Join our Deafblind Advisory Group
The British Deaf Association (BDA) is looking for Deafblind people from across the United Kingdom to help shape…
25 June 2026
More info coming soon.
Doors open at 10am for registration, with the AGM starting at 11am to 1pm.
Join us from 7pm to 12am for a two-course buffet meal, our annual award ceremony, and entertainment.
Please book in advance, as there are only 25 spaces available. To ensure the health and safety of the Barracks, please provide your full name
MEMBERS' AGM
Celebrate BSL. Protect Deaf culture. Secure its future.
Join the British Deaf Association in Plymouth for AGM Weekend 2026 — a national gathering celebrating Deaf community, British Sign Language (BSL), Deaf culture and Deaf-led leadership.
Our AGM weekend brings Deaf people, BSL signers, members, partners and allies together from across the UK to connect, reflect, celebrate achievements and help shape our future together.
As the UK’s leading Deaf-led organisation, the BDA remains committed to protecting and promoting BSL, advancing Deaf rights, strengthening Deaf communities and safeguarding Deaf heritage for future generations.
We are proud to host this year’s AGM in Plymouth on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Doors open at 10:00am for registration, networking and refreshments.
RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT
BDA Awards: Nominate Now
The BDA traditionally hosts award ceremonies, honouring the achievements of our members and the Deaf community. This year is no exception. What makes this year even more special is that we are inviting members of BDA to nominate deserving individuals for certain awards.
Please take a moment to nominate individuals for the following awards by Friday 17th July 2026 at 12pm (noon)
Francis Maginn Award
Named after the BDA's founder Francis Maginn, this award recognises remarkable achievements by Deaf individuals in the UK who have broken new ground in their fields through determination and perseverance. The Francis Maginn Award is exclusively open to Deaf individuals who are residents of the United Kingdom. These individuals must have achieved significant, groundbreaking accomplishments that represent a first in their respective fields.
Certificate of Merit
The BDA Certificate of Merit are intended to acknowledge and honor individuals who have made substantial and invaluable contributions to the British Deaf Association (BDA) over an extended period, often working diligently behind the scenes without seeking or receiving widespread recognition. Eligible individuals are those who have significantly furthered the goals and mission of the BDA but have not been the public face of the organisation.
SATURDAY EVENING
Gala and Awards Ceremony
Join us for an evening celebrating the achievements, leadership and contributions of the Deaf community.
We are proud to bring the BDA Awards Ceremony to the South West this year, creating a space for our community to come together in celebration of BSL, Deaf culture and Deaf excellence. The evening will recognise individuals and organisations who have made a positive impact within Deaf communities and helped advance Deaf rights, equality and access across the UK.
Together, we celebrate our language, our heritage and our shared future. We will continue strengthening Deaf communities, protecting Deaf history and culture, and passing our stories and experiences to future generations.
The celebration will conclude with entertainment, networking and an after-party.
Event details:
- 7pm–12am
- 2 course hot buffet (you can choose your own table, sitting with your friends — 10 people per table)
- Annual award ceremony
- BSL Poet Laureate performances
- Surprise entertainment
Access:
We will provide BSL Interpreters and on-screen captions. If you are Deafblind or have additional access requirements, please contact kiran.allcock@bda.org.uk by 25th September 2026.
GETTING THERE
Plan your visit to Plymouth
Whether you’re travelling to Plymouth from elsewhere in the UK, arriving by train, coming by car, or already based nearby, we’ve gathered some useful information to help you prepare for this year’s AGM.
This section includes travel guidance, parking information, accommodation options, and details on nearby places to eat and drink, so you can plan ahead and enjoy your visit with confidence.
- Coffee#1 Plymouth ~10 min walk
Reliable café chain with good seating and light lunch options. - Fig & Thyme Kitchen ~12 min walk
Popular brunch/lunch café near the Barbican. Good for healthier lunch options. - Salt and Pepper Kitchen Plymouth ~9 min walk
Budget-friendly café breakfasts, sandwiches, and quick lunches. - Coffee time ~10 min walk
Small independent café with quick service and good coffee.
- Marco Pierre White - inside Crowne Plaza
Easiest option if people don’t want to leave the hotel. Sea views and proper sit-down lunch. - Turtle Bay Plymouth ~7 min walk
Caribbean food, wraps, bowls, burgers, good group option. - Lost in Rio Restaurant & Cocktail Bar ~10 min walk
Brazilian-style grill and cocktails, more lively/social atmosphere. - Fletcher's Restaurant ~12 min walk
Higher-end lunch option if anyone wants something more polished.
- Pepe's — ~8 min walk
Chicken wraps, rice boxes, quick and filling. - KFC Plymouth - Old Town Street — ~9 min walk
- Burger King — ~8 min walk
- McDonald's — ~9 min walk
- McDonald's — ~10 min walk (24hr branch)
Exeter Airport
Approx. 50 miles / 1 hour by car
Main airport for domestic UK and selected European routes
Taxi, coach and rail connections available to Plymouth
Cornwall Airport Newquay
Approx. 48 miles / 1 hr 20 mins by car
Useful for selected UK regional flights
There is no airport shuttle service to and from the hotel.
Plymouth
- Approx. 15–20-minute walk to the hotel
- Direct rail services from:
- London Paddington
- Bristol
- Birmingham
- Exeter
- Cornwall
Walking route from the station is straightforward via Armada Way.
- Plymouth Coach Station and main city bus services are located in the city centre
- Royal Parade bus stops are approximately 2 minutes’ walk from the hotel
- National Express services connect Plymouth with London, Birmingham, Bristol and other UK cities
Main Route
- From the M5, continue onto the A38 Devon Expressway
- Follow signs for Plymouth City Centre
- Exit via Marsh Mills roundabout onto the A374 toward City Centre / Hoe / Barbican
- Follow signs to Armada Way
Detailed route guidance is provided by the hotel.
Hotel parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Underground parking
- EV charging available
- Height restriction: 1.8m / 6ft
- Additional nearby NCP and city centre parking available if hotel parking is full
Nearby parking options include:
- Drake Circus Car Park
- Guildhall Car Park
- Western Approach Car Park
ORGANISATIONS
Sponsor our weekend
Our AGM and Awards Ceremony will gather hundreds of members of the British Deaf Association (BDA) and supporters from across the UK for an evening in Plymouth. The evening will begin with a surprise entertainer followed by a hot food buffet. The main focus of the event is to award outstanding BDA members that recognise their efforts in improving the lives of Deaf individuals and promoting inclusivity and acceptance of British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL).
Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering branding, recognition, and the chance to address the diverse and engaged audience. Customised sponsorship arrangements can be discussed. For more information or enquiries about sponsorship, please contact kiran.allcock@bda.org.uk
Your support will not only align your organisation with a noble cause but also provide valuable exposure to a diverse audience.
Join us in making this event a success and championing BSL!
