Devon is set to host its very first Deaf Day, bringing together the whole community for a celebration of Deaf culture, awareness, and support services.
The free, inclusive event will take place on the top floor of Ocean, Queen’s Drive, Exmouth, on 11 July, from 10am to 4pm. Open to everyone – whether you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or simply interested in learning more – the event promises something for all ages. The venue is fully accessible, with interpreters to support communications and lift access to the top floor.
Celebrating 200 Years of the Deaf Academy
The event is being organised by the Deaf Academy in Exmouth as part of its 200th anniversary celebrations, marking its status as the oldest Deaf school in England.
Our award-winning Academy on Douglas Avenue now delivers specialist education and care to 80 young people with additional needs and is recognised as a leader in its field.
What to Expect
Visitors can:
- Explore dozens of exhibitor stands from organisations and businesses supporting the Deaf and hard of hearing community
- Learn from regional and national experts
- Take part in workshops
- Discover the Academy’s rich 200-year history
- Attend the launch of ‘Signing on and off for 200 years’, a book about the Deaf Academy by Daphne Barnes-Phillips
There will be activities for all ages, making it a welcoming day out for families and individuals alike.
See our flyer for details of all exhibitors attending:
Exclusive Academy Tours
The Deaf Academy will also open its doors to the public on the Saturday, offering guided one-hour tours:
- 12:00 – 1:00pm
- 1:30 – 2:30pm
Visitors will have the opportunity to:
- Explore the Academy’s state-of-the-art facilities
- Learn about careers and opportunities
- Gain insight into the charity’s specialist work
Spaces for the tours are limited, and advance booking is recommended.
To reserve a place, email: marketing@thedeafacademy.ac.uk
Exmouth Festival
The Deaf Day also coincides with Exmouth Festival (9–12 July), where British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will support the following activities and performances across the weekend:
Saturday
12 – 1pm band: Luna Barge (Manor Gardens)
2.15 – 3.15pm – band: Gareth Davie band (Manor Gardens)
3.45 – 4.45pm – Reuben’s Daughters band (Manor Gardens)
5.30 – 6.30pm – Sound of the Sirens band (Strand)
7 – 8.15pm – Honeyfeet band (Manor Gardens)
Sunday
12.15 – 1.00pm – Fabularium family theatre (Imperial Hotel Gardens)
1.45 – 2.45pm – Stories of smugglers: Alastair K Daniel (Strand)
3 – 3.30pm – Ben’s Circus Show (Manor Gardens)
4 – 5pm – Four of Swords (Imperial Hotel Gardens)
6.30 – 7.30 – Irie Fire band (Manor Gardens)
8.45 – 10pm – Not the Cowboys band (Manor Gardens)
