Crowds, Chaos, and Captions: How to do festivals Deaf-initely right this summer

Elisa Nuevo Vallín
Jul 14
4 min read

Ah, festival season. A magical time of overpriced chips, glitter in places it doesn’t belong, and the distant sound of someone shouting, “HAS ANYONE SEEN GARY?”

But if you’re Deaf or hard of hearing, festivals can be… let’s say, a vibrational experience. Great bass, zero access info, and security guards who think BSL is just “really enthusiastic pointing.”

So, how do you navigate the glittery madness while still actually enjoying yourself?

We’ve got answers, because if festivals can have 17 types of hummus, they can definitely have access staff.

how to do deaf-initely right festivals this summer

“It’s a festival, not a lecture!” — Yes, and access matters anyway

Let’s be honest. Accessibility is not the first thing most people think of when they pack for a weekend in a field. But if you’re Deaf or hard of hearing, it makes or breaks the experience.

What helps:

BSL-interpreted performances (yes, signing Beyoncé is a real job and it’s fabulous)
Captions or transcripts for talks and comedy sets
Hearing loops at key info points
Visual signage (preferably not hand-written with a biro)
Deaf-aware staff (who don’t yell “CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?” every five minutes)

Behind the Scenes with an Access Co-ordinator

We (virtually) sat down with Zara, a Festival Access Co-ordinator, to find out how it should be done.

Q: What’s the most common accessibility request you get from Deaf attendees?

Zara: BSL interpreters and clear information in advance — especially knowing which performances will be interpreted. And please, no last-minute PDF schedules!

Q: What’s one thing festivals get wrong?

Zara: They forget that not all access needs are visible. Or they assign the one BSL interpreter to three stages at once. Not ideal unless they can teleport (laughs).

Q: How can Deaf people request access?

Zara: Always check the event’s website. Look for the “accessibility” or “access info” page. If there’s none, email the organisers early and be specific. If they’re worth your money, they’ll do their best to support.

UK Summer Festivals Doing It Right (Mostly)

Here are a few UK festivals trying to make their events more inclusive for Deaf and disabled people:

Deaffest (Wolverhampton)

A whole festival by and for Deaf creatives
BSL across the board. Films, comedy, art, and a community vibe that’s hard to beat
Open to everyone interested in film and the arts

Edinburgh Deaf Festival

Celebrating Deaf culture, language, and heritage
Live performances, workshops, BSL-led tours, and more
Raises awareness of Deaf culture and promotes Deaf performers and artists
Ensures events are interpreted for maximum accessibility

Manchester British Sign Language Fest

Events and entertainment focused on BSL
Storytelling, comedy, tours, films, a BSL history exhibition, an outdoor park party, and more
Runs alongside the annual British Deaf Association (BDA) conference

Deaf Rave Festival

Championing Deaf creatives with a day-to-night festival
D/Deaf sign songs, rap, dance, theatre workshops, food stalls, and live performances
Offers a platform for leading UK and international Deaf artists

Glastonbury Festival

BSL interpreters for major acts
Viewing platforms and access team
Pre-event accessibility guide

Other Notable Festivals and Events:

Southampton BSL Fest: Mayflower Theatre in Southampton hosts events celebrating BSL.
Deaf Rave (Southbank Centre): A London event focusing on Deaf music and culture.
Sign Festival Bristol: Bristol Beacon hosts a day event featuring sign language performances.
Norfolk Deaf Festival: A festival in Norfolk offering events and support for the Deaf community.

How to Ask for Access (without having to shout)

Start early – Email before tickets sell out. Include details like interpreter needs, caption requests, or preferred contact method.
Use clear subject lines – “Access request – Deaf visitor” helps staff prioritise your email.
Ask about alternatives – No BSL? Ask if scripts, transcripts, or visual guides are available.
Mention support options – Some festivals allow free entry for companions or support workers.
Follow up if needed – You’re not being difficult. You’re making sure your needs are respected.

Festivals are meant to be wild, joyful, and chaotic, but not at the cost of being left out. Whether you want to rave at the front or chill with a cider and a captioned poetry reading, you deserve to access it all.

So pack your tent, check those access pages, and go make some noise. Or at least feel the bass in your bones 🤘

PS: If you’ve had a great access experience (or a rubbish one), tell us! Sharing helps other Deaf festival-goers know where they’ll be welcomed and heard.

🎧 Bonus: Protect your ears while you party

Tips for protecting your ears at music events by Living With Hearing Loss.

We couldn’t wrap up a festival article without a shout-out to our fabulous friend Amy from @LivingWithHearingLoss, who recently shared some brilliant tips on how to protect your ears at live events. Because hearing health matters, whether you’re Deaf, hard of hearing, or just obsessed with live music.