Plus, a week of fringe events, live music and family activities announced for the festival, which celebrates LGBTQ – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans* and Queer life in the Upper Calder Valley.
Organisers of Happy Valley Pride Festival can confirm the programme for this summer’s event, taking place from 8th -14th August 2016 in Hebden Bridge.
On Saturday 13th August, human rights activist and campaigner Peter Tatchell will be delivering an intimate talk at 4:00pm at the Birchcliffe Centre entitled “The Unfinished Fight for LGBTQ Rights” with a rare opportunity for Q&A to follow.
This will be followed with evening entertainment at the renowned Trades Club, featuring Huddersfield Ska Rock band Wobbly Bob and DJ Kim Lana alongside legendary, anti-drag queen, David Hoyle – expect polemic, pathos, provocative politicking and high comedy.
British campaigner Tatchell, who was born in Melbourne, Australia, rose to prominence in the 1990s when he campaigned for LGBT rights through the direct action group OutRage!, which he co-founded. Speaking of his appearance in Hebden Bridge this summer, he said:
“It’s great to have Pride events in big cities like London and Manchester, but it’s also important to have an impact in smaller cities and towns. That’s why I’m coming to Hebden Bridge on 13 August to support the efforts of the local LGBTI community. I’m really excited about being part of the Pride celebrations.”
Hebden Bridge Town Hall will be the main hub of activity from midday on Saturday 13th August. During the day long event, there will be entertainment for the whole family, including a Prize Treasure Hunt around town. Dog lovers can compete in the “Canine Campness” of the Pink Dog Show, featuring the most fabulous pooches in town. Whilst foodies can get their competitive juices going in our own home-baked Bake Off Competition (winning cakes will also be auctioned).
The Picture House, Hebden Bridge (community owned and always a supporter of local initiatives), will be showcasing a variety of LGBTQ films throughout the festival, includes The Girl King, a brilliant portrayal of the extravagant Kristina of Sweden, My Own Private Idaho and Holding the Man.
Other events include live performances at the Happy Valley Pride Poet’s Society at Drink? on Thursday 11th at 7:00pm; Drag Make-up Workshop with Grace Oni Smith (born.uk.com) at Park Life Cafe on Tuesday 9th at 7:00pm.
Following on from the success of the regular Games Evenings, a ‘Special’ Happy Valley Pride Games Night, will take place on Wednesday 10th upstairs at Old Gate, Hebden Bridge.
Happy Valley Pride Art Exhibition, a free month-long event based at Nelson’s Wine Bar, opens with the official launch on 4th August, showcasing fantastic local talent, curator and artist David Anthony Kennedy promises a multifarious display of creativity. A percentage of all sales goes directly to Happy Valley Pride.
Full details of all events are online at www.happyvalleypride.com
Event tickets are available online or from Hebden Bridge Town Hall (10am till 2pm – 8th to 12th).