Welcome to Herefordshire's Fifth "Out In The Sticks" Festival

Welcome to Out in the Sticks, the fifth festival of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans themed events to be held in Herefordshire, organised by Herefordshire’s Rainbow Forum to coincide with IDAHO Day (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia).

The idea for Out in the Sticks was mooted in January 2007 when Lynsey Radmore from Herefordshire Council met with Martyn Green, Chief Executive at the Courtyard to discuss marking LGBT History month in some way. Neither knew at that time that the concept would mushroom into the festival that it is today. Both are still key in the planning and execution of the festival.

This Year's Festival

Kicking off the festival on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 May is Raining Men. Raining Men is the story of Phil, Doug and Colin, who work together in a nightclub. When their act fails to turn up, the boys have to put on a little show of their own.

Next on Wednesday 16 May is Girlyman, with their close-harmony pop-folk. Their music spans genres and they play acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, djembe and electric baritone guitar.

Friday 18 May sees Broadway cult hit, My Big Gay Italian Wedding come to The Courtyard. Andrew and Anthony are getting married, and everyone wants to help. The plans soon become an hysterical fiasco as everyone tries to get their way.

Closing the festival on Saturday 19 May is Abba Mania. Fresh from a smash-hit tour of the USA, this concert celebrates the music of Abba.

A programme of LGBT films will also run during the festival, including a preview screening of She Monkeys, Beauty (Skoonheid), Cloudburst, Kinky Boots and North Sea Texas.

Social Events

As well as live shows and films at the Courtyard, several Rainbow Forum social events will take place through the week including a Family Coffee Morning, Spectrum Social Evening, Prism Club Nights and a Family Barbeque. These are all free to attend, just come along and enjoy.

Booking Tickets

For more information or to book tickets for the live shows and films call the Box Office on 01432 340555 or visit www.courtyard.org.uk.

Out in the Sticks is supported by a number of local organisations, including Herefordshire Council, West Mercia Constabulary, Herefordshire Housing, ABC Print, S&P Technology and The Courtyard Centre for the Arts.

Come and join us, take part and get your voice heard. You can help make Out in the Sticks 2012 the best one yet!

Rainbow Forum

Herefordshire Rainbow Forum is an independent community group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people, those questioning their gender or sexual orientation and their family and friends.

Meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month at The Courtyard Centre for the Arts, Edgar Street, Hereford from 7pm onwards in the bar. We can be found with a rainbow flag on our table.

For more information and other events please see our website at www.rainbowforum.co.uk or telephone Lynsey on 07732 074900.