Southampton BSL Fest

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British Sign Language, BSL: The Bridge to Inclusion

Curious about BSL? Interested in what BSL and deaf inclusion look like? Ever watched a BSL signer, captivated?

BSL is coming to Southampton! Ready for 5 days of vibrant and engaging events?

Southampton BSL Fest is bringing BSL to you – join us in celebrating this beautiful, and now legally recognised, UK language. We are very proud to be inclusive – BSL Fest events are accessible to non signers with BSL interpreters voicing over BSL content into spoken English.

BSL Celebration is proud to be working with MAST Mayflower Studios where several Southampton BSL Fest events are being hosted.

There’s Deafinitely Theatre’s The Promise screening including Q and A with Director Paula Garfield, the film Power in Our Hands with post film discussion, BSL Fitness and the grand finale, the BSL Comedy Night with Gavin Lilley.

Price

See event listing below

For details on age, running time and access please see event listing below.

Access

All BSL Fest events will be fully inclusive to both BSL signers and non signers, in keeping with the aim of the BSL Fest to bring BSL to the mainstream community and to be a model of BSL inclusive practice.

Information on accessible performances

Film Screening and Discussion: The Promise

Tue 22 April 2025 | 1hr 30min | 14+ | | £6.00

Rita is confused. Why doesn’t the deaf education system work? Where is her son? Where does the milk go?

Inspired by the experiences of deaf people living with dementia and performed in Deafinitely Theatre’s renowned highly visual style combining BSL and English, this will move you to tears and laughter.

Film Screening and Discussion: Power in Our Hands

Thu 24 April 2025 | 1hr 30min | All ages | | £6.00

Includes a post-film discussion in the studio with Gavin Lilley, Deaf Comedian and Claire Cummings, Creative Director of BSL Celebration. BSL Celebration will fund and supply BSL interpreters for the post film discussion so that non signers can participate equally to BSL signers. The discussion will end at around 9.00pm and move to the bar where interpreters will be available to facilitate communication.