New LGBT residency full of passion, music and literature

Hosted by writer Paul Burston, Polari is a celebration of LGBT passion, literature and music which has attracted a devoted following since it began in November 2007, and is now settling in at new seaside home, the Printworks in Claremont, funded by Arts Council England.

Paul said: “We’ve had most of my favourite LGBT authors at Polari – Sarah Waters, Paul Bailey, Neil Bartlett, Ali Smith, Patrick Gale, Philip Hensher. Plus we’ve had special guest appearances by gay icons like Celia Imrie and Fenella Fielding and straight allies like Will Self. A typical night will feature a couple of ‘name’ writers plus new and emerging talent.

“The key thing to say about Polari is that it’s fun. I’ve been visiting Hastings regularly for about seven years now. My good friend VG Lee has lived here for 14 years, and I’ve taken full advantage of her hospitality. I love it here. “The Printworks is the perfect venue. It’s close to the station and has the right feel for a live literary event, particularly given the history of the building. Each month we’ll be showcasing a mixture of local talent and guest authors and poets from other parts of the country. We have some great writers and performers lined up for the coming months – singer David McAlmont, poets John McCullough and J Fergus Evans, journalists Ginny Dougary and Jane Czyzelska and authors including VG Lee, Neil Bartlett and Karen Mcleod. Tickets for the launch event have been selling fast, so I’m expecting a full house.”

The first Polari is on Tuesday June 30, from 7.30pm, and Paul will be joined by VG Lee, Neil Bartlett, Alice Denny, and Jonathan Broughton. Tickets cost £8, or £5 concessions, from Eventbrite or on the door. For more dates see www.polariliterarysalon.co.uk