See Britain through a Queer Eye in 2023 - Shows and Events not to be missed
This year’s calendar is jam-packed with events, exhibitions, shows and quirky activities. Whether visitors are looking to party, be inspired or just meet like-minded people, Britain is a welcoming, diverse and exciting destination. See the LGBTQIA+ scene beyond the Pride parties. Listed below is a selection of just some of the best things to do and places to see and be seen. Make Britain the destination of choice in 2023 to enjoy shows, exhibits and events not to be missed.
Events
Permissible Beauty Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
14 January – 26 February 2023
A new immersive installation at Hampton Court Palace explores the changing notions of beauty through history and how they are . Opened on 14 January, ‘Permissible Beauty’ brings together iconic 17th Century portraits alongside contemporary portraits of six leading figures in the Black Queer British community to examine shifting ideas of beauty.
My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) at Ambassadors Theatre, London
25 January – 18 March 2023
‘My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)’ will return to the West End at the Ambassadors Theatre. Inspired by the full-blown Disney parade Rob put together for their grandma in their house when they were twelve, this is an autobiographical story of actor, writer and social-media sensation Rob Madge.
Hwyrnos: QUEER, Cardiff
17 February 2023
Hwyrnos: QUEER will take over the National Museum for an evening of celebration to support and connect the LGBTQIA+ communities of Cardiff. TikTok legend Ellis Jones and Cardiff DJ duo, Welsh Chicks will feature in the themed ‘Behind the Lens’ LGBTQIA+ History Month this year. Hwyrnos: QUEER looks beyond LGBTQIA+ stereotypes to celebrate the community with a night of workshops, storytelling, performances and talks.
Queer Lives at the Tower, London
17– 24 February 2023
Discover LGBTQIA+ stories of those who lived, loved and died at the Tower of London. Through an after-hours theatrical tour, an unforgettable flamboyant raven, inspired by the Tower of London’s legendary guardians takes audiences on a journey through 700 years of history to encounter fascinating characters from the 14th century to the present day.
Johannes Radebe: Freedom Unleashed Tour, Southampton, London and Bristol
31 March – 28 May 2023
Following Johannes Radebe’s sell-out debut tour in 2022, the TV dancing sensation and international champion is hosting a party like no other in this electrifying brand-new production. ‘Freedom Unleashed’ features a diverse, world-class cast of talented dancers and singers in South African rhythms and huge party anthems led by Johannes. This show is a pulsating and jubilant celebration of culture, passion, and freedom.
RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series Four Tour, touring Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle and Leeds
14 April – 7 May 2023
Drag Royalty will make their way across Britain with The Series 4 Tour of RuPaul’s Drag Race. All 12 queens from Series 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK sashay their way across the nations. Audiences will be treated to a night of mirth, dancing and singing as the queens showcase their talents and diversity to the full.
Scottish Queer International Film Festival, Glasgow
15 - 21 October 2023
The best in queer cinema is shown at this event in September which includes cool workshops, talks, discussions, performances and parties. The SQIFF(Scottish Queer International Film Festival) was formed with the aim of adding to the exciting and growing amount of queer film events in Scotland and to showcase existing and up and coming talent.
Bars & Clubs
BarPop, Manchester
Fun, great value and friendly - BarPop is anLGBTQIA+ owned independently run venue located right at the centre of Manchester's World famous Gay Village district on Canal Street. Events including cabaret and cheesy pop nights are hosted by John the dynamic owner who holds court at the venue.
Oscars Bar, Manchester
This theatre and film-themed gay bar, showcasing classic and contemporary musical film clips has a wealth of chic and glamorous interiors. Oscar’s Pub is the perfect place to go for anyone interested in the LGBTQIA+ movie scene to belt out the lyrics to show tunes.
North Laine Brewhouse, Brighton
Offering a Bottomless Brunch with a fun, LGBTQIA+ twist, The North Laine Pub and Brewery holds two brunches on Saturdays, hosted by ‘Drag Prince’, Alfie Ordinary. Guests can indulge in a hearty brunch with drinks while enjoying an afternoon of raucous entertainment.
Revenge Nightclub, Brighton
Club Revenge is known as the South Coast’s # 1 LGBTQIA+ nightclub, renowned as a party destination. Events include Fruity Thursdays, Camp-Out Fridays and Lip-sync Tuesdays.
Planet Bar, Edinburgh
Planet Bar is reputed to be Edinburgh’s longest standing gay bar. Planet is renowned for its friendly crowd, fun staff and great value drinks. Plant hosts karaoke, retro, Bingo and quiz nights with DJs every night and Drag DJs featuring several times a week.
Riding Room, Glasgow
Design led cocktail and cabaret venue with quirky, fun and fabulous cabaret, burlesque and variety shows, for those who want a more refined setting in Glasgow.
Hillhead Bookclub, Glasgow
Cool, quirky and fun, this huge venue in the West End hosts drag bingo, vintage fairs and ping-pong competitions. This is the place to be for hipster vibes, eclectic music and great cocktails.
Boom Battle Bar, Liverpool
Bottom Battle Bar offers a wide array of activities including axe throwing and Crazier Golf with catapults, loops and obstacles. The bar also offers classic games of American pool, shuffleboard and beer pong.
Proud Cabaret Club, London & Brighton
Hosted in a historic building decorated to be reminiscent of the roaring 1920s, Proud Cabaret offers an extravagant with a dinner and house cocktails. The two-hour show shocks and excites, with elements of Burlesque, circus, singing and dancing with guests being encouraged to dress to impress and stay for the after party.
City Tours
Piers and Queers Tour, Brighton
Peers and Queers is a 90-minute walking tour of Brighton showing the city from an LGBTQIA+ perspective. The tour tales in Regency Dandies, 1950s lesbian and gay life and political activism. Discover more about Anne Lister's trip to Brighton (subject of BBC/HBO series Gentleman Jack), as well as Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde and Dusty Springfield.
Free Queer & LGBTQ+ History Tour, London
With stories of iconic people and places who have shaped the city and community through the centuries, explore the diverse history of LGBTQIA+ life in London. The tour weaves through West End streets to hear stories of pioneering drag queens of the 1700’s, secret gay soirées of the 1920’s and how Soho became one of the world’s best loved queer neighbourhoods.
LGBTQ+ Manchester Walking Tour, Manchester
Through monuments, memorials, street art and historic pubs along Manchester’s Canal Street and Gay Village uncover more about Manchester’s Free Queer & LGBTQ+ History Tour, London heroes, past and present. The tours are led by engaging Mancunian Free Queer & LGBTQ+ History Tour, London identifying History MA graduates.
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