News
Devon County Show includes British Sign Language (BSL) signing for 2024
Devon County Show has introduced a number of new initiatives this year to help make the show accessible, including British Sign Language (BSL).
The show takes place at Westpoint, Exeter from Thursday 16 May to Saturday 18 May.
As part of its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Devon County Show is to introduce British Sign Language (BSL) to cater to the Deaf Community on Thursday 16th May – the first day of the 2024 show.
Two BSL interpreters will sign in tandem with commentaries for events across both the Main Arena and the Countryside (Phil Greed) Arena.
The signing in the main arena will take place from the dedicated disability platform. The signing in the Countryside Arena will take place to the side of the commentary box and an area will be cordoned off in front of the interpreter exclusively for use by the Deaf community.
The signing timetable will be:
Thursday 16th May
Countryside Arena
1400 – 14.30 Meirion Owen and his Sheep Dog Display
1500 – 15.45 Police Dog Display
Main Arena
16.25 – 16.55 Vintage Tractors
16.55 – 17.25 Double Harness Scurry
17.25 – 17.55 Heavy Horse Demonstration
Show Manager Lisa Moore commented on the new provision: ‘The Devon County Show should be for everyone, regardless of their ability. We hope that this latest gesture, which for this year we are running as a test, will encourage more members of the Deaf Community to come to the show, as well as to feel more connected with the whole show experience. If the demand is there, we will certainly look at rolling it out to cover more features/days next year.’
Devon County Show is working alongside us at Living Options Devon and the Deaf Academy to raise awareness for the service before the show starts.
To find out more about Devon County Show and the latest Accessibility features which include a High Dependency Toilet Unit, dedicated accessibility stewards and a Quiet Zone, visit the accessibility pages at www.devoncountyshow.co.uk
Tickets to the show are available to buy online.