Out There Exeter presents Queer Fest

Exeter is set to become the UK's national hub of queer art and culture with the launch of Out There Queer Fest, a ground-breaking LGBTQIA+ Fringe Festival.

Spanning more than two weeks from 20th September to 6th October 2024, the festival will celebrate diversity, creativity, and community empowerment through an array of events designed to uplift and platform LGBTQIA+ voices.

Throughout the festival, venues across Exeter will host performances ranging from drag shows and cabaret to spoken word and live music. Expect to see incredible talent from national artists, including Bimini and Alexis Saint-Pete (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK), Hannah Maxwell (Summerhall Lustrum Award winner 2023) and Joelle Taylor (T.S Eliot Prize Winner), while local talent includes drag shows from the Haus of Calamari, slam poet champion Chris White and more.

Highlights include:

Club Night at Exeter Phoenix: A vibrant club night on 5th October, headlined by the iconic Bimini (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK), and supported by a stellar line-up of cabaret and drag acts.

National fringe shows at the Barnfield Theatre: Eight premier fringe and cabaret shows will be showcased at the Barnfield Theatre, featuring the festival's second Drag Race UK star Alexis Saint-Pete.

charlieeeee’s World: Live at the Museum: A night of infectious, hyper-pop inspired live music featuring headliner charlieeeee at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM).

Heartstopper Day for Young People: In partnership with Exeter City of Literature, this day will feature a stage at the library, comic page workshops and local speakers.

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Free entertainment across Exeter: Throughout the festival, Exeter Phoenix and other venues will host a variety of free live music, entertainment, workshop, and DJs ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities.

Exhibition Space for Queer Artists: Works by queer artists, as well as pieces addressing LGBTQIA+ themes, including those by the renowned Pegasus Street Artist, will be showcased in an exhibition at Exeter Phoenix.

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Workshops and Wellbeing Retreats: There are workshops and wellbeing retreats at Exeter Library and Royal Albert Memorial Museum, focusing on mental health and community support.

Panel Discussion on Advocacy: A crucial advocacy conversation around building grassroots LGBTQIA+ communities outside of major cities will be held, ensuring that festival-goers are aware of the resources and tools available to support LGBTQIA+ communities.

Theatre, family shows, and Queer Asian films at Exeter Phoenix: Diverse programming at Exeter Phoenix will include family-friendly theatre from Britain’s Got Talent’s Mama G and a selection of Queer Asian films, reflecting the global and inclusive nature of the festival.

Out There Exeter’s vision is to create a festival that is accessible and affordable to all, and offers something for everyone to get OUT THERE to enjoy. The programme offers a range of ticket prices, including free and pay-what-you-can options. Paid event tickets start from £5, with festival passes available from £29.50 - £60.

Out There Queer Fest is a ground-breaking new fringe festival organised by Out There Exeter, co-founded by Annie Westbrook and Wayne McGee.

Visit the website to view the full line-up.