After a successful debut in 2020, Turn On Fest is returning to Hope Mill Theatre in 2021 with a programme filled with live and digital events.

The festival aims to develop and celebrate LGBTQIA+ local artists in Manchester, running for two weeks in January 2021.

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The 2021 Turn On Fest is set to feature programming from Superbia and Mother’s Ruin alongside new LGBTQIA+ work, music, dance and more.  Turn On Fest is produced by Hope Mill Theatre in association with Superbia, Manchester Pride’s year-round programme of arts and culture.

Speaking about the festival, Joseph Houston, Artistic Director of Hope Mill Theatre, commented, “At the beginning of 2020 we were delighted to launch Turn On Fest and offer a platform and opportunity for queer artists and work within the North West. We would never have imagined that the festival would have been Hope Mill Theatres only self-produced work for almost 7 months. We are so thrilled to be able to bring Turn On Fest 2021 after such a successful launch which saw many North West artists supported through development grants and offered a varied and diverse programme of work for our audiences and the LGBTQIA+ community. We also can’t wait to work with the team at Superbia at Manchester Pride once again.”

Hope Mill Theatre will also, once again, offer four local LGBTQIA+ artists the opportunity to receive funding to develop an existing idea or project as part of the festival, with applications for development grants now open via Hope Mill Theatre’s website.  The successful companies or individuals will receive £1,000 commission, marketing support, mentorship and rehearsal space to help develop and showcase their work.

Applications are also now open to artists who work in film, theatre, spoken word, cabaret, visual art and music to participate in Turn On Fest.