The Forum is OPEN during the Millennium Library refurbishment - Our car park, events, PizzaExpress, Cafe Bar Marzano, On the Stall City will all be operating as usual.

Norfolk Deaf Festival

A man and women hold up signs saying I'm Deaf and Proud

A celebration of D/deaf culture and community in Norfolk.

Norfolk Deaf Festival is back this year, and taking place on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June 2026.

The festival is a celebration of equality, empowerment, education and inclusion. It promotes deaf awareness and accessible communication through sign language and technology, showcases inspiring deaf role models, offering skill-building and volunteering opportunities, and helping professionals better support the D/deaf community.

Most of all, it brings everyone together - deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing - to connect, learn and celebrate. Whatever your hearing loss, you are not alone.

Established in 2017 and originally run by volunteers, it's now been brought into The Forum's family of festivals.

Browse the Norfolk Deaf Festival 2026 line-up and book tickets!

On 26 and 27 June we'll be bringing you a packed programme of entertainment, celebrating and showcasing deaf talent. You don't need to a ticket to access the festival, and all activities, apart from a special evening comedy event, will be free – although some will need to be booked in advance.

Visit our 'Events' page to browse and book tickets

The Academy at Norfolk Deaf Festival

We're transforming The View into a learning space – The Academy – during the festival. Browse our workshops and book your place now!

Academy workshops

Interested in exhibiting?

Are you part of a deaf-led or deaf-related organisation, service, charity or creative business? Join us at Norfolk Deaf Festival 2026!

Get in touch! Email Eleanor Craik, Norfolk Deaf Festival Producer for more information [email protected]

Would you like to volunteer?

Want to join our team as a volunteer and support with the festival on the 26 or 27 June?

Please complete our volunteer expression of interest form.

Whether you use British Sign Language (BSL), lipreading or speak, we'd love to have you there.

NDF volunteer EoI form

Join the newsletter!

Get the latest news, opportunities and events from the Festival by signing up to the Norfolk Deaf Festival's e-newsletter.

Sign up to the Norfolk Deaf Festival newsletter!

Other events taking place in Norwich around NDF 26

Thursday 25 June, 7:30pm Norwich Theatre Royal:

Captioned showing of The Bodyguard, The Musical

Saturday 27 June, Cafe Bar Marzano:

Norwich Signing Cafe

Saturday 27 June, 7pm The Glass House:

Deaf pub

Sunday 28 June, 11am-12 midday, Norwich Castle

Join local historian Daniel Jillings for a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of Norwich Castle.

Tickets are just £5 and can be booked through Norfolk Museums.

Book a BSL tour of the castle

From Friday 26 June until Monday 29 June, Cinema City Norwich will be hosting additional captioned screenings. Films and times will be published on its website on Monday 22 June.

List of funders and sponsors