L Fest 2016: A Real Success

by Jess Price

Bandanas, free hugs and wandering lesbians waving selfie sticks at Heather Peace… Yes, it can only be L Fest 2016. We had a blast. Our lovely, sloshy-sludgy British weather did not hinder our fun as we shuffled our gay tents and campers over to a drier field onsite at Uttoxeter Racecourse. Here, we began celebrating L Fest’s sixth year with a huge wave of music, arts and comedy shenanigans.

While Beth Prior and the loveable Eva Iglesias boomed their tracks from the Big Top, (restyled to ‘the Titty tent’ by artist BREE, patent pending) the Cunning Linguists’ panel featuring LGBT Poet Laureate Trudy Howson mesmerised with powerful words on the Arts Stage. Championing up-and-coming female LGBTQ+ poetry and literature is something L Fest is very passionate about. This year, author Sally Edwards launched her third novel and we were even treated to a reading by filmmaker and activist Helen Oakleigh. Elsewhere, we welcomed Wotever Film Festival, who shared some cracking lesbian film classics followed by discussion and Q+A sessions with the directors. Uttoxeter’s sun continued to glisten down upon us for our Del Mar Reunion Party, a chance for those who went to our annual L Fest Del Mar in May to catch up under a cheeky limbo line and of course, a sing-along with DJ Lady Heidi.

As well as our headliners, Heather Peace and Saffron from Republica, L Fest welcomed a lot of artists from overseas, including bold and bright three-piece band BREE from America and the lovely, blue-haired Aimee Francis from Australia. Saffron was an explosive presence on site during Saturday evening, even performing that classic we all know and love, Ready to Go. Heather Peace joined us on Sunday, popping over into the crowd, mid-set, to enjoy the buzzing atmosphere with her die-hard fans!

When not wearing our dancing shoes, we lost ourselves in the amazing comedy at L Fest this year. Our festival laughs truly began with entertainment by Lara King in her Opening Night Variety Extravaganza, which included McChicks from Holland and Aussies the Hussy Hicks. The Laughing Cows welcomed Jen Brister to the Main Stage, spinning us into the curtails of faecal-inspired laughter. Recounting stories of life post- and pre- the Schadenfreude of having twin babies, Jen also expressed resentment towards social media and all things selfie (insider - Jen did eventually get in our Green Room party snap.) As she performed, the arena quickly became packed with gaggles of giggling lesbians who could not get enough of the wittily observational Brister. According to one spectator, as much as a week later: ‘my face is still aching’ claimed artist Yvonne Dawson.

Elsewhere, by day, we were given a real treat by the fabulous Kenric Cabaret troupe, followed soon after by comedienne Jackie Hagan. Attracting a hefty crowd to the Green Stage Tent, everyone sat poised for her sassy, poetic discourse on important topics such as class austerity, mental health, disability and leglessness. In her poem, Tea and Coffee, Hagan humorously questions our notions of bisexuality in a binary-obsessed society. Now with a short on Channel 4 and a new book out, Hagan is certainly one to watch out for.

Now in its sixth year, Cindy Edwards claims this year’s festival was the best yet and promises big changes are on the cards for L Fest 2017. We are always striving to make L Fest an environment for all – including uniting LGBTQ+ families, which is why this year saw the launch of brand new kids’ workshops. Moreover, L Fest 2016 has once again shown the threefold world of fun, closeness and diversity that resonates year after year throughout the L Fest community. Post-festival, it is fair to say we are all experiencing an L Fest come-down. L Fest 2017 may seem a long way away – but FEAR NOT – we are already gearing up for the L Fest Awards, L Festive and expect a twist to Del Mar next year. Watch this space.

L Fest Del Mar 2016: the Lesbian Getaway

by Jess Price

170 excited, psyched lesbians flocked to the sunny seas of La Manga in Spain for one whole week of celebrations, full moon parties, incredible live music and everything that comes in between. After her first time in Del Mar, one L Fester Deb emailed in with some lovely words: ‘I had the best time ever! It was 2 years in the waiting and it did not disappoint! Everyone was really friendly and lovely, and there was just such a fantastic atmosphere. Every evenings’ entertainment was top notch! It was a great and enjoyable week, (despite my hangovers) I loved it!’ With new acquaintances made and old friends happily reunited, L Fest Del Mar 2016 was certainly one we won’t be forgetting.

As soon as the sun rose, this gaggle of lesbians came alive. By day, L Festers could soothe their hefty hangovers by the poolside or get the atmosphere going with fun, games and silly splashing around. Our self-proclaimed gay train escorted us to our party boat where we enjoyed cocktails and stunning views over catch-ups and laughter. We were treated to live music by many acts including former X Factor finalist (turned L Fester) Jade Ellis, plus entertainment from the fire-eating Toxic Dolls. In L Fest founder Cindy Edwards’ words, ‘THEY WERE HOT, LITERALLY’ but don’t just take our word for it, check out our snaps on the L Fest Events Facebook page. With the sun glistening high in the sky and a beer in hand, it was truly amazing to relax and watch these acts platform their talents upon the stage.

Our Full Moon Party on the beach has always been an L Fest Del Mar favourite, and this year was the perhaps the most spectacular yet. We stood in quiet, happy unity as we released lanterns into the moonlit sky, followed by a performance by amazing Spanish artist Road Ramos before dancing the night away to Mia Wallis. What more fun could we ask for?

