Chester: Celebration of sign language to be held

The event, which will be hosted by Lisa Birtles who is profoundly Deaf and who’s first and preferred language is BSL and BBC Radio Merseyside’s Jimmy McCracken will take place at Chester Cathedral on Monday, December 5th from 7pm-8.30pm.

The event will feature the spectacular Dee Sign Choir, poems, performances and stories from the deaf community and special guests, who are yet to be announced. 

The aim of the event is to celebrate deaf culture and British Sign Language and to raise funds to pay for interpreters at future Cathedral events.

Earlier this year BSL became a recognised language by law and was given Royal Assent by the late Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II.

Canon Missioner and Vice Dean at Chester Cathedral Jane Brooke is working alongside prolific sensory loss charity DSN to bring the event to life.

Canon Brooke said: “Chester Cathedral is delighted to welcome the first event where DSN and Chester Cathedral are working in partnership to celebrate all that the deaf community offer to our city. This is an evening not to be missed. We look forwards to seeing you there!”

The event will be fully accessible for all and include British Sign Language interpretation throughout, on large screens in the Nave where it will be hosted.

Gill Reeder, executive at DSN and an advocate for the deaf community in Chester and the North West for the past 47 years, said: “As an organisation, one of our missions is to create better communication opportunities for everyone and that includes those that use BSL. 

“Accessibility is often thought about in relation to physical disabilities - for example, making sure there is a ramp or handles on steps. But as a deaf person, being able to communicate in a language you understand, like BSL, is absolutely crucial to inclusivity and giving them equal opportunities to attend events they may not have been able to without an interpreter.

“The event is sure to be one to remember and a great way to bring the family together to teach them about a language they may know nothing about.”

Tickets for the event are now on sale and cost £10 and £6 for concessions and children. Doors open at 6.30pm. To buy tickets go to: https://chestercathedral.com/event/sign-of-the-times-a-celebration-of-british-sign-language/