For the first time, Queer Bloomsbury at Charleston House is fully curated by Queer Heritage South and powered by Marlborough Productions, so you know it’s going to be something special.
At the heart of Queer Bloomsbury 2026 is “The Moment”
This is a keynote talk about queer imagination, protest, and empowerment. Guest speakers include Travis Alabanza, Shon Faye and Jodie Mitchell.
These are dark times for queer identities. While we’ve made strides in representation, we’re also facing increasing political and cultural challenges, particularly around trans rights and bodily autonomy.
“The Moment” is a powerful call to action for our queer community to come together, push back, and take care of each other. It’s all about finding strength, reflecting on our journeys, and standing together in solidarity.
Take a leisurely stroll through Charleston’s beautiful gardens during Queer Fayre
As you stroll you can immerse yourself in a night of amazing queer experiences. In this stunning setting—one that has inspired so many great artists and thinkers—you’ll enjoy mesmerizing performances and live art from an incredibly talented lineup that includes Symoné, Brian Lobel, Emma Frankland, Subira Joy, Samson Dittrich, and Charlie Wood.
As the sun sets, the energy shifts to a lively Midsummer Party
This will be a night of dancing and celebration beneath the East Sussex sky. Let’s honour the spirits of queers from the past while embracing the excitement of a vibrant queer future, all set to a thrilling mix of special guests and DJs throughout the evening.
Don’t forget to dress to impress for this summer soirée
Think enchanting elements like Titania or Puck, and remember that florals can shine all year long. Let’s fill Charleston’s gardens with the beauty of pansies, poppies, and vibrant roses as we enjoy a magical night under the moonlight together.
£40 Full Ticket. £25 The Moment and Queer Experiences only. £20 Midsummer Party only.
https://www.charleston.org.uk/festival/queer-bloomsbury-2026/
Queer Bloomsbury is on 15 August from 6pm-late, at Charleston, Firle, BN8 6LL, United Kingdom.
There will be shuttle buses from Brighton Old Steine bus station. You’ll need to book a ticket.
What’s on
- The Moment (Talk), 6-7pm
- Queer Fayre, 7-9pm
- Midsummer Party, 9pm-12am
Dress code
Midsummer extravaganza, queering the garden, pansies, poppies and gay roses.
More About Charleston
Charleston brings people together to engage with art and ideas. It was once the modernist home and artists studio of the painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. Charleston was a meeting place for some of the 20th century’s most radical writers, artists, and thinkers. They were known collectively as the Bloomsbury group.
Charleston is where the Bloomsbury Group came together to imagine society differently. It has always been a place where art and experimental thinking are at the centre of everyday life. Today, they have two locations: the house, garden, and galleries at Firle and a new space in Lewes. Charleston present a year-round programme of exhibitions, events and festivals. They believe in the power of art to provoke new ways of thinking and living.
