Edinburgh Deaf Festival returns after surviving funding crisis that left future in doubt

The third annual Edinburgh Deaf Festival has announced its programme, after surviving a funding crisis that threatened its survival.

The festival runs alongside the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and takes place from 9-18 August 2024.

The unique event provides a platform for deaf talent, giving deaf audiences access to the arts and inviting hearing audiences to experience a vibrant area of creative culture.

Organised by Deaf Action (the world’s oldest deaf-led organisation) it continues the pioneering work that made Edinburgh a world-leader in championing the interests of deaf people.

READ NEXT-Edinburgh woman 'couldn't walk in straight line' before devastating cancer diagnosis

READ NEXT-Three masked Edinburgh youths on back of motorbike 'cause havoc' on busy road

A festival highlight will be the world premiere of The Ghost of Alexander Blackwood, a play produced and performed by deaf creatives that celebrates a truly remarkable character from the city’s past.

Blackwood was deaf from childhood and became the pastor of the first Deaf Church, which held its inaugural service in 1830 in rooms in Lady Stair Close in the old town of Edinburgh.

Then in 1835, he founded the organisation which grew to become Deaf Action, which has its HQ in Albany Street, where most festival shows are held.

Philip Gerrard, CEO of organisers Deaf Action, said: “Blackwood was a deaf pioneer and an important figure in the campaign for deaf people to have equal access and opportunities.

“Our organisation, and this festival, keep that spirit alive. This year’s event will be a bright and vibrant celebration of deaf theatre, comedy, cabaret and wider culture with lots for deaf and hearing audiences to enjoy.

“A funding crisis created severe doubts about whether we would be able to hold a festival in 2024, but we managed to survive … for the moment."

He adds: “However, we urgently need support to make the event sustainable and allow it to survive and develop and will be using this year’s festival to campaign for a fair deal for deaf arts, artists and audiences.”

The festival will be holding a debate on funding for the deaf arts and the barriers that deaf artists face.

The Edinburgh Deaf Festival has been turned down multiple times for the Creative Scotland three-year funding packages which would make it sustainable. The Festival has received one-off grants for which it is very grateful

The programme, which has had to be slimmed down from 2023 due to the funding crisis, features:

• Gavin Lilley: The renowned deaf comedian brings us his stories about life as a sign language user, traveller, and a weary father of three. Gavin performs across the UK and Europe and has performed alongside John Bishop. A unique perspective on our diverse cultures.

• John Smith: Drawing on personal experience and real-life observations, John offers an amusing insight into what it’s like as a deaf person navigating a hearing world.

• Life is a (Deaf) Cabaret: Join us for fresh and exciting cabaret, as emerging performers take to the stage to showcase their talents. Featuring dance, sign songs, comedy, drama, and monologues, performances will be a mix of English and BSL.

Fiona Mackay, Chief Operating Officer at festival sponsor SignLive, said: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor of the Edinburgh Deaf Festival once again this year.

“As a deaf-owned company, supporting this festival is important to us as it is a celebration of deaf culture, language, and artists.

“We are honoured to be part of an event that makes it possible for both deaf and hearing audiences to come together and experience the richness of that culture.

She adds: “The Edinburgh Deaf Festival provides a fantastic platform for showcasing a diverse range of performances, and we look forward to another year of inspiring and enjoyable events.”

Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

The festival features an extensive programme offering variety for BSL users including tours, workshops, and family and children’s activities.

Workshops are on offer for children and young people so they can learn everything from photography to deaf history through interactive storytelling and TV production and more.

The Fringe Festival and Edinburgh International Festival will be offering a variety of accessible performances including Hamlet and Lubna Kerr's play Chatterbox.

There is also a service called ’Interpreter on demand’ which allows deaf people to arrange an interpreter or captioner for Fringe shows that are not accessible.

To find out more about the Edinburgh Deaf Festival website check here.

Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox