Go See: The UK’s biggest Deaf camping event, Sign Circle, 29th July – 1st August

This summer East Lancashire Deaf Society will be hosting Sign Circle: Britain’s largest Deaf camping event for British Sign Language (BSL) users.

The deaf festival, held at Longridge Showground, Preston has always been a success and is becoming increasingly popular within the deaf community due to its specific deaf friendly shows, games and competitions.

Sign Circle, which is held every two years, has been successfully running since 2007. This festival has provided entertainment for thousands of campers and volunteers who gather from all over the United Kindgom and some who even fly over from abroad.

Approximately 50,000 deaf people in the UK use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first or preferred language. There are many others who know and use sign language but not as their first language.

Since it began, the festival has grown in size and has attracted a much wider audience.

Sandra Williams, Volunteer Coordinator for the festival and BSL user says “Sign Circle has always been a massive success and this year will be even bigger. It’s an important social event for the deaf and hard of hearing community, and it’s important for the hearing community to join us too to break down any social barrier there may be. This is now a tradition and is a great way for the deaf and hearing communities to join together and have fun.”

ELDS staff, trustees and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the festival. In 2014 Sign Circle attracted over 900 attendees and had over 28 different activities over the course of the weekend to entertain every age group. Ticket sales are expected to rise this year after having a great response to teaser videos on social media.

International performers from all over the globe have been booked to join the Saturday Gala Show at the festival. The action packed weekend will also involve activities such as an assault course, zorb football, trampolines and mud wrestling, along with arts and craft classes and a performance workshop with competitions including, dance, comedy, sign song and yoga.

For festival details please visit www.signcircle.org.uk.

Sign Circle Festival address:

Longridge Showground
Lower Lane
Longridge
Preston
Lancashire
PR3 3SQ

Sign Circle dates: Friday 29^th July – Monday 1^st August 2016.