February is here and Luton is ready to paint the town rainbow in honour of LGBTQ+ History Month. Pride in Luton in partnership with The Culture Trust are bringing a colourful line-up of events that everyone can get involved in.
The month kicked off on a high note with the exciting grand reveal of the new LGBTIQ+ safe space at the Hat Factory Arts Centre. After two years of passionate planning and preparation, the venue’s former vaults have been brilliantly transformed into a vibrant, multipurpose hub for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to come together in.
As we eagerly await a visit, let’s look at the month ahead to see what vibrant LGBTQ+ History Month activities and events we can look forward to.
LGBTQIA+ Drag DJ Club Night: Fat Britney
Saturday 10th February | 8pm | Hat Factory Arts Centre
Get ready to dance the night away to your favourite disco, house, bassline and booty tracks in the new inclusive LGBTQ+ space with curvaceous queen and mother of queer DJs, Fat Britney.
Price – £5 +£1 booking fee
LGBTQIA+ Socials
Sunday 18th February | 1pm – 4pm (drop in) | Hat Factory Arts Centre
During the month, there will be educational talks and support groups, including the monthly LGBTIQ+ Socials. Come along to the Hat Factory to meet new friends, catch up with old ones, and simply relax and enjoy some quality time with fellow members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Price – Free
In From The Side
Thursday 15th February | 8pm | Hat Factory Arts Centre
Fancy a movie with your friends? Grab your popcorn and buckle up for this intense gay love story: Following a drunken encounter, two equally attached men from a cash strapped and divided gay rugby club unwittingly sleepwalk into an adulterous affair but must conceal their growing feelings or risk destroying the club they love.
Prices – £5 + £1 booking fee
Palaver Party
Saturday 25th February | 2pm – 3.30pm | Hat Factory Arts Centre
Children aged three to eight years old can also get in on the fun over the half term this month at the Palaver Party. Get ready an inclusive family disco with music, performances, DIY costume-making, party games, sing-a-longs, glitter, and a rainbow disco for all the family.
Prices – £5 + £1 booking fee
Thursday 29th February | 7.30pm | Hat Factory Arts Centre
Back by popular demand, the famous Pride in Luton quiz night returns to raise vital funds for Pride in Luton festival 2024. Enjoy a fun night of light-hearted quizzing with your hosts Rosie and Scott.
Prices – £4
At Step Forward Luton, we are proud to be part of a town where we can openly embrace each other and celebrate LGBTQ+ history month. If you’re curious about Luton’s vibrant LGBTQ+ history, read our latest blog by Scott Griffwood, Step Forward Luton Ambassador and Pride in Luton Treasurer. Get ready to uncover not just Luton’s journey, but also Scott’s own inspiring story too.
About the Author
Laura Redmond
Laura is a passionate supporter of the Step Forward Luton campaign and a Place Activation and Marketing Coordinator. Armed with a journalism degree and unwavering love for her university town, she believes there's more to Luton that meets the eye. From charity work to market management, Laura's professional journey has explored every corner of Luton. When she's not busy being a marketing maven, she's lacing up her walking shoes to explore the town's green spaces or unearthing Luton's hidden foodie gems.
