A NEW spin on seaside fun comes to Blackpool this summer – with Queer Amusements – a festival of art and culture.
Curated by cabaret entertainer and theatre maker Harry Clayton-Wright, the festival, which runs from April to September, includes public art, performance and workshops.
Among the highlights are STUNNING! – an Alternative Drag Pageant, Chippy Tea – a Cabaret Showcase and Flamboyant Flamingoes – an exhibition at Grundy Art Gallery by Garth Gratix.
Harry Clayton Wright, a Blackpool native who has worked around the world said: “The work I make often sits somewhere between art and entertainment; often both at once. It can be camp, irreverent, but always joyful and with heart. I’ve been fortunate to build a career around that and I can definitely trace Blackpool as an influence through all the work I’ve made.”
Among the artists taking part are actor and broadcaster Scottee, writer Kuchenga Shenje, cabaret duo Thick and Tight and Grammy Award-winning director David Wilson.
Comic Krishna Istha, recently seen on Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda, will be holding a workshop on autobiographical performance, while theatre maker Travis Alabanza will talk about establishing creative practice.
Funny Girls veteran Titty Kaka will host a weekend workshop for people wishing to develop their own drag persona – and will join Clayton Wright for a closing party featuring DJ dance and drag collective HerHouse.
A programme of craft workshops by Alena Ruth Donely and the Bearded Sewist will be announced soon, while writer in residence Jane Claire Bradley will develop work inspired by festival events.
The programme is presented in collaboration with Malborough Productions New Queers on the Block and Blackpool community arts organisation Aunty Social.
Catherine Mugonyi of Aunty Social said: “For the past thirteen years, we have been a key destination for those in Blackpool looking to develop their creativity, learn new skills and meet new friends through projects relating to the arts. We are ecstatic to bring both regular and new audiences to Aunty Social to celebrate Queerness across multiple mediums.”
