Take the Leap for BDA Youth: Skydive Fundraiser 2026
Members of the BDA Youth Committee, BDA staff and supporters are taking to the skies to raise funds…
31 July 2026
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.
Weekend at a glance
What’s happening

Social evening
Friday 20 November
Coming soonJoin 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 availableLearn, 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 openCelebrate our community and recognise outstanding achievements.
Book the Gala
Deaf History ghost tour
Sunday 22 November
Booking openExplore Plymouth’s Deaf history on an evening ghost tour.
Book the tour
Plan your visit
Details availableTravel, food, parking and accessibility information for your visit.
Plan your visitAbout 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.
AGM registration opens on 23 October 2026
Registration is not open yet. Please return from 23 October to reserve your place.
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.
- Two-course hot buffet
- Awards ceremony
- Entertainment and Deaf-led performances
- Dress code: Smart
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
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.
