Stockport's FREE LGBT+ History Month festival

An online festival to celebrate LGBT+ History Month has been organised for all to enjoy in lockdown throughout February.

The annual event has a different theme each year and this year it's Body, Mind, Spirit. In Stockport, Greater Manchester celebrations have been set up by more than a dozen local organisations and individuals, including a calendar of free events and activities from live cupcake baking, boxing, creative recycling and chemistry experiments, to social quizzes, poetry open mic nights, drag queen bingo, panel talks and much more.

One of the organisers of the festival, Tina Carnally, director of Stockport LGBT+ Centre Forward, said: “The past year has been tough for everyone - and for some, the toughest year in living memory - so it is vital that we come together at this time and have some fun.

“It is a great way to bring people of Stockport and beyond together, from all walks of life, and to showcase local talents. All from the safety of our homes. We want everyone to join in- not just people from the LGBT community but our friends, family and colleagues."

"We also have free goody bags, which will make the events and activities more interactive, for example, with the live cupcake bake, people can collect the ingredients to join in. We can't wait to get started. We have even had celebrity support from Sir Ian McKellen, who sent a message wishing us good luck. He said: "Congratulations on your important initiative and best wishes to everyone involved with Forward LGBT+'."

The goody bags can be picked up from Nationwide building society branches in Stockport, Cheadle and Marple; Pure Innovations cafes in Etherow and Vernon Parks. If anyone is unable to collect, Healthwatch Stockport can deliver to you.