Out in the Sticks

Out in the Sticks is Herefordshire's third, month-long Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT)  festival. The event is held as part of an International Day against homo and trans phobia, which is on 17 May.

Throughout May there will be a wide range of events that everyone is encouraged to be part of, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This year's line-up sees the arrival of Amy Lamé and Peter Tatchell to Herefordshire.  Amy will be performing her one-woman show "Mama Cass Family Singers" at the Courtyard Centre for the Arts.  Peter Tatchell will be the guest speaker at an open-air family event on Castle Green, Hereford, on 15 May. 

The festival is organised by the Rainbow Forum, a local LGBT group, in partnership with Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire and funded by central government through the Area Based Grant, West Mercia Police and Herefordshire Housing.

"This year's main event will be the celebration in the park on 15 May at Castle Green", says Alison Wells, Chair of the Rainbow Forum.  "This will be a really family-friendly event, with entertainment, speakers, market stalls, food, drink and much more.  "Rainbow Operations" will be bringing the Rainbow Bus and providing a DJ to entertain people between the live acts.  The event will run from 12noon until 11pm.  We hope that people will come along and join in and make this a really diverse and rewarding gathering of people."

Herefordshire is more accessible than you might think; there are direct trains right into the city centre from London, Manchester, Worcester, Birmingham and Wales, so come along and show your support whilst having a great time!

Brochures will be available from the beginning of April, throughout Herefordshire at Info Shops, Tourist Information Centres, Libraries and at the Courtyard Centre for the Arts to name but a few.   For full information about what's happening visit www.outinthesticks.org.uk or call 07821 438919, or open the brochure from the box at the bottom of this page.