Manchester’s women who love women will be breaking the mould as The Sapphormation Festival returns to the city next month.
The festival is a two day event from November 1-2 of activity, discussion, live events and good food.
The main aim is to offer a safe and eclectic space for local lesbians to try out new things and explore key issues and ideas relevant to women today.
A Sapphormation spokeswoman said: “With few places and events dedicated and tailored for Women who love Women, Sapphormation Festival 2014 offers one of those unique spaces.
http://t.co/OAzIJUzXMp pic.twitter.com/1gbaApz7Ju
— Canal Street (@canalstmancs) October 20, 2014
“We hope festival attendees will leave with a sense of community, adventure, opportunity, learning, new experience and great enjoyment!”
The theme for the 2014 event is ‘Breaking the mould’ and highlights will include a ‘Mad,Bad and Dangerous’ panel discussion, film showings, workshops, storytelling, poetry and an arts tent.
Pride Radio Newcastle presenter Roweena Russell will be on the panel for one of the festival’s discussions.
She expressed her joys to be involved in the event via Twitter.
I’m proud to be on a panel for this event http://t.co/9aMojONTX9 http://t.co/gFbiqZcG6t
— Roweena ♣️ (@r2ph) October 8, 2014
Daytime events will take place at the Joyce Layland LGBT centre on Sidney Street in the city centre.
The centre’s Sidney St Café will provide a variety of food all day on Saturday.
And there will be a Halloween Rapture Club night on the first evening of the festival at Princess Street’s Bangkok Bar.
The spokeswoman said: “Each year Sapphormation Festival brings something new and different and aims to offer something that all women who love women can get involved with.
“The panel discussion and workshops offer good thinking space, the arts tent and poetry segments encourage creativity to flow.”
The Sunday is the Sapphormation Sports Day, hosted by the Women’s Adventure Club.
As well as the physical challenges Sidney St Café will be back serving up a barbecue.
She said: “Sunday’s activities add a bit of physical challenge and fun and the cafe space provides hearty food and hearty chatter. We’ll look forward to seeing you.”
The LGF took to social media to express their excitement over the upcoming event.
Anyone else getting just a little excited for @sapphormation next weekend? Don’t forget to reserve your free place http://t.co/cECdSpQcI8
— The LGF (@lgfoundation) October 24, 2014
Sapphormation is a project run by The Empowerment People, which invites ladies to come along and enjoy events, debates, good food and good fun.
Empowerment People said they are delighted to have Sapphormation as a part of the family of projects.
We’re delighted to have @sapphormation; @feministwebs; Women’s Adventure Club & Young Women’s Adventure Club in our family of projects.
— Empowerment People (@emp_ppl) October 10, 2014
“Sapphormation brings together a wonderful Sapphic mix of workshops and activities for women who love to talk, meet, enjoy culture and feel part of something bigger,” the spokeswoman added.
Women who love women of all ages are welcome at Sapphormation events, including trans women who identify as gay women.
Daytime events are also open to children as long as they are supervised by a responsible adult.
This festival is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council and part of the Social Sciences Festival, which runs from November 1-8 across the UK.
Tickets for The Sapphormation Festival 2014 are free but booking is essential. To make sure you get a piece of the action click here.
Image courtesy of Annie Joe, via Flickr, with thanks
