Gavin Lilley
I’m Gavin Lilley, deaf comedian known for my hilarious stories drawing on my cringing moments of embarrassment and eventful encounters as a sign language user, a traveller and a weary father of 3.
I’m a proud 5th generation BSL signer and am privileged to have performed all over the UK and Europe, bringing laughter to deaf and hearing alike. I’m proud to be a Patron of BSL Celebration; just as I love to show unique perspectives on our diverse deaf culture (and the habits we’d rather keep to ourselves) through my hands, BSL Celebration is all about putting BSL ‘out there’, in public. Together, we are getting out hands seen and growing BSL allies.
Dolly Rose Campbell (aka Gemma Winter-Brown)
I’m an actor working on Coronation Street for ITV playing the character Gemma Winter-Brown. My character in the show has a Deaf son so I started to learn sign language in 2021.
I have completed levels 1-3 and will start Level 6 in September. I feel so fortunate to have been given this storyline about the challenges of a hearing family having a Deaf child because it opened to door to me learning BSL and meeting the Deaf Community.
I have made so many new friends through my journey of learning BSL and this has brought so much joy to my life! I loved attending the BSL Celebration in Cathedral Gardens earlier this year and I am looking forward to many more celebrations to come.