Help shape a new arts project at Leicester Cathedral, marking 450 years since the first recorded use of sign language in the UK.

Leicester Cathedral is developing a new arts project marking 450 years since the first recorded use of sign language in the UK — and is inviting people with lived experience of disability and access requirements to help shape how the event will work.

The first recorded use of sign language in the UK took place at the wedding of Thomas Tilsye and Ursula Russel in 1576, at St Martin’s Church — now Leicester Cathedral.

The project will bring together Leicester Cathedral, Curve Theatre and Art Reach to create a dance/theatre piece and art installation, led by Deaf practitioners and co-created with local participants. Leicester Cathedral also wants to use the project as an opportunity to further develop accessibility across its own practice.

What will happen?

This access review will take place at Leicester Cathedral and St Martins House.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

Visit the Cathedral and explore the space

Hear more about the project and how the event is being developed

Consider how people will be welcomed and supported when they arrive

Look at how registration could work

Discuss the proposed event experience and accessibility

Take part in an interactive response session to share ideas and feedback

The aim is to involve people with lived experience before the event is fully planned, so that access considerations can be built into the project from the outset.

Who is this for?

The session is for people with lived experience of disability, Deafness, neurodivergence or other access requirements. You don't need any technical or professional knowledge about accessibility. We're interested in your experiences, ideas and perspectives. Friends, family members and supporters of disabled people are also welcome to take part.

When and where

Tuesday 27 October 2026

St Martins House / Leicester Cathedral

7 Peacock Lane

Leicester

LE1 5PZ

Participants will meet at the entrance to St Martins House. The review may also include a visit into Leicester Cathedral.

Session 1 (with BSL):

2:45–4:30 PM

(Arrive from 2:45 PM for refreshments; session begins at 3:00 PM)

Session 2 (with BSL):

4:45–6:30 PM

(Arrive from 4:45 PM for refreshments; session begins at 5:00 PM)

Each session lasts around 90 minutes.

Access & Travel Information:

The access review will be held in the Kempe Room at St Martins House Conference Centre, next door to Leicester Cathedral. The Kempe Roomn has step free access and an accessible toilet down the corridor.

You can find accessbility for Leicester Cathedral on its website. (https://leicestercathedral.org/accessibility) Please let us know about any access requirements when booking so that we can make appropriate arrangements. The Cathedral has advised that lighting within the Cathedral may be dimmed during the visit, although this can be adjusted if needed.

BSL interpretation: Provided for the both sessions.

Refreshments: Provided before each session

Accessible taxis: Available for participants who need them; travel costs can be covered

Accessible toilets: There are public toilets in the Heritage & Learning Centre. The facilities include baby changing and an accessible toilet.

Venue access:

The main entrance to Leicester Cathedral is through the south door (Vaughan Porch) in Cathedral Gardens, and is wheelchair-accessible. The floor is level throughout the building.

A hearing loop is available at the Welcome Desk.

Lighting in the Cathedral may be dim for certain events and during the evening.

Parking:

Blue Badge holders can park in Applegate Car Park which is approximately 150 meters from the Cathedral (spaces here are very limited).

Please let us know of any additional access needs or travel requirements when booking — we ask for at least one week’s notice where possible.

Why take part?

This is an opportunity to help shape an event from an early stage, rather than simply reviewing it once everything has already been decided. Your feedback can help Leicester Cathedral and its project partners think through the practical details of welcoming audiences, registration, the visitor experience and evaluation — and help build accessibility into the project from the beginning. Places are limited and advance booking is required. Book your place via Eventbrite.

About All-In Leicester:

All-In Leicester works with cultural venues across the city to improve access and inclusion. Our access reviews bring together people with lived experience and venue teams to shape design decisions that make a real difference. If you’d like to join All-In or keep up to date with future reviews and events, you can sign up at allinleicester.org.uk (https://allinleicester.org.uk) or contact david@allinleicester.org.uk.

Description supplied by the event organiser.