A celebration of language, culture and community
28 years ago, City Lit started ‘Deaf Day’.
Back then, it began as a small recognition of Deaf culture. Now, nearly three decades on, it has blossomed into one of the UK’s biggest celebrations for the Deaf community.
And 2026 was certainly no exception.
On Saturday 11 April, thousands of people travelled into central London from across the UK to reconnect with old friends, make new introductions and hear about new and exciting Deaf organisations and services.
From the moment the doors opened, the building was full. British Sign Language users lined City Lit’s floors, sharing stories and interacting with one another. It’s a unique atmosphere, but one that’s instantly recognisable to anyone who has experienced Deaf Day before.
A Special Guest
In 28 years, Deaf Day has seen it’s fair share of guests. But this year felt especially meaningful. That’s because City Lit welcomed Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability.
Sir Stephen met with staff, students and stallholders, taking time to listen to their experiences. Against a backdrop of artwork by Deaf artists in the City Lit Gallery, he discussed this year’s Deaf Day exhibition with its curator, Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq. These conversations provided great insight City Lit’s long-standing connection with the Deaf community.
The Minister’s presence also highlighted the importance of Deaf spaces. The Deaf community is integral to an inclusive and modern society. Environments where Deaf people, culture and language are recognised and celebrated remain essential to that shared future.
Art, Identity and Being Seen
As it had been for Sir Stephen Timms, this year’s exhibition was a focal point for those entering the building. Interrogating Identity: Portrayals and Perceptions exhibition featured work from 15 Deaf artists.
It’s curator, Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq, stood in the Gallery inviting visitors to pause and reflect. Through a range of styles and mediums, the artists explored themes of identity and visibility, offering personal insights shaped by their lived experiences of deafness.
VIDEO: Artist Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq speaking about the exhibition 'Interrogating Identity: Portrayals and Perceptions'
Tasters, Talks and Workshops
Across the building, there was a steady flow of activity, with people moving between sessions, stalls and conversations.
Workshops and tasters ran throughout the day, alongside a wide range of organisations sharing information and meeting attendees. This year’s sponsors – SignVideo, RNID, Lipspeaker UK, SignWow and Convo – were part of the day, connecting directly with the community.
John Smith’s comedy show drew a full room, while talks from Richard D. France and Peter Brown brought different perspectives on deafness, history and lived experience.
Families were part of the day too, with children joining drama activities led by MJ Russell de Clifford and others taking part in visual storytelling sessions with City Lit’s Emma Illife.
Miss out on Deaf Day? Don’t worry.
If you didn’t make it this time, the Interrogating Identity exhibition is still on at the City Lit Gallery until 22nd April.
City Lit also runs BSL, lipreading and other classes throughout the year, with more opportunities to get involved ahead of next year’s Deaf Day.
VIDEO: Highlights from this year's Deaf Day
Study British Sign Language at City Lit
Interested in learning British Sign Language in time for next year's Deaf Day? Try a beginners course and progress all the way up to Level 6 - all at City Lit.
