Are you a deaf, deafblind or CODA young person aged 11–21 looking for a creative, fun, and unique summer adventure? Then look no further!

 This year, Solar Bear’s Summer Project is heading to the National Festival of Youth Theatre in Inverness at Eden Court. That’s right — a road trip with camping!

Each morning, after spending the night at our festival campsite, participants will take a short walk across the road to the home of NFYT 2026, Eden Court. This is where we’ll watch and perform in shows, and where all meals will be served.

What is the National Festival of Youth Theatre? 

The National Festival of Youth Theatre (NFYT) is a gathering of youth theatre groups from across Scotland and further afield. It only happens once every two years! There will be workshops, performances, social events, parties and of course — festival camping.

NFYT enables young people to celebrate a shared passion and offers them opportunities to develop as artists and creative thinkers. With an emphasis on inclusion, education and collaboration, NFYT aims to remove barriers, teach valuable life skills, and provide extraordinary new experiences.

What’s the plan? 

The Summer Project will last 8 days in total.

We will start in Glasgow, where we’ll develop an original show from Monday 29 June – Thursday 2 July.

We’ll then travel to Inverness for the festival from Friday 3 July – Monday 6 July, returning to Glasgow on Monday.

 Key Details 

 Who is it for: Deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing and CODA young people aged 11–21

 Travel:  All travel to and from Inverness will be organised by Solar Bear

Support team: Young people will travel with DYT Co-Directors, Craig McCulloch and Amy Murray, alongside a full communication support team

 Cost: Between £50 – £100

We ask for a contribution of between £50 and £100 for the summer project, on a sliding scale — you can choose the amount that works best for your family within this range. The full cost of the project is £500 per young person, and this contribution helps us cover a small part of those costs. If paying this would be difficult for you, please come and talk to us — we don’t want cost to be a barrier to taking part.

This includes:

• 4 days of workshops in Glasgow
• Travel to Inverness and back again
• 4 days at the National Festival of Youth Theatres
• Camping
• All food during festival
• Communication support

 Interested in getting involved? Email: alice@solarbear.org.uk 

You will need to complete a form.

Online – CLICK HERE to access the online form

Email – to request a form via email please contact Alice: alice@solarbear.org.uk 

Printed paper – current DYT members will all be given a printed form to take home. Please sign and bring into next DYT

For all other enquires or information please contact Alice: alice@solarbear.org.uk