Deaf rapper to headline Athy festival

THE ANNUAL ISLA Festival promises to be the biggest and most exciting celebration yet, with internationally renowned Deaf rapper SIGNMARK travelling from Finland to perform in the Athy’s Dreamland Ballroom.

The festival, which will take place on Sunday, 27 September from 11am to 6pm at the Dreamland Ballroom in Athy, is organised by the Athy Sign and Sign Club, which provides Irish Sign Language (ISL) classes for children, teenagers and adults in a fun, welcoming and inclusive environment.

ISL is Ireland’s third official language and has received increasing recognition and appreciation across the country. The annual festival aims to celebrate the language alongside Deaf culture and the wider community. This year’s event is particularly special as it falls on World Deaf Day.

This year's headline act came about following an unexpected meeting earlier this year at the inaugural European Deaf Youth Games in Germany.

Athy Sign and Sign Club representatives had the opportunity to meet SIGNMARK, the internationally renowned Deaf rapper from Finland. SIGNMARK and his team previously represented Finland at Eurovision and have performed internationally.

Following their meeting, discussions began about bringing the performer to Ireland, and those conversations eventually resulted in SIGNMARK agreeing to perform at this year's ISLA Festival in Athy.

Maggie Owens of Athy Sing and Sign said she was “absolutely delighted” to welcome the international star to the town, and described as a special moment for the local community.

The festival will feature a packed programme of entertainment and activities throughout the day, including spectacular aerial performances, interactive art workshops, signed performances, inclusive music workshops and family-friendly games and activities.

There will also be a Sing and Sign session with Sarah Jane, before SIGNMARK takes to the stage for the festival's headline performance.

Organisers are keen to emphasise that the event is for everyone, with Deaf, hearing and DeafBlind people, CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults), families and members of the wider community all invited to attend.

The aim is to create a fun, family-friendly and fully inclusive event where people can come together, experience Irish Sign Language and Deaf culture, and enjoy a day of entertainment.

More information about the Athy Sign and Sign Club and the ISLA Festival is available through the club's website: https://www.athysingandsign.com/