The Coast Is Queer Festival will return to Brighton on October 9 to 12, 2025. The festival will take place at Attenborough Centre for the creative arts.
The festival will bring authors, poets and performers together to celebrate queer lives.
what to expect at the coast is queer festival
The Coast is Queer festival will feature a range of exciting events. The opening event will be Archive Beyond Words with Topher Campbell on October 9, 2025 at 6.30pm.
Expect panels and discussions including conversations with key literatures and topics surrounding queer literature and culture.
Those who attend The Coast Is Queer festival will also have the chance to develop their writing skills and engage with the literary community. Visitors will hear presentations and readings, where queer authors will showcase their works and experiences.
history of the coast is queer festival
The Coast is Queer festival was established in 2019 and has grown drastically over the years. Alongside the celebration of queer stories, The Coast is Queer festival also addresses the challenges faced by the community, for example censorship and lack of representation.
Attending the festival:
- The venue and event spaces are all wheelchair accessible and a hearing loop is available.
- A quiet room is available on site catering to those with sensory difficulties.
- A café is open throughout the festival.
- For those travelling by car, there is a paid car park on site.
- It is encouraged that all those attending travel by public transport. The nearest train station is Falmer and there is regular bus service from Brighton.
The festival is offering day passes that will provide access to all performances, panel and in conversation events at The Coast is Queer 2025. Please note that workshops are not included in the day passes and need to be booked separately.
It is important to book early as spaces are first come first served. Some events require advance booking. These are as follows:
- Friday
Queer Publishing Day: Agent Industry Panel. Be advised, this event is now waiting list only.
Queer Publishing Day: Publisher Industry Panel: Building a Queer List in a Straight Industry Panel.
Queer Publishing Day: Getting Your Work Out There: How to break through the algorithm, interest the press and spread the word about queer books Panel. This event is also now waiting list only. - Saturday
Do You Believe In Life After Loss? Panel
Truth and Daring Panel
Not that Innocent Panel
Horrifyingly Queer Panel. Please note, this event is now waiting list only.
Open Mic Night (booking and registration for this event will open at a later date) - Sunday
3000 Lesbians Go to York: Film Screening and Q&A Panel
A Morning with Damian Barr and Curtis Garner
The Coast is Queer Care Cafe with Lois Weaver. This event is now waiting list only
Workshop events not covered in the festival pass which must be paid for separately are: - Friday
Topher Campbell Life Writing Archive Workshop (booking and registration for this event will open at a later date)
The Queer Girls Book Club presents Christina Fonthes Workshop
Relatively Queer: Writing Toward Concealed Queerness in the Family Archive Workshop - Saturday
Developing Your Non-Fiction Workshop
Zine Making Workshop with Jacob V Joyce
Fun With Form with Travis Alabanza Workshop - Sunday
Letters to My Little Trans Self Workshop
The Coast is Queer festival will be an exciting event that you do not want to miss. Experience wholesome connections, touching stories, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Book your tickets today on The Coast is Queer website.
Address: Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, University of Sussex, Gardner Centre Road, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RA
Website: coastisqueer.com
Read more: A Guide To Brighton Wellness Festival – We Love Brighton ; Brighton Dome: What’s On This Autumn And Winter – We Love Brighton ; Komedia’s Christmas Party Returns to Brighton – We Love Brighton ; Robo Pop Is Brighton’s First Ice Cream Vending Machine – We Love Brighton