As our sunny freedom in Del Mar was sadly coming to an end, the L Fest bunch signed a huge, rainbow PRIDE flag to remember every single person who shared this happy experience with us. There is no denying that Del Mar is a holiday, but for us, it represents much more than that. It is about a community who is bound together by a mutual affection and sense of understanding for one another. It is about developing friendships and supporting emerging LGBTQI+ talent in a safe, loving space (although we can’t promise you won’t be thrown in the pool…)

Reunite with your L Fest family next month July 15^th-18^th in Uttoxeter (near Alton Towers) where the celebrations continue! Or if you have never been before, why not make this year your L Fest debut? You can now create your own unique L Fest timetable from our line-up before you arrive with our new FREE app! Fill it with your favourite L Fest workshops, live acts and activities.

We can’t wait to see you all!

Your L Fest Family

SAFFRON, Lead Singer of REPUBLICA, Announced for L Fest 2016

It's certainly a good Friday in L Fest HQ as we can now announce that our second L Fest act to be released for L Fest 2016 is Saffron, the lead singer of Republica, who will headline the main stage on Saturday July 16th.

Formed in the early 90's, Republica achieved sales of over 3 Million Albums going Top 5 in the UK, US and Europe and achieving Platinum Sales Worldwide. The track ‘Ready To Go’ went to No. 1 in 18 countries and has been featured in Hollywood movies, TV Shows and in International advertising campaigns.‘Drop Dead Gorgeous’ was used as the theme to ‘Scream’, the Wes Craven Horror Movie and ‘Beauty Never Fades’ by Junkie XL ft. Saffon reached No. 1 in Poland.

Saffron has performed vocals for The Prodigy's "Fuel My Fire", worked with The Cure, appearing on the single "Just Say Yes" from their Greatest Hits album and she also collaborated with Junkie XL for his 2003 album

This is the second act L Fest has released after the popular announcement of Heather Peace who will headline the festival on Sunday July 17th.

Festival Director Cindy Edwards commented " We are delighted to add Saffron to the Line up as she is such a strong female singer songwriter and a great gay icon from the 90's. She has been so supportive of our work that I can't wait to work alongside her in promoting the festival. She has sold millions of albums worldwide so to get her at L Fest is fantastic. She will be performing with front woman of Auxesis Mel Sanson and I cannot wait for them to rock the stage on Saturday16th!

We are currently selling second tier tickets at £99, but these are expected to sell out within the next month as we saw a huge rise in sales after the Heather Peace announcement. The next tier price will be £110, and £120 on the door so the sooner you buy the more discount you get.

HEATHER PEACE To Headline L FEST 2016!

Heather Peace will headline the festival closing the music stage on Sunday 17th July 2016. Heather is the first of many announcements that L Fest have up their sleeve for 2016. 

L Fest, The UK's only lesbian festival have announced their headliner for 2016. After teasing us all with their much anticipated February 29th Leap Year release date we can now confirm that one of the most iconic lesbian music stars will be headliner at their event - introducing Heather Peace!

Heather released her debut album, Fairytales, in 2012 and The Thin line in June 2014.  As well as headlining at L Fest she is releasing her new EP 'Come Home', a European and a full band UK Tour are also planned 2016. She is well known for her work as an actress for 20 years, starring in TV shows like London’s Burning, Ultimate Force, Lip Service and Prey, Heather left her leading role in BBC One drama Waterloo Road in 2014, to fully commit to her flourishing music career.
Over the last three years, Heather has performed four sell out UK tours with her full band as well as four sell-out solo acoustic tours. She’s headlined London Pride, performed with her idol Alison Moyet and played shows with KT Tunstall, Rebecca Ferguson, Deacon Blue and Brian May. Internationally, she’s twice sold out tours across Australia as well as headlining the world famous Sydney Mardi Gras Fair Day.

We spoke to the festival director Cindy Edwards and asked her about the line up for this year: "We were delighted to secure Heather Peace for 2016, she's a name that keeps coming up in our feedback surveys so we are very excited to get her on board this year. Heather is the start of our roll out campaign for artists this year. We have many more big announcements to come over the next few months and 2016 ticket sales are already proving that this is going to be an exciting year!"

Check out a little personal hello to L Festers from Heather Peace here: https://youtu.be/ShArmtTydZc

For all details of L Fest and their Spanish festival, L Fest Del Mar May 20-27th, see the wesbite www.lfest.co.uk 

Stooshe To Play at L Fest 2015!

L Fest 2015 are proud to announce that STOOSHE have joined the festival’s already amazing line up! 

This trio of London lasses are a vocal sensation, breaking onto the music scene in 2012 with the emergence of their first single, ‘Love Me’. After being placed in the UK top 40 for over 16 weeks with their enormous hit ‘Black Heart,’ the song received a nomination for ‘Best British Single’ at the 2013 Brit Awards. 

The festival boasts an increasing level of excited attendees, all of which are counting down the days until L ­Day. If you’re looking for an event which hosts thriving music artists, classic cabaret, priceless comedy, fun sports, insightful workshops and of course, women, then this is without doubt the weekend for you. 

With a combination of all of this, including these feisty three, the exceptionally talented Lucy Spraggan alongside many other incredible acts and just three weeks to go till the festival, well, you’d be mad not to buy your a ticket here:  www.lfest.co.uk/tickets