Edinburgh Deaf Festival returns for 2026
The fifth event of its kind features family events, Botanic tours and a takeover of the National Museum Of Scotland
More than 80 events celebrating deaf culture, language and creativity are taking place across Edinburgh this August as the Edinburgh Deaf Festival returns with a programme described as ‘bigger, brighter and bolder than ever’.
Taking place from Friday 7 to Sunday 16 August, the fifth edition of the festival coincides with the start of the Edinburgh Fringe and promises a packed schedule of theatre, comedy, cabaret, family events, workshops and talks, alongside international guests from Brazil and beyond.
Among the headline events is A Night In Sign, a cabaret hosted by acclaimed deaf performer Nadeem Islam. The evening brings together comedy, music, poetry and visual storytelling from artists including Glaswegian drag performer Mimi King, award-winning dancer Chris Fonseca, Amy Murray and ‘The Deaf Bard’, William Grint. Murray will also perform in Visual Vernacular for the first time at the festival, showcasing the highly expressive deaf storytelling form that combines sign language, mime and movement.
Elsewhere, the programme includes Pray For Me, a new drama by Sarah Adedeji exploring faith, identity and deafness; Brazilian interactive comedy Sign Slam; a new stand-up show from comedian John Smith; and a talk by Michael Woods, who earlier this year became the first deaf British person to climb Mount Everest. Family audiences are catered for with bilingual theatre production The Librarians, while Lights & Lanterns blends Victorian magic lanterns, shadow play and deaf history into an immersive visual experience.
Away from the stage, visitors can also enjoy British Sign Language tours of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a Deaf Families Takeover Day at the National Museum Of Scotland, creative workshops and the ever-popular Deaf Karaoke event.
Leading the festival for the first time is actor, writer and newly appointed director Nadia Nadarajah, who took over the role after serving as the festival's creative programmer. Speaking about the festival, she said:
'The fifth Edinburgh Deaf Festival is bigger, brighter and bolder than ever, bringing together an exciting mix of deaf talent from Scotland, across the UK and overseas. But what makes the festival truly special is the sense of home and belonging it creates. For ten days each August, people come together to celebrate deaf culture, share experiences and feel part of something bigger. Thanks to Creative Scotland's support, we have the confidence to be more ambitious, champion more deaf artists and continue building a festival where creativity, community and belonging are at the heart of everything we do.'
Edinburgh Deaf Festival, various venues, Friday 7–Sunday 16 August.