Devon County Show to introduce signing for the first time

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 has been confirmed as follows:

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 closely with both 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 www.devoncountyshow.co.uk