This is a sponsored article on behalf of City Lit.
Celebrate 25 years of Deaf Day, the festival of Deaf culture!
Whatever your hearing abilities, the annual Deaf Day at City Lit is a welcoming, educational and life-affirming event. 2023 marks the festival's 25th year, and promises to be extra special.
This free event on Saturday 15 April brings together people from all over the UK, representing all walks of life. It's a perfect opportunity to socialise with members of the Deaf community, while uncovering helpful information and opportunities.
The event is open to anyone, including those who were born Deaf, and those who've suffered a degree of hearing loss. Carers, friends, family and those who work with the Deaf community are also very welcome. Or perhaps you're interested in learning sign language, or are just curious about the learning opportunities offered at City Lit. Give it a go!
What to expect at Deaf Day
The fact that Deaf Day has reached its Silver Jubilee stands testament to how popular it has become with the Deaf community. Last year's event was attended by some 2,000 people.
First and foremost, this is an opportunity to mingle, network and make new friends. As well as meeting other members of the Deaf community, you can also chat to various organisations and charities from across the UK, who will be interested to hear about your needs and circumstances.
Throughout the day, you can also drop in on taster sessions and workshops from a variety of City Lit's courses, including British Sign Language, lipreading and yoga for Deaf people. You can also enjoy a talk on Deaf History with City Lit tutor Peter Brown.
Head to the City Lit Gallery to see an exhibition by Deaf photographer (and former City Lit student) Stephen Iliffe. His portrait collection is entitled Deaf Mosaic, reflecting the community's kaleidoscope mix of class, ethnicity, diversity, religion, and different ways of life. One highlight is the new portrait of City Lit Fellow Dame Evelyn Glennie, a profoundly Deaf percussionist.
A long, successful history with the Deaf community
When it comes to supporting the Deaf community, City Lit has a long and well-recognised history. The college was founded in 1919, and it immediately organised lipreading courses for soldiers deafened in the trenches of the first world war. City Lit's Centre for Deaf Education has since grown to become the largest of its kind in Europe, winning awards for its support for Deaf people and those with hearing loss.
Be part of this continuing success by visiting Deaf Day this April.
Deaf Day runs at City Lit, 1-10 Keeley Street, London WC2B 4BA on Saturday 15 April. Entrance is free, and places for course taster sessions can be pre-booked. All images courtesy of City Lit
