Cornwall Mini Deaffest 2023 (CMD 2023) comes to St Austell tomorrow, bringing media, arts, film and a social space to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Screenings will take place at St Austell College during the day (10am to 5pm, entry £3, cash only), including stalls all day, morning workshops and film screenings from 1.30pm.
The actions moves to the Britannia Inn in the evening (7pm till midnight, entry £15, over 18s only), with comedy, talks and a film screening.
CMD 23 is an offshoot from the main Deaffest in Wolverhampton, which is due to return for its 15th year in May 2024. The Cornwall festival is funded by FEAST and sponsored by Devon & Cornwall Police and St Austell Council, with town mayor Crystal Pearce taking part in events.
Hearing people are encouraged to attend to gain an insight into the deaf community.
“This is an opportunity for people to take in deaf culture, especially the younger generation, as the festival provides deaf artists and filmmakers with a platform to showcase their skills and provide the community with role models,” said director Marilyn Willrich.
She added that providing a social space for the community was key. “This disability can be frustrating and isolating, and impact negatively mental wellbeing due to difficulties with communication and access to information, as English is their second language.”
For further information, visit the Cornwall Mini Deaffest Facebook page.