CityLife

Spiegeltent brings faded glamour to Queer Up North

SPINNINGFIELDS DEBUT: McAlmont

EUROPE’S leading festival of lesbian and gay arts has added a new venue to its roster.

As Spinningfields will play host to a programme of cabaret, music, circus, dance and comedy at a beautiful Belgian Spiegeltent from May 22.

Built of wood, mirrors, leaded glass, and detailed in velvet and brocade, the 1940s Spiegeltent will be at the centre of the final five days of the festival.

One of only a handful of these unique and legendary structures still in existence today, the tent will host a number of acts over the four days including Our Lady J’s Gospel for the Godless with the Cocquettes; Lea DeLaria, one of the world’s finest jazz vocalists; and renowned soul vocalist David McAlmont of McAlmont & Butler fame.

Queer Up North run until Bank Holiday Monday, May 25 and features over 100 artists and performers from twelve countries from around the world.

Jonathan Best, artistic director for Queer Up North International Festival, said: “The glamour of the Spiegeltent is slightly faded, and all the more beautiful for it – to walk through the doors is to enter an entirely new world. That we’re now going to be located in the relaxing surroundings of Spinningfields is absolutely perfect.”

For a full programme of events visit www.queerupnorth.com.