BDA AGM Weekend

AGM 2026in Plymouth

Join BDA members and the wider Deaf community for a weekend of connection, celebration and Deaf-led decision-making.

20–22 November 2026A full weekend of events
Crowne Plaza PlymouthArmada Way, Plymouth PL1 2HJ
Members’ AGMSaturday 21 November · 11.00am–1.00pm
AGM registrationOpens 23 October 2026

Weekend at a glance

What’s happening

Social evening

Friday 20 November

Coming soon

Join Plymouth Deaf Association for an informal get-together ahead of the AGM.

More information soon

Members’ AGM

Saturday 21 November · 11.00am–1.00pm

Details available

Learn, vote and have your say at our Annual General Meeting.

View AGM details

Gala and Awards Ceremony

Saturday 21 November · 7.00pm–12.00am

Booking open

Celebrate our community and recognise outstanding achievements.

Book the Gala

Deaf History ghost tour

Sunday 22 November

Booking open

Explore Plymouth’s Deaf history on an evening ghost tour.

Book the tour

Plan your visit

Details available

Travel, food, parking and accessibility information for your visit.

Plan your visit

About the AGM

Your meeting. Your voice. Your BDA.

Our AGM is the most important meeting of the year. It is your opportunity to hear what we have achieved, ask questions about our plans and vote on the future of the British Deaf Association.

Everyone is welcome, whether you are a long-time member or joining us for the first time.

RegistrationFrom 10.00am
AGM time11.00am–1.00pm
Voting rightsOpen to eligible BDA members
AccessBSL interpretation, captions and hearing loops
RefreshmentsRefreshments provided

AGM registration opens on 23 October 2026

Coming soon

Registration is not open yet. Please return from 23 October to reserve your place.

membership@bda.org.uk

Awards

Honouring excellence in our Deaf community

Our awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of Deaf people across the UK.

Nominations have now closed

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. Award recipients will be announced during the Gala and Awards Ceremony.

Francis Maginn Award

Recognising a Deaf person who has made a significant contribution to Deaf people or to the advancement of BSL and Deaf culture.

Certificate of Merit

Recognising the work of an individual, group or organisation that has made a positive difference to the BDA or Deaf people.

Gala and Awards Ceremony

An evening to celebrate

Join us for an evening celebrating the achievements, leadership and contributions of the Deaf community. The celebration will include food, the BDA Awards Ceremony, performances, entertainment, networking and an after-party.

Saturday 21 November 2026 7.00pm–12.00am
  • Two-course hot buffet
  • Awards ceremony
  • Entertainment and Deaf-led performances
  • Dress code: Smart

Gala menu

GF & VE: Sweet potato & cauliflower curry
Fish: Smoked haddock & leek fish cake
Meat: Chicken Mangalore curry

The buffet will also include Chef’s selection of salads, hot potatoes and a breadbasket.

Chef’s selection of desserts
Filter coffee, tea and mint crisps

If you have any special requirements, please email Kiran.allcock@bda.org.uk.

Accessibility support

BSL interpreters and on-screen captions will be provided. If you are Deafblind or have additional access requirements, please contact us by 25 September 2026. kiran.allcock@bda.org.uk

Before you book

The secure Beacon form asks for the lead booker and ticket-holder details. Please check all names and email addresses carefully before submitting.

Book your place

Booking open

Use the secure booking form below to book Gala tickets.

Plan your visit

Everything you need to know

Use the sections below to plan your journey, meals, parking and time in Plymouth.

Food and drink

Lunch is not provided during the daytime AGM programme. The options below are within walking distance of the venue.

Cafés / relaxed lunch spots
  • Coffee#1 Plymouth — approximately 10 minutes’ walk. Reliable café chain with good seating and light lunch options.
  • Fig & Thyme Kitchen — approximately 12 minutes’ walk. Popular brunch and lunch café near the Barbican, with healthier lunch options.
  • Salt and Pepper Kitchen Plymouth — approximately 9 minutes’ walk. Budget-friendly café breakfasts, sandwiches and quick lunches.
  • Coffee Time — approximately 10 minutes’ walk. Small independent café with quick service and good coffee.
Restaurants
  • Marco Pierre White — inside Crowne Plaza. The easiest option for anyone who does not want to leave the hotel, with sea views and a proper sit-down lunch.
  • Turtle Bay Plymouth — approximately 7 minutes’ walk. Caribbean food, wraps, bowls and burgers; a good option for groups.
  • Lost in Rio Restaurant & Cocktail Bar — approximately 10 minutes’ walk. Brazilian-style grill and cocktails, with a lively and social atmosphere.
  • Fletcher’s Restaurant — approximately 12 minutes’ walk. A higher-end lunch option for anyone looking for something more polished.
Fast food / quick grab
  • Pepe’s — approximately 8 minutes’ walk. Chicken wraps and rice boxes; quick and filling.
  • KFC Plymouth, Old Town Street — approximately 9 minutes’ walk.
  • Burger King — approximately 8 minutes’ walk.
  • McDonald’s — approximately 9 minutes’ walk.
  • McDonald’s — approximately 10 minutes’ walk; this branch is open 24 hours.

Travel and parking

The AGM and Saturday evening Gala will take place at Crowne Plaza Plymouth, Armada Way, Plymouth PL1 2HJ.

By air

Exeter Airport

  • Approximately 50 miles away, or around one hour by car.
  • Main airport for domestic UK and selected European routes.
  • Taxi, coach and rail connections are available to Plymouth.

Cornwall Airport Newquay

  • Approximately 48 miles away, or around 1 hour 20 minutes by car.
  • Useful for selected UK regional flights.

There is no airport shuttle service to and from the hotel.

By train

Plymouth railway station

  • Approximately a 15–20-minute walk to the hotel.
  • Direct rail services are available from London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham, Exeter and Cornwall.

The walking route from the station is straightforward via Armada Way.

By coach / bus
  • Plymouth Coach Station and the main city bus services are located in the city centre.
  • Royal Parade bus stops are approximately two minutes’ walk from the hotel.
  • National Express services connect Plymouth with London, Birmingham, Bristol and other UK cities.
By car

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 towards City Centre, Hoe and Barbican.
  • Follow signs to Armada Way.

Detailed route guidance is provided by the hotel.

Parking

Hotel parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis:

  • Underground parking.
  • EV charging is available.
  • Height restriction: 1.8 metres / 6 feet.
  • Additional nearby NCP and city-centre parking is available if the hotel car park is full.

Nearby parking options include:

  • Drake Circus Car Park.
  • Guildhall Car Park.
  • Western Approach Car Park.

Sponsorship

Support AGM Weekend

AGM Weekend brings BDA members, Deaf community leaders, supporters and partner organisations together from across the UK. Sponsorship helps us deliver a high-quality, fully accessible event while giving organisations meaningful visibility and the opportunity to demonstrate their support for BSL, Deaf culture and Deaf-led decision-making.

Get in touch