A huge thank you to everyone who took part at the Edinburgh Deaf Festival, 2025. Stay tuned for updates on next years festival.
Costume Design Workshop
Date: 9th August
Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Duration: 2 hours
Age Suitability: 10-18 years
Price: Pay what you can
Get creative with artist Sophie Chen in this fun, hands-on costume workshop for young people aged 10–18. Design bold character pieces using recycled cardboard, tissue paper, pastels and more – stylised onto simple puppets with movable parts that bring them to life!
Whether you’re into fashion, puppetry or playful design, this is a great chance to explore your imagination through costume-making. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own recycled bits. Open to deaf and hearing participants. No experience needed – just imagination and a love for making things!
Film Screening with Q&A
Date: 10th August
Time: 17:00 – 18:30
Duration: 90 minutes
Age Suitability: 16+
Price: Pay what you can
Step into the world of deaf-led cinema with an evening of short films, Q&As and creative connection. Discover Solar Bear’s groundbreaking work with Klarissa Webster, Film & Screen Lead Officer, including Solar Reels—a bold film school for emerging deaf talent.
Watch powerful short films by Scotland’s leading deaf filmmakers, join the conversation and end the night with drinks and networking in the Garden Bar. Inclusive, exciting, and not to be missed!
Solar Hub Creative Networking Event
Date: 14th August
Time: 17:00 – 19:00
Hosted in: BSL & English
Interpreted to: BSL & English
Duration: 2 hours
Price: Free
This event offers a welcoming space for deaf/deafblind and hearing creatives to meet, share ideas, and build meaningful connections.
Communication barriers often prevent collaboration, so Solar Bear are creating an inclusive environment with support in place to ensure everyone can participate fully. By breaking down these barriers, we hope to inspire new friendships, projects and creative partnerships.
Drama Workshop
Date: 16th August
Time: 13:00 – 15:00
Duration: 2 hours
Age Suitability: 16+
Price: Pay what you can
Led by Solar Bear’s Associate Director Craig McCulloch, this welcoming workshop is open to all – whether you’re a complete beginner or simply curious about the world of theatre. Through games, improvisation and creative storytelling, you’ll explore a range of performance techniques in a relaxed and playful environment.