Signs Alive Festival 2026

A Deaf-Led Arts Festival for Children, Families & Communities

A brand-new, family-friendly arts festival celebrating Deaf and disabled artists, taking place in Sunderland on 27 & 28 June 2026.

Join us for the first-ever Signs Alive Festival — a joyful and inclusive two-day event bringing together performances, creative workshops, visual art, and live entertainment.

Led by Deaf artist Paul Miller (Rory Studio CIC) and produced by Surface Area Dance Theatre, the festival showcases an exciting mix of talent including Cara MacWilliam, Fuse Theatre, Southpaw Company, Greener Lavelle, Sunderland College, Deaf Rave, Lisette Auton, and Charlotte Arrowsmith, alongside visual art from Tom White / Surface Area.

Families and visitors can experience inspiring theatre, hands-on activities, exhibitions, and live DJ experiences in a welcoming and accessible environment.

From giant puppets and immersive VR art to interactive workshops and family play, there’s something for everyone to explore. The festival highlights visual storytelling and sign language, creating space for Deaf and disabled artists to thrive.

Signs Alive Festival Ticket

Tickets are now available on Eventbrite. Click the link HERE to go straight to the ticket page.

About the Festival

Signs Alive Festival is:

Deaf-led and artist-driven
Open to all families — Deaf, hearing, and disabled
Designed to be visual, accessible, and welcoming
A celebration of diverse creative voices

Artistic Direction by Paul Miller, produced by Surface Area Dance Theatre.

What to Expect

Performances

Sunderland College — Feel the Beat, See the Sound
Greener Lavelle — Giant Puppet
Fuse Theatre — Follow the Sign
Southpaw Company — Mixed Reality Show 3.1

Workshops

Drama with Charlotte Arrowsmith
Creative Writing with Lisette Auton
DJ Workshop with Deaf Rave

Exhibitions

Cara MacWilliam
Paul Miller
Tom White

Family Activities

Creative play and interactive experiences for all ages

All events are designed to be accessible, engaging, and inspiring.

Why This Festival Matters

Signs Alive Festival aims to inspire the next generation.

Led by a Deaf Artistic Director, the festival brings lived experience and representation to the forefront. By showcasing Deaf and disabled artists, it offers powerful role models and creates opportunities for young people to see themselves in the arts.

The festival supports: