Well, it’s 2021 and we can officially celebrate kicking 2020 into the realms of history. It has been a difficult year for many, especially so for our events and venues, but we are a creative bunch and have adapted well. We’ve seen an array of events move online, from quiz nights and socials to a virtual Pride. With film nights, courses, group meet-ups, cabarets, and socials too, we had a busy year socialising from our own sofas with our fluffy slippers on.
So, as we enter the new year, it appears there may be light at the end of the tunnel with vaccines giving a glimmer of hope that we may soon be able to see each other again in the real world outside of a Zoom window. And the good news is, with so many events cancelled in 2020, they all need to be rescheduled for this year, so while things may still look different for a little while, we have some great things to look forward to when we do open back up.
Leadmill have half the cast of Drag Race planning a return to the Steel City with Divina Di Campo, Crystal Method, Jackie Cox, Landon Cider, Jaida Essence Hall, Jan’s Jukebox, Noir, Miss Vanje, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Cheryl Hole, Blu Hydrangea, Miz Cracker, Adore Delano, Myra Dubois, Gigi Goode and Heidi N Closet all due to make rescheduled appearances through the year.
Our own local drag favourites are due to make a comeback with Funky Beavers drag cabaret at the OEC and Drag Queens in the Garden at the Malin Bridge Inn, both in July. Horse Meat Disco have a planned return to Signal and Lucy Spraggan is playing the O2, scheduled for March and April respectively, restrictions permitting. For lovers of comedy, we have Larry Dean at the Leadmill in June and Grayson Perry at City Hall in September. And if we can think far enough ahead to stadium gigs being a thing again, then we have Steps and Heaven 17 due to play the Arena in Sheffield.
So, we have plenty to look forward to when we can go out again, but in the meantime, this past year has been difficult for many of us who may be feeling isolated, struggling with our mental health and just needing to connect with other people. Sheffield has an array of LGBT+ groups, most of whom are continuing to meet and host groups and events online, so do check them out. SAYiT provide support for LGBT+ young people from 11-25; LASS and GAFS support LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers across South Yorkshire, Sheffield Bisexual and Pansexual Group host groups for all multi-gender attracted people, TransActive run sports and physical activity groups for trans and non-binary people; LGBT+ Sheffield run meetups and consultation events to have your say on what is happening in the city and both universities have LGBT+ staff and student groups, so do reach out and get in touch.
Keep an eye on www.facebook.com/sheffieldlgbtevents for updates and announcements on the latest events and venues news. It’s been a tough old year for artists and venues – so when we reopen and it’s safe to do so, get back out there and support your local venues. I’ll look forward to seeing everyone’s faces again!
Until next time, love and rainbows…
Heather x