Street dance and a Drag Queen Story Hour are among the highlights of Bedford’s first LGBTQ+ Arts and Wellbeing Festival which will be held at the University of Bedfordshire’s campus on Polhill Avenue.
The free NHS-backed event is being held on Saturday 12 November and is open to any members of the LGBTQ+ community in Bedfordshire and Luton, and allies.
The festival is part of Rainbow Bedfordshire’s LGBTQ+ Safe Space campaign and you can book your free ticket for the festival here.
Rainbow Bedfordshire is a group of ELFT colleagues and service users who work with local authorities and the third sector to actively combat stigma and loneliness by increasing visibility and social inclusion, through building LGBTQ+/ally networks.
The programme of creative productions and activities also includes an open mic session for local musicians, poets and spoken word artists.
There will be a Voice Box Live discussion, the Dare to be Differentstreet dance production, and an interlude for the fabulous Drag Queen Story Hour.
In collaboration with Better Days BLMK, the Queer Craftivism Collective will also be launched. Craftivism is the act of using craft projects as a form of protest, to help raise awareness and make change through the use of art and creativity
The Wellbeing Hub will feature a range of mental and physical health and wellbeing providers who can share health and wellbeing advice in a friendly, inclusive and fun environment.
“Traditionally, members of the LGBTQ+ community can experience poorer health outcomes due to a range of factors, from worries about how health professionals will treat individuals to a lack of understanding among some providers about the unique needs of people from the queer community,” said Allison Jones, BCHS interim service director for Bedfordshire Community Health Services (BCHS) and member of #RainbowBedfordshire.
“The festival will be a friendly, safe space to discuss issues, connect and learn about the friendly, accessible support available to help us look after our wellbeing.”
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will be available as part of the organiser’s commitment to accessibility for all.
There will also be a chill-out zone for people who may get overwhelmed.
The University of Bedfordshire supports the festival which will be held at its Bedford campus in Polhill Avenue, MK41 9EA, from 10am-5pm on Saturday 12 November. You can book your free ticket for the festival here.
