WALES’ first LGBTQ+ fringe festival will take place throughout June in Cardiff, marking Pride Month with a city-wide programme of theatre, comedy, live music, film, drag, visual art exhibitions, dance and digital arts.
Headed up by the team behind The Queer Emporium, the festival is set to host events at over 40 venues across the city, with the Morgan Quarter acting as a central hub for the activity.
The Queer Emporium has been located in the historic Morgan Arcade since 2021, and sits amongst some of the city’s best quality local and independent retailers. The Morgan Quarter will be joining in the Pride Month celebrations by decorating its atriums and walkways with Pride flags to promote the event, and invites everyone to join in the festivities.
Comedy in the Arcade makes a welcome return to kick off the programme of events, with Jessica Fosterkew previewing her new hour-long show in an evening hosted by Leila Navabi and supported by The Queer Emporium regulars, Amy Mason and Jake Sawyers.
The festival will also welcome back Community Brunches, and see the launch of a new performer’s night, Draglings.
Yan White, Festival Director and founder of The Queer Emporium, said, “The aim of the festival is to platform and pay as many queer artists as possible through a varied, city-wide programme that showcases the creativity of LGBTQ+ artists today.
“This festival will platform LGBTQ+ artists, from grassroots to more established ones, and gives audiences opportunities to see new and unique content – and have a great time while doing it. You will see a different project by a member of the LGBTQ+ community every day for Pride Month.”
Luke Hereford, theatre maker, said, “Queer artists in Wales are thriving at the moment, and I think The Queer Emporium’s impact on Cardiff has been beneficial to this.
“The Queer Fringe Festival is an opportunity to amplify further and share those platforms with new, exciting grassroots artists. I can’t wait to see what happens throughout Pride Month.”
One of the Cardiff venues hosting events is the iconic The Golden Cross. Evan Jones, manager of the venue, said, “We’re so excited to be part of a big festival to showcase what we do 365 days of the year.
“Reaching new audiences and utilizing the oldest gay bar in Cardiff for an arts festival is something we can’t wait to do this Pride Month”
The Queer Fringe Festival runs from Thursday 2nd June to Sunday 3rd July, with all events documented across Twitter and Instagram @queerfringefest.
