Happy Valley Pride 2018

Up in the hills, only a half an hour’s train ride from Manchester, there’s a revolution going on. Happy Valley Pride in Hebden Bridge is back for the third year and the theme is revolution.

The week long festival has something for everyone from legendary club night Duckie coming to Yorkshire for the first time, internationally renowned cabaret stars, art exhibition, big day out party, our own Kate O’Donnell, patron Peter Tatchell as well as the now legendary pink picnic with pooch show. 

It’s your first year at the helm, how are you finding it?

It’s full on but I’m enjoying it. Last year I programmed the festival, booking all the acts, which is a massive job. I wasn’t here for the first year but everyone has said to me that it was a leap up last year. I think it’s important to keep growing. 

Getting Duckie to come to Yorkshire is a massive coup. I just want to keep the quality going. Next year we are looking at holding it two weeks earlier as we realised that we clash with the Edinburgh Fringe which is where a lot of the acts we want perform. As long as the school holidays have started I don’t see a problem. We could find that the acts will use our festival as a try out for Edinburgh.

What do you bring to the fold?

I worked at the Soho Theatre for seven years and have experience in programming comedy and cabaret. My niche is edgy queer cabaret. I still manage acts. I am interested in queer arts which drew my interest in Happy Valley Pride.

What lessons have been learnt?

We recognise that everybody is a volunteer and that we probably need to start looking at getting funding. We’re also taking a gamble on the weather, people will have to wear ponchos if it rains. The only event that wouldn’t go ahead would be the picnic and dog show, we’d have to cancel that.

What three events are you looking forward to this year?

Camille O’Sullivan – she is an Irish/French star who performs internationally, at places like the Sydney Opera House and Royal Festival Hall. She is called the Queen of the Fringe by the BBC when she’s in Edinburgh. 

The Big Day Out – we didn’t feel last year’s mix gelled quite as much as it could, so this year we’re focusing on good bands.

Ursula Martinez – she is a lesbian comedian performance artist and has won Olivier Awards.

What has been the best feedback?

That the tone is one of camaraderie and the quality of the acts is great, that we are upbeat and inclusive.

Who would be your dream performer?

Oh definitely Perfumed Genius

Where would you like to be in five years’ time?

To be known as the alternative Pride. We definitely aim to be bigger and whilst it’s important to do something for the town, we want to encourage LGBT people and supporters to come here. It makes it more interesting.

What is the reaction of the town?

Amazing. All the shops decorate the windows and are very supportive and positive. Last year on the Saturday morning I was walking around and people were calling me over and saying “Look at our window”. 

Hebden Bridge is an alternative town and it is a natural fit but that isn’t to say that it’s perfect, the other night I was sat with friends outside a bar and people made homophobic comments. That is the reason why we started, after the founders saw some homophobic graffiti in the town. We have seen a positive response to youth engagement that we have done. 

Tell me about this year’s theme?

It is about revolutionaries.  We had an away weekend earlier this year to brainstorm ideas and this was the one all the trustees were excited about. It’s about recognising our history but also that there is work to be done. It’s good to see that kids are having an easier time than we had fifteen years ago.

Happy Valley Pride runs from 6th to 12th August in Hebden Bridge. For all information, please visit link below.

By Chris Park for Canal St Online

Published: 26-Jul-2018: (5001)