Queer on the Pier is back with a gold star line-up

Queer On The Pier is back on Saturday 16 September. Sharon Rhodes interviews the organiser, Wayne Shires of Trinity Townhouse, whose baby it is, to tell us more about himself and the fabulous event coming up in mid September.

Sharon: So Wayne I believe you’ve been in Hastings five years. What led you to Hastings and where were you before?

Wayne: I was in London all my life running LGBTQ+ clubs of huge capacity and I fell in love with Hastings whilst spending time at Camber Sands. I love the creativity and quirkiness of the town and made Hastings my home by opening my LGBTQ+ bar Trinity Townhouse which is in Claremont and The Fountain On Queens which I had for four years. It’s so therapeutic living by the sea in such an inclusive community.

Sharon: So can you tell me what’s happening this year at Queer On The Pier as I believe you’re rather excited about it?

Wayne: Yes I’ve been coordinating the line up and have some fabulous acts coming like drag act Elektra Fence who’s local and Choriza May, we’ve got The Fabulous Red Diesel and Kat Lee Ryan with daughter Skye Lee Ryan, DJ Tasty Tim, our very own Matt Adore, plus loads more, but this year we’ve gone all out and are literally ecstatic about welcoming Drag Syndrome who are a five-piece drag troupe of kings and queens who have Downs Syndrome!

Sharon: Wayne this is so close to my heart and I love what you’re doing here. Our brothers and sisters with the extra angel chromosome who know love and only love will be taking the stage. Is it right that Drag Syndrome were performing at Glastonbury this year?

Wayne: Yes and they are fresh back from Berlin too, which is why they’ve confirmed late, but we’ve now finalised all the details!

Sharon: And please tell us about your choice to include a local charity on the day and why you’ve done this?

Wayne: I’ve been following Drag Syndrome for ages and also let’s be honest here that you and I have become very good friends lately and you told me of your historical links with Mencap here in Hastings with your grandparents being the founders of the Frimley Day Centre in London Road, St Leonards. Then we learn that they are currently building a theatre arts studio and have a £400k target to reach before completion so felt the calling that they needed to be a part of Queer On The Pier and I decided to make them our designated charity this year!

Sharon: That’s fabulous! – and will Mencap be present on the day?

Wayne: They are coming en masse! The whole community are coming with their carers and families in Mencap T Shirts and buckets to shake and card readers. They are so excited to meet Drag Syndrome and they are anxious to raise funds for their studio to be completed so they then can learn theatrical skills here in Hastings. You never know they may even be so inspired on the day that Hastings and Bexhill Mencap will form their own local drag troupe when the studio is completed.

Sharon: So what’s the score with booking tickets and tables?

Wayne: We have a few tiers available starting with general admission, then silver tables for up to 6 people or gold VIP tables near the front and Prosecco and water included plus VIP bar and VIP facilities – see the bottom of this article for the direct link to buy tickets. We also have under 16 special tickets available and we can arrange discounts for community groups and large groups of friends.

Sharon: That’s so kind Wayne so if anyone wants to attend but are struggling you could help!

Wayne: Yes we would like to make this accessible to all and will help where we can.

Sharon: You really are pulling out all the stops this year and our LGBTQ+ plus community, friends and allies are so excited to be coming to this fabulous event. It’s so refreshing that you are recognising the need for this event to be accessible to all. We’re honoured to have you as part of our community here in Hastings and thanks for all you do. It’s been a pleasure chatting to you!

Wayne: Thanks Sharon and I’ll see you there on our iconic pier next Saturday for a great day of celebration!

Queer On The Pier is on Hastings Pier on Saturday 16 September from 2–10pm. Buy your tickets in advance here.
A special price is available for community groups and large groups – please email Sharon to arrange a discount.
You can find out more on the Queer on the Pier website, or visit the Facebook page.

Also in: One Long Party

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