Caroline Barry has been gallivanting around Nottingham for all the incredible gay and gay-adjacent events this month...
The magic of Christmas is almost here and I am preparing to make my annual pilgrimage back to West Cork for the holidays.
It’s been a busy month with an explosion of Christmas markets across Nottingham. The Nottingham 20s and 30s group did a round walking tour of five markets last weekend. Supporting indie businesses and crafters makes all the difference this time of year. I’ve been Christmas shopping since July (I know) and trying to make this the year that I stop supporting big business and buying into Christmas waste. I’m trying to skip the glitter, wrapping paper and cards this year in a bid to be more eco focused. Highlight of the Christmas market run had to be the zine fair at Carousel in Sneinton showcasing a collection of different print artists. The Etsy market returned to Nottingham this year with some of the town’s best makers. I have to say, while the stalls showcased some amazing work, it was almost impossible to get close enough to buy due to the crowds.
It’s hard to believe it’s the almost end of not just 2019, but an actual decade. I’m coming close to a personal first as well - over five years in one city. I have a tendency to move around from city to city and not to mention I’ve lived in three countries. I moved here in 2012 to undertake a PhD in Politics and stayed. What’s not to love? This is the perfect place for music, arts and our gay scene is flourishing. I am amazed at how many LGBT events there are now. I started this column with a view to highlighting events that weren’t always publicised. I have always wanted to make it easier for LGBT+ people to find support, ways to socialise and to create a community. I’m happy that for the past year, I’ve been able to do that through this column, my writing for LeftLion and also, helping to run the Nottingham 20s and 30s group on Facebook. I’m looking forward to setting up a LGBT+ book club with herself in the new year. In fact, I’m incredibly proud of the things I’ve achieved this year including the launch of a line of bags with Leicester based brand Zatchels to help raise money for York Pride. I’ve also just finished a competition in association with The Hello Cup to give away some menstrual cups on Instagram. Ten years ago, I would not have thought any of this to be possible. I’m so proud of myself. I cannot wait to see what happens next year but it’s already looking like it’s going to be a cracking start to the twenties.
So what else is in December?
I’m excited for some gay cinema. I strongly suggest getting a ticket to Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Contemporary on the 4th. Not only are the wonderful crew of DirtyFilthySexy performing alongside the screening but new Nottingham-based make up brand Depixym will be in attendance for a bit of a play. Reel Equality are back on the 8th with a screening of the intense but brilliant The Tale at Broadway. It’s worth noting that due to the nature of the film, there will be a safe space for anyone struggling with the topic of sexual abuse and rape. On the same night, Glee Club hosts the glittery Christmas edition of the Gilded Merkin. I am excited to see Juno Birch, a transgender artist who will be joining the talented crew for a very festive special.
I’m gutted to be missing DirtySexyFilthy’s new queers eve this year as I head off to Paris for a few days. I fly from Ireland to London, London to Paris in one day so I’m expecting to feel completely exhausted but I’m already picturing the wine, pastries and cheese. Have a very merry Christmas and an extremely gay new year readers. See you next decade!
December
4th - Hedwig and the angry inch screening and live drag. Nottingham Contemporary
7th- Small and indie business craft fair trail
7th - Craft in the city Christmas indie market. Waterstones
7th - Minor Oak Christmas market. Sneinton Market
7th - Festive board games meet up. The Dice Cup
8th - Nottingham makers and vintage Christmas market. Nonsuch studios
8th - The Gilded Merkin. The Glee Club
8th - PRIDE screening. Broadway Cinema
8th - The Tale screening. Reel Equality. Broadway cinema
9th - Christmas Trashfic. Jam Cafe
14th - Women got talent comedy night. Rough Trade
14th - The Wizard of Oz. Broadway Cinema
17th - Drag Bingo. Rough Trade.
20th- It’s a Wonderful Life. Broadway Cinema
20th - Tommy. Broadway Cinema
21st - Scream Queens Christmas Show. The New Forresters
24th - Christmas Eve party. The New Forresters
26th - Boxing Day Karaoke. The New Forresters
31st - New Queers Eve. DirtyFilthySexy. Nottingham Contemporary
31st - New Years Eve party. The New Forresters
January
20th - The Magnificent Nina West Show. The Glee Club
21st - Drag Bingo. Rough Trade
26th - Beat the Street. Various venues
30th- Autoethnography of Class, Ethneticity and Gender. Five Leaves Bookshop
February
13th- Miz Cracker. The Glee Club
18th - Drag Bingo. Rough Trade.
22nd - DirtySexyFilthy. Rough Trade.
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