Dozens of performances in this year’s “bigger than ever” Edinburgh Deaf Festival

The organisers promise that the fifth annual Edinburgh Deaf Festival (EDF, part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe) will be even “bigger, brighter and bolder” than ever before – offering a line-up of home-grown and international shows and events.

Running for 10 days from 7-16 August, and featuring more than 80 scheduled events, the fifth annual festival is the most ambitious yet. It is run in collaboration with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and includes some of the best of Deaf culture.

The festival is designed to appeal to all ages and for deaf, hard of hearing and hearing audiences. 

Sarah Adedeji, performs at the festival in a show called “Pray For Me “  – a powerful new work-in-progress exploring faith, deafness and identity, as a black deaf woman through poetry, movement and live music by performer ISRA3L and William Grint, whose show “The Deaf Bard” explores Shakespeare through the lens of VV and storytelling are in the launch photos below.

The 2026 programme was unveiled at Deaf Action’s Albany Street headquarters by newly appointed festival director, actor and writer, Nadia Nadarajah.

In a headline play, A Night in Sign, produced by Fuse Theatre, acclaimed deaf theatre-maker Nadeem Islam hosts an evening of cabaret showcasing comedy, music and poetry from deaf and hard of hearing performers. Among those taking part are Glaswegian drag performer Mimi King, award-winning dancer Chris Fonseca, and Amy Murray, who makes EDF history as the first performer to take to the stage in Visual Vernacular – a vivid storytelling artform combining sign language, mime and cinematic technique. William Grint is The Deaf Bard exploring Shakespeare through visual vernacular and storytelling.

New drama Pray For Me, written and performed by Sarah Adedeji, explores faith, deafness and identity through poetry, movement and live music, while Sign Slam arrives direct from Brazil with its fast-paced blend of improv and audience participation – all through sign language.

Family highlights include The Librarians – a magical BSL and English theatre production – alongside Lights & Lanterns, an immersive visual workshop drawing on the work of deaf Victorian artists.

The festival also welcomes back fan favourite, Deaf Karaoke, where audiences can sing, sign, or simply soak up the energetic atmosphere.

Designed to welcome deaf, hard of hearing and hearing audiences alike, EDF 2026 is a must for all festival itineraries.

Nadia 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 10 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.”

At the National Museum of Scotland there is a Deaf Families Takeover Day, there are BSL tours of the Botanics and a Sonic Patterns Workshop. The workshop, led by deaf professional flautist and educator, Ruth Montgomery, shows how sound frequencies, vibration and visual art techniques, can be used to create intricate geometric patterns and physical movement, transforming invisible vibrations into art.

Dana MacLeod, Executive Director of Arts, Communities and Inclusion at Creative Scotland said: “Edinburgh Deaf Festival begins an exciting new chapter, expertly directed by Nadia Nadarajah, bolstered by the security of Multi-Year Funding through Creative Scotland.
“This is reflected in its programme of deaf artistry and talent across music, comedy, theatre and visual art. We look forward to Nadia’s creative direction and welcome her vision into the Scottish festivals landscape.”

Deaf Action is the world’s oldest deaf charity continuing the pioneering work that made Edinburgh a world-leader in championing the interests of deaf people.