Which account am I being asked to log into?
If you are booking tickets online for a Symphony Hall or Town Hall concert, you will need to log in to your B:Music account. This is because all tickets at these venues are sold through the B:Music box office.
If you are looking to purchase a membership, tickets to a membership event, tickets to a CBSO Centre event or a digital concert, you will need to log in to your CBSO account.
I have access requirements, how do I book tickets?
To book accessible tickets for Symphony Hall or Town Hall, you will need to be part of B:Music's Access Scheme. You will then be able to book tickets by calling 0121 289 6343.
Hearing-impaired patrons can call the Box Office minicom line on 0121 644 6140.
For accessible tickets at CBSO Centre, you will be able to purchase an accessible ticket as part of your order via the CBSO’s website.
How will I receive my tickets?
If you purchase your tickets online for a Symphony Hall or Town Hall concert, you will be given a choice of how you want your tickets to be delivered.
- E-ticket to show on your device (or print at home)
- Printed tickets posted to you roughly two weeks before the performance (at an additional cost of £2 per order)
- Printed tickets to collect from the Box Office
If you are booking close to the date of the event, you may not be able to have your tickets posted to you or held for collection at the desk. If you purchase your tickets online for a CBSO Centre event, you will be emailed an order confirmation which you will need to show for entry to the event.
There's a problem with my booking - what should I do?
We're keen to do anything we can to help fix any problems with your booking.
In the first instance, for concerts taking place at Symphony Hall or Town Hall, we recommend that you contact the box office at 0121 780 3333 or at boxoffice@bmusic.co.uk. If the box office are unable to assist with your enquiry, or you have booked for an event taking place at the CBSO Centre, you can contact the CBSO.
How can I give CBSO tickets as a gift?
You can book printed tickets to any of our performances and give them as a gift, as we do not check the names on tickets. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer CBSO gift vouchers.
How can I save on tickets?
We offer a range of ‘Ways to Save’, which you can find out more about here, including our benefit recipient discount, which allows audience members receiving eligible benefits to access our concerts.
We also offer cheaper tickets for under 18s and those aged 18-30; usually £5 and £10. We want to encourage the next generation of concert-lovers, and ensure that their passion for orchestral music is given time to grow as they begin their careers.
Your Visit
How do I get to Symphony Hall?
Symphony Hall is located 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA.
How do I get to CBSO Centre?
The CBSO Centre is located at Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF.
What time should I arrive?
We recommend that you arrive around 15 minutes prior to the start of your performance. This will give you time to find your seats, use the loo, and pick up a programme before the start of your concert.
If you have tickets for collection at box office, you may wish to arrive a few minutes earlier.
Where can I park?
There are multiple car parks close to both Symphony Hall and CBSO Centre, including ones at Brindley Place and The Mailbox.
What happens if there are train strikes?
Unfortunately, we are only able to offer credits and refunds when a concert is cancelled. We advise checking train services and making travel plans well in advance.
What happens if there is a change of artist or programme?
We'll always contact any customers for whom we have the relevant permissions to inform them of any changes to our performances. Unfortunately, unless a performance is cancelled we are unable to offer credits or refunds.
At the Performance
Can I take in food and drink?
Drinks purchased from the Symphony Hall bar can be taken into the hall. Please do not bring food into the hall, as it may impact other audience members.
Will I be able to take photographs?
We are happy for you to take photos and short videos at our concerts during the applause breaks. We ask that you are mindful of disturbing artists and other audience members. Please dim the brightness on your phone, and do not use your flash.
We also regularly take photographs for promotional use, so you may see a professional photographer at our concerts. Please ask a member of the front of house team if you have any questions about this.
To ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the performance, please make sure your mobile phone is set to silent.
When should I clap?
There are no set rules, though many audience members do wait until the end of a piece before clapping. Certain pieces are separated into movements – with a short pause in the music – during which some audience members choose not to applaud. If you are worried about getting it right, we recommend that you follow the lead of those around you, or that you choose to clap when you wish to show your appreciation.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code for CBSO concerts, so please wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.
How can I find out more about the music?
You can view our free digital programmes online (or download a pdf) with information about the music and performers - digital programmes are availble at least 24 hours before the performance.
If you have any further questions about our performers or the music being performed, please do feel free to get in touch!
Can I purchase a printed programme?
Printed programmes are also available at most performances at Symphony Hall from the B:Music Programmes Desk (opposite door 2) at a cost of £4 per programme.
You can also view our digital programmes online for free, these are available at least 24 hours before each concert, and can be viewed before, during and after the concert.
What happens if I'm late?
If for any reason you arrive late to a performance you may be asked to wait outside until the end of a piece or movement, so that your entrance doesn't disturb the audience. Wherever possible, our colleagues at B:Music will try to seat you in the Radio Room until you can enter the auditorium. From here, you will be able to hear and see the performance.