Manchester’s Queer Contact Festival returns in February for its ninth year, with a diverse and inclusive festival proudly celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender arts and culture in Greater Manchester as part of LGBT History Month.
2017 is an important year as it marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of the Wolfenden Report that recommended homosexual activity should no longer be a criminal offence. It also marks the 50th anniversary of decriminalisation.
Manchester venues include Contact Theatre, Band on the Wall, Manchester Central Library, Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Whitworth.
The festival explores gender, sexuality, health, religion, politics, citizenship, the law and more, with a stellar line-up of local, national and international artists including: lycra-clad operatic diva Le Gateau Chocolat accompanied by an 11-piece orchestra; legendary avant garde performer David Hoyle with Diamond, a new theatre show commissioned by Contact, examining LGBT history from 1957 to 2017; award-winning transgender performer Kate O’Donnell; contemporary dance theatre ensemble 201 Dance Company; Drag King champion Lucy Jane Parkinson; UK singing sensations David McAlmont and Baby Sol (celebrating the music of queer icon Prince); performers from the North West’s premier alt-queer performance night Mother’s Ruin; plus more.