News / music

‘Using the power of music to unite and inspire’

By Betty Woolerton  Sunday May 21, 2023

A festival that brings together dozens of LGBTQ+ choirs from across the UK and Ireland is coming to Bristol.

Hand in Hand Festival is “a space where LGBTQ+ choirs and singers can come together and express themselves freely, without fear of judgement or discrimination”.

It was founded in 2013, in London, when choir the Pink Singers, celebrated their 30th anniversary.

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After connecting network of 50 choirs and hundreds of singers, the festival has taken place in Brighton, Manchester, Cardiff and Newcastle so singers can come together and express themselves freely.

“At Hand in Hand Festival, we’re committed to using music as a means to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality, and we believe that the festival provides a powerful platform to bring people together and effect positive change,” said creative director Christian Wismann.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Bristol will be hosting the Hand in Hand Festival in 2024.

“The city’s vibrant atmosphere and rich musical heritage make it the perfect backdrop for our event.

“We’re dedicated to making the 2024 festival the best one yet, with a diverse lineup of performers, exciting workshops, and a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CsWbJPjI-L3/

Festival director Mark Hubbard added: “Hand in Hand Festival is more than just a music festival – it’s a space where LGBTQ+ choirs and singers can come together and express themselves freely, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

“We’re excited to welcome back familiar faces from previous festivals, as well as new choirs formed since the pandemic and performers that are joining us for the first time.

“Hand in Hand Festival is an LGBTQ+ celebration of the power of music to unite and inspire, and we can’t wait to share that experience with our community in Bristol.”

Hand in Hand Festival is taking place on 16 to 18 August 2024. Choir registrations for the 2024 festival will open at the end of June, and individual choir member registrations will open later in 2023.

For more information about Hand in Hand Festival or to register a choir or performance group, visit www.handinhandfestival.org

All photos: Hand in Hand Festival

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