Bridgebuilder Diaries#5 Wey Aye! Deaf Festival – A Groundbreaking Celebration of Deaf Culture in the North East
How one idea grew into a movement
When Paul began his role as a Gateshead Community Bridgebuilder, he quickly realised this was unlike any job he’d ever had before.
It wasn’t about ticking boxes or delivering services — it was about listening deeply, building trust, and connecting communities.
Being Deaf since birth, Paul saw an opportunity to use his role to support other Deaf people — especially young people — to raise aspirations, build confidence, and shine a light on Deaf talent in the North East. He also wanted to challenge and educate the wider hearing community about the real barriers Deaf people face, and how we can work together to remove them.
That vision sparked an idea:
Could we create a Deaf-led arts and culture festival in the North East?
It had never been done before. But when Paul gathered a group of Deaf community members on 30 May 2023 to explore it, the energy in the room was electric.
From day one, the aim wasn’t just to deliver an event — it was to empower Deaf leadership, encourage collaboration, and make sure Deaf people were at the centre of decision-making.
Finding the festival’s voice
One of the first challenges was choosing a name. After plenty of discussion (and laughter), the group landed on “Wey Aye!” — the classic North East expression meaning “Yes, of course!”
It just felt right. Signing it in BSL made everyone smile, and the phrase captured both the spirit of the region and the Deaf community’s optimism.
From there, the group created a logo featuring one of the North East’s most iconic landmarks — The Angel of the North — and began building the foundations for a first-of-its-kind event.
Accessibility was a top priority. When sourcing qualified BSL interpreters proved difficult, Becoming Visible stepped up with invaluable in-kind support, ensuring every part of the festival was fully inclusive.
Perhaps the most rewarding part for Paul has been watching the Deaf organisers grow — in confidence, skills, and ambition. Through the process, they’ve built connections, embraced inclusion, and raised their aspirations not just for themselves, but for the whole community.
The Launch – September 2024
The official launch of the Wey Aye! Deaf Festival took place at Gosforth Civic Theatre in September 2024, bringing together community members, funders, and Deaf artists to celebrate the journey so far and look ahead to the main event in November.
It was a chance to connect, collaborate, and build momentum. The enthusiasm in the room was clear: the North East was ready for a Deaf-led celebration of culture, creativity, and identity.
The Festival – November 2024
On 1–2 November 2024, the doors of Gosforth Civic Theatre opened to something the North East had never seen before — a vibrant, fully Deaf-led cultural festival celebrating Deaf creativity, language, and community.
Over two days, more than 900 people took part in a packed programme of workshops, performances, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences — all Deaf-led and fully accessible.
Highlights included:
Visual arts & photography exhibitions
Creative workshops – from puppet-making to mindfulness and comedy
Live performances by Deaf comedians David Sands and John Smith, Unfolding Theatre, and a Deaf improv troupe
Punk Chef cookery demonstrations
Film screenings and an afterparty at the Maldron Hotel
Every aspect of the festival was designed to centre Deaf artistic expression while inviting the wider community to experience Deaf culture in action.
Who benefited
The festival’s vision was clear:
A North East where Deaf creatives are seen, celebrated, and shaping the future of the region’s arts scene.
It supported:
Emerging and established Deaf artists
Young Deaf people, aspiring creatives, and students
Hearing allies, CODAs, and BSL learners
Local organisations including Becoming Visible, Deaflink, Signpost, Deaf Awareness North East, and Deaf Action
Over 60% of attendees were Deaf BSL users, and 29% travelled from outside the region — clear proof of the huge appetite for Deaf-led cultural events.
The response
The impact was immediate and far-reaching.
BBC Look North featured the festival across four bulletins, reaching over 340,000 viewers, while social media clips went viral, with 7,000+ views in just four days.
Festival-goers shared glowing feedback:
“Absolutely fabulous — a weekend full of fun, fun, fun!” – Debra Wherrett
“Amazing event, so well organised.” – Vix Lou Ho
“The communication access was 100%.” – Visitor feedback
“We clearly need to do more as a Council.” – Local councillor
By the numbers
900+ attendees (original target: 500)
100% said communication access was met
65% want the festival annually
71% of attendees were local; 29% travelled from beyond the region
Media reach included BBC Look North, ITV SignPost, Newcastle Magazine, and Limping Chicken
What’s next
The Wey Aye! Deaf Festival was organised by a passionate team of North East Deaf creatives — most of them first-time event organisers — supported by a volunteer network and a visionary advisory Chair.
Their success has already sparked regional and national momentum:
New Deaf creatives want to join future programmes
Gateshead FC Foundation is investing in new Deaf community projects
Deaf puppeteer Will Steele is developing an accessible puppet show (launching August 2025)
A short film created at the festival will premiere at Northern Pride 2025
Now, the team is planning for Wey Aye Deaf Festival 2026 — and looking for partners and funders to help it grow.
Help us build a more inclusive cultural future
The Wey Aye! Deaf Festival proved what’s possible when Deaf people lead. It showed that creativity is a shared language — one that brings communities together, challenges perceptions, and celebrates difference.
With continued support, this festival can become a lasting part of the North East’s cultural identity — inspiring new generations, connecting communities, and making sure every voice is heard.
Get involved or find out more:
📧 info@weyayedeaf.org.uk
📞 07502 253436
🌐 weyayedeaf.org.uk
