This October, Back in the Pink weekender will pay homage to Bradford in the Pink, a series of festivals that took place in Manningham and the city centre around 40 years ago.
This festival, taking place from 10–12 October, will return the histories of LGBTQ+ people in Bradford to the spotlight, celebrating their achievements and their stories through walking tours, exhibitions, film screenings, panel discussions, cabaret and a club night.
Exploring the activism, community and culture of Bradford’s LGBTQ+ communities in the late 20th century, Back in the Pink is co-produced by Castles In The Sky Projects in partnership with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
Alice Parsons of Castles In The Sky says: “Back in the Pink is a reminder that LGBTQ+ culture has always had a place in Bradford. Over the course of the weekend, we’ll be remembering a history that resonates today, spotlighting the people and organisations who laid the foundations for our community and being inspired by stories of activism and creativity There will be exhibitions, talks, and walking tours to explore, as well as a great party with iconic local cabaret artists, drag acts and DJs. Don’t miss it!”
There will be a range of events taking place over the weekend.
On the Saturday, ‘Big Nights OUT’ will see a series of conversations that explore the activism, support, celebration and nightlife of Bradford’s LGBTQ+ community.
‘Pink After Dark’, also on Saturday 11 October, will be a celebration of the long-lost and much-missed spaces like the Bavaria and the Junction, long-time landmarks of the Bradford LGBTQ+ scene, with new live art commissions, performances, drag artists and DJs.
On Sunday 12 October, ‘Back in the Pink Cinema Special’ sees a programme of films recreating and reimagining screenings organised by gay and lesbian collectives in the 1980s.
Throughout the weekend, there will also be history walking tours, and a pop-up exhibition of archive materials from the newly formed Bradford LGBTQ+ Archive.
