Finding events with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation in the UK has become easier over the past decade, but it still requires more effort than it should. BSL was recognised as a language in its own right by the UK Government in 2003, and the British Sign Language Act 2022 further strengthened its legal status. Despite this, BSL-interpreted events remain the exception rather than the rule at most venues. Here is how to find them and how to request them when they are not already available.
Theatre and performing arts
Theatre is the sector with the strongest provision of BSL-interpreted performances. Most major regional theatres and many West End venues schedule BSL-interpreted performances for their main productions, typically one or two performances per run. The interpreter stands to the side of the stage and signs the dialogue, lyrics, and sound effects in real time, while the audience watches both the performance and the interpretation.
To find BSL-interpreted performances:
- Check the venue's accessibility page -- Most theatres list their accessible performances in a dedicated section of their website. Look for "BSL," "signed performance," or "access performances"
- Contact the box office -- If the information is not online, phone or email the box office and ask when their next BSL-interpreted performance is scheduled
- Sign up for access mailing lists -- Many theatres run separate mailing lists for their access performances, which means you hear about dates as soon as they are announced
- Check the Stage Text and Stagetext websites -- Stagetext provides captioning and access information for performing arts venues across the UK
When booking for a BSL-interpreted show, ask about the best seats for viewing the interpreter. Most venues recommend specific seating areas that give a clear sightline to both the stage and the interpreter. These seats should be available to book without surcharge.
Music events and festivals
BSL interpretation at live music events is growing but still uncommon outside of the largest festivals. Some festivals provide BSL interpreters at main stages, particularly for headline acts. The role of a music interpreter is different from a speech interpreter. They convey not just lyrics but the mood, rhythm, and energy of the music through sign, movement, and expression. A skilled music interpreter can be as captivating to watch as the performer.
Festivals that have provided BSL interpretation in recent years include Glastonbury, which has run interpreted sets on the main stages, and various smaller festivals that work with the charity Attitude is Everything to improve their deaf and disabled access provision.
If you are attending a festival and want BSL interpretation, check the festival's access page or contact their access team well in advance. Even if interpretation is not currently offered, expressing demand helps build the case for future provision.
Conferences and talks
Professional conferences, public lectures, and community meetings should provide BSL interpretation on request. Under the Equality Act 2010, organisers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to avoid putting disabled people at a substantial disadvantage. For a deaf BSL user attending a spoken-word event, providing a BSL interpreter is a reasonable adjustment in most circumstances.
The key word is "reasonable," and interpretation is not free. A qualified BSL interpreter typically costs between £150 and £300 for a half-day booking, depending on the complexity of the content and the interpreter's experience. For large, well-funded conferences, this is a modest cost. For small community events, it can be a significant expense. Access to Work funding can cover interpreter costs for employment-related events for individual deaf people.
When requesting a BSL interpreter for a conference or event:
- Contact the organiser as early as possible -- BSL interpreters need time to prepare, especially for technical or specialist content. Two to four weeks' notice is a reasonable minimum
- Specify BSL, not just "sign language" -- BSL is a specific language with its own grammar and syntax. It is different from Sign Supported English (SSE) or other sign systems. If you need BSL, say so clearly
- Ask about the interpreter's qualifications -- Registered interpreters hold qualifications validated by the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD). Using a qualified interpreter is important for accuracy
Cinema
Most cinemas provide subtitled screenings rather than BSL interpretation, as subtitles serve a broader audience. However, some cinemas and film events do offer BSL-interpreted introductions, Q&A sessions, and special screenings. Independent cinemas and film festivals are more likely to provide this than mainstream chains.
For subtitled screenings, which benefit many deaf and hard of hearing people alongside BSL users, check your local cinema's schedule for "subtitled" or "accessible" screenings. Most major chains run these at least once a week.
Religious services and community events
Many churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious institutions provide BSL interpretation for their regular services, either through a paid interpreter or a signing member of the congregation. Deaf churches and Deaf clubs also run their own events and services entirely in BSL.
Community events, council meetings, and public consultations should provide BSL interpretation on request. Local authorities have specific duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the British Sign Language Act 2022 to consider the needs of BSL users when providing public services.
Online and hybrid events
The shift towards online and hybrid events since 2020 has had mixed results for BSL access. On one hand, it is technically straightforward to include a BSL interpreter on screen during a virtual event. On the other hand, many online events still fail to provide this, and the small size of interpreter windows on video platforms can make the signing difficult to read.
When attending an online event with BSL interpretation, ask whether the interpreter will be pinned or spotlighted on screen, or whether you will need to pin them yourself. On platforms like Zoom, you can pin the interpreter's video to keep it large on your screen regardless of who is speaking.
How to request BSL interpretation
If an event you want to attend does not offer BSL interpretation, request it. You have the right to do so under the Equality Act 2010. Contact the organiser in writing (email is fine) and explain that you are a BSL user and that you require a BSL interpreter to access the event.
Be specific about what you need and give as much notice as possible. The organiser may not know how to arrange an interpreter, so it can be helpful to suggest the NRCPD register as a starting point for finding qualified interpreters in the relevant area.
If the organiser refuses without a valid reason, this may constitute a failure to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. You can seek advice from the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) or from a deaf advocacy organisation.
Browse events on Tickts and check individual listings for accessibility details. For more on event accessibility, see our guides to attending events with hearing aids and sensory-friendly events.
