In only its second year, Happy Valley Pride have organised an ambitious, week-long festival of diversity, inclusivity and awareness for everyone – celebrating LGBTQ+ life in Hebden Bridge and surrounding areas.
Unified with an LGBTQ+ Heroes theme, the festival aims to provide a spectrum of exciting, inclusive events, bringing together nationally renowned and local artistes. Confirmed so far, but with more to come:
- Established, gay comedian, Zoe Lyons, brings her full length stand-up show on Wednesday 9th to The Trades Club. Zoe will be familiar to many from her regular appearances on TV and radio shows, such as Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo.
- An evening performance at Little Theatre on Friday, 11th August from award-winning, musical satirists, Bourgeois & Maurice – recently described by The Guardian as “Modern Day Music Hall stars”. The demented duo promise to deliver riotously funny, original songs, with style as sharp as their wit.
- A cram-packed weekend, centred within a family-friendly, ‘Holme Street Hub’, will provide a host of local musicians and street entertainment during Saturday daytime. Riverside Junior School will also have an exhibition of pupils’ winning ‘Heroes’ artwork, alongside information stalls. Talks from a thought-provoking mix of LGBTQ+ speakers, including Jeremy Pemberton and Flo Krause; complementing the return (for a second year) of human rights activist, Peter Tatchell. Whilst Saturday night, Trades Club hosts Honeyfeetand The Bright Black, both Manchester bands with a reputation for their exuberant live performances.
- Winding down the week, Sunday offers something for everyone – a church service at St James’ Church, Hebden Bridge; ‘Up the Buttress’ walk led by Peter Tatchell. All culminating in a Pink Picnic, incorporating a chance to enter your pet in the Pooch Parade being held in Calder Holmes Park.
“The incredible community and business support we’ve received in the past 12 months has enabled us to grow the festival and embrace our LGBTQ+ community. As a small and entirely volunteer-organised festival, support from Hebden Royd Town Council and local businesses, including Yorkshire Soap, has helped make this year’s festival possible. We’re extremely excited and thrilled with this year’s expanded programme and look forward to hosting our wonderful guests and performers”.
–Mike Stephens, Chair