The UK's Biggest & Brightest LGBTQ+ Literature Festival

Back on 15-18 October 2026 — tickets on sale now!

Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts

See Our Poster for 2026! >

Bringing together authors and poets, performers, scriptwriters, activists and audiences to celebrate queer lives and writing.

Presented by New Writing South in partnership with Marlborough Productions

Some Highlights for 2026

Susan Stryker with Shon Faye

In conversation with Susan Stryker and Shon Faye
Nikita Gill, Dean Atta, myndstate

Poetry Paradise with Dean Atta, Nikita Gill and myndstate
Remi Graves, Elle Machray, Alice Hattrick and Saif Sidari

Queer Histories: Retold and Reclaimed
Julia Armfield and Sarah Waters

In Conversation with Sarah Waters and Julia Armfield

See the full programme for 2026

3-Day Festival & Day Passes on sale now!

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News

A crop of the Coast is Queer 2026 poster featuring local landmarks and LGBTQ+ flags

Check out our poster for 2026!

Designed by Boogaloo Stu
Boogaloo Stu, a white middle aged person with a big pink quiff, beard and bowtie.

Spotlight on Boogaloo Stu

Boogaloo Stu: Our Artist in Residence for 2026
Julia Armfield, a young white woman with long dark hair and a white top

Julia Armfield joins us to chat all things The Coast is Queer

Plus books that have inspired her

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