Russell Davies’s groundbreaking,  award-winning British TV series QUEER AS FOLK, back in 1999, put Manchester on the global map for its  ‘gay village.‘  It’s got bigger and better ever since re-inforcing its well-won reputation as the country’s best queer destination after London. 

One (of the many) factor (s) that justify this reputation is events like the QUEER CONTACT FESTIVAL, which started way back in  1972   It’s a charity, arts venue, and theatre in Manchester that has an ambitious mission to change the face of (UK) culture, empowering young people from all backgrounds as creative leaders and agents of social change. Supporting the next generation of artists and creatives is also something dear to Queerguru’s heart too, especially when it inspires new audiences with stories and experiences that reflect our community

Queer Contact Festival 2026 kicks off soon with two weeks of bold queer performance and art with a full and fabulous line-up celebrating queer artists, audiences, and stories. The Festival brings together theatre, cabaret, live art, film, line-dancing, market stalls and more — all under one roof at Contact’s  Oxford Road venue.

Festival Highlights  include 

Main Character Energy (Thu 12 – Fri 13 Feb) A beautiful and supremely talented Black actress presents an autobiographical one-woman show about finally taking up the space she’s so often been denied. A sharp, self-aware and magnetic theatrical experience. Tickets from £10.

You’re Not Getting Any Younger (Sat 14 Feb) This Valentine’s Day, Chanukah Lewinsky delivers a cabaret night for single people, their allies, and anyone navigating love, lust and anxious bisexual window shopping. Bold, chaotic andhilariously honest. Tickets from £5.

Social Experiment – Queer Contact Edition (Thu 19 Feb) A free, informal evening for artists and audiences interested in Live Art and contemporary performance to meet, share and try out new ideas, featuring work from queer artists. Free to attend.

Comedy at Queer Contact (Fri 20 Feb) A night of stand-up comedy showcasing a stellar line-up of queer comics, curated and hosted by Ben Hodge. Tickets from £5.

Less Like Ourselves, More Like Each Other (Sat 21 Feb) Artist and filmmaker Graham Clayton-Chance presents a body of work rooted in queer country and western dance culture in San Francisco, including his multi-award-winning film Last Dance at the Sundance Stompede and a new immersive installation. Tickets from £3, with some elements free.

Manchester Queer Art Market (Sat 21 Feb, 13:00–17:30) Manchester’s premier monthly market for queer artists and makers takes over Contact for the first time, offering a vibrant afternoon of art, crafts and community. Free to attend.

A Northern Tr*nny Hootenanny (Sat 21 Feb) Trans artist Hunter King shares his gender journey through an uplifting queer parody musical set in the Wild, Wild North West. Joyful, bold and unapologetically camp. Tickets from £10.

Jack Dale–Dowd, CEO of Contact, told Queerguru :    “Queer Contact is a vital moment in our year — a celebration of queer artists telling their stories in their own voices, and audiences coming together in joy, solidarity and creativity. From first-time visitors to long-time supporters, we want everyone to feel welcome in our building. With affordable tickets and free events across the programme, Queer Contact is about access, visibility and unforgettable live experiences.”