The modernist home and studio of the painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston was a gathering point for some of the 20th century’s most radical artists, writers and thinkers known collectively as the Bloomsbury Group.
The entire programme for Charleston’s annual Queer Bloomsbury festival has now been revealed
Jam-packed with enlightening conversations, explosive performances and live art making, the festival brings together leading queer, LGBTQ+ voices to Charleston to challenge the status quo and imagine new ways of living, just as the Bloomsbury group did a century ago.
“Charleston is where they came together to imagine society differently and has always been where art and experimental thinking are at the centre of everyday life.”
The festival features a dynamic talks programme, including an event exploring the hierarchy of high and low art, in Queer Art, with art curator Gemma Rolls-Bentley, artist duo Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings and artist Rene Matić. Another talk celebrates the life and work of one of fashion’s most daring and influential icons Leigh Bowery and Taboo nightclub, with fashion journalist NJ Stevenson, long-time friend and collaborator Sue Tilley aka ‘Big Sue’ and artist and living sculpture Daniel Lismore.
The Queer Bloomsbury AFTER PARTY will feature live music, DJ, drag, cabaret, performances, games, live art and immersive installations, including London-based drag cabaret LÈSE MAJESTÉ Drag Kings and Things, dark-electro pop sensation Tom Rasmussen and Gal Pals’ DJ Xzan.
Who’s at Charleston’s Queer Bloomsbury Festival?
TOM RASMUSSEN | DANIEL LISMORE | DAVID HOYLE| BEAU JANGLES | CAMPBELL KING DUNCAN GRANT’S EROTIC DRAWINGS | RENE MATIĆ | GEMMA ROLLS-BENTLEY | LADY KITT | LÈSE MAJESTÉ | NJ STEVENSON | JON SAVAGE | U-HAUL DYKE RESCUE & MUCH MORE
“We’re so pleased to announce the line-up for Queer Bloomsbury 2024. The festival is an intoxicating mix of eye-opening talks, activism and fun – all woven together beautifully by shared experience! It’s a bold and playful celebration of Charleston’s LGBTQIA+ heritage, the legacy of which continues to be felt today.”
Melissa Perkins, Head of Programme and Events at Charleston
As part of the experience, festival-goers can take part in immersive art installations or enjoy pop-up performances in the walled gardens. Live art-making will spill out in and around the stunning outdoor spaces, including from performance artist David Hoyle. In a special one-off, festival-goers can book a free Queer Charleston x Erotic Drawings house tour featuring a display of Duncan Grant’s erotic drawings.
There’s a shuttle bus from Brighton to Charleston
The service will run directly from Brighton’s Old Steine to Charleston in Firle and is bookable online for Day Ticket and After Party bookers.
What can I expect at Queer Bloomsbury?
- Day talks on everything from fashion to protest, queer pop to queer art, featuring Jon Savage, Gemma Rolls-Bentley, Daniel Lismore, NJ Stevenson, Sue Tilley and more.
- After-party tickets featuring live music, cabaret, performances and a DJ set featuring Tom Rasmussen, LÈSE MAJESTÉ cabaret, DJ Xzan and U-Haul Dyke Rescue.
- Free ‘Queer Charleston’ house visits featuring Duncan Grant’s erotic drawings, or book an exclusive guided tour with Darren Clarke, Charleston’s Head of Collections.
- Pop-up live art making, live music, poetry and installations
- Take part in arm-wrestling, banner and badge-making
- Pop-up City Books stall, Charleston shop, Caccia and Tails cafe and bars open
- Shuttle buses from Brighton Old Steine bus station
- Plus, quiet outdoor places to rest and chill out!
When and where is Queer Bloomsbury?
Queer Bloomsbury is on Saturday 14 September, 2pm–late at Charleston in Firle. There’s are Shuttle Buses available from Brighton to Lewes
Queer Bloomsbury full programme
https://www.charleston.org.uk/festival/queer-bloomsbury-2024/
