Deaf Village in Blackburn recently hosted its annual Winter Wonderland Christmas events, creating a festive and inclusive space where Deaf and hearing children could fully enjoy the magic of Christmas without communication barriers.
Visitors explored a festive village atmosphere featuring a signing Santa’s grotto, Christmas craft activities, letter writing to Santa, festive market stalls, food and hot drinks, and the chance to toast marshmallows together.
One of the highlights of the event was the signed Christmas carols, led in British Sign Language.
The carols brought Deaf and hearing children together through shared song and celebration, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere for everyone attending.
Accessibility sat at the heart of the Winter Wonderland. Hearing children were encouraged to learn and use basic signs throughout the event, helping to build understanding, inclusion, and Deaf awareness in a natural and enjoyable way.
Now in its fourth year, the Winter Wonderland continues to play an important role in helping Deaf children build peer networks, while allowing hearing families to experience a Deaf awareness celebration.
Deborah Blades, managing director of Deaf Village, said, “Events like our Winter Wonderland are so important because they create a space where Deaf children and families can fully take part without communication barriers. It’s about connection, inclusion, and celebrating Christmas together.”
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Ellie the Elf added, “At Deaf Village, we want everyone to feel included. Whether you’re Deaf or hearing, the experience should feel the same for everyone.”
One child attending the event said, “I didn’t know Santa could sign, but it’s great because Deaf children can understand him.”
The Winter Wonderland events were recently featured on ITV Granada Reports, shining a wider spotlight on inclusive festive celebrations.
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The ITV team visited Deaf Village after previously covering the story of Genevieve O’Hara, a member of Deaf Village staff who travelled to the Deaf Olympics with the GB Deaf Women’s Football Team, where she went on to win a bronze medal.
Before filming began, the crew spent time looking around Deaf Village to understand the space and the work taking place there.
During the visit, the team met Signing Santa and Ellie the Elf, who supported communication by interpreting for hearing children. The crew interviewed both a Deaf child and a hearing child, capturing their thoughts on meeting a signing Santa.
Filming also focused on the signed Christmas carols and wider scenes around Deaf Village, showcasing the festive atmosphere and inclusive nature of the event.
Marley Dunleavy, marketing and events at Deaf Village, said, “Having ITV Granada Reports cover our Winter Wonderland meant that Deaf awareness wasn’t just shared locally, but across the whole of the UK.
"It highlighted that Christmas should be special and accessible for everyone. Deaf Village is proud to showcase its inclusivity through events like this.”
Following the filming, members of the ITV crew shared positive feedback about their visit. One member of the crew said, “This was one of the most fun and enjoyable pieces we’ve covered this year.”
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