Only founded in 2022, QueerFest has been a remarkable success. A success at many levels, not least that they have made February a month to look forward to! A fabulous friend of Oasis, QueerFest are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community in Norwich and the surrounding areas, through facilitating arts and cultural events. We at The Oasis Times are delighted tell you about the upcoming QF events; but first some exciting news from BBC Norfolk, please read on Dear readers …………..
BBC Norfolk: That’s a Queer Ol’ Place. Did you know that, in the depths of Norwich Millennium Library, there is an archive dedicated to Norfolk’s LGBTQIA+ history? Working with Queer Norfolk, BBC Norfolk has produced five wonderful podcasts that bring some of these stories to life. We were delighted when Emma from the BBC approached us and invited members of Oasis to the BBC studios to share their memories of our very own Barbara Ross OBE. You can listen to the resulting programme, along with other queer stories, via BBC Sounds using this link. The programme on Barbara is Episode 4. For more information about the Queer Norfolk archive, head to www.queernorfolk.com.
QueerFest features events throughout February. Here we hightlight some of the events where you just may find your Editor In Chief skulking around …..
Sunday 1st Feb 2026 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Connect – Chat and Creativity. Enjoy a natter at the Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RQ in Norwich. Simply bring along yourself, some games (if you fancy) or just chill out in a safe and inclusive space. Find friends, be inspired, have a cuppa.
Thursday 5th to 14th Feb 2026 Open daily – The ‘Surface Tension’ art exhibition is a central focus of Queerfest 2026. The show will be held at St Margaret’s Gallery, St Margaret’s Church, St Benedicts Street, Norwich NR2 4TU. Work by our very own Andrea will be featured. This free event is a must see!
Tuesday 24th Feb 2026 5.30 to 8.30 pm– Queerfest on Film, in Partnership with Psychic Visions. Back for a fourth year, enjoy an evening of Queer films made by local film makers to be held at Norwich University of the Arts, Dukes Street, Norwich, NR3 3AJ . Brilliant, thought provoking and heart warming – these films will put a spring in your step!
Saturday 28th Feb 2026, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm – Queerfest Art & Makers Market, featuring Oasis!! Held at The Forum, Millennium Square, Norwich, NR2 1TF. Talented artists and makers will be selling a variety of handmade items, including art prints, ceramics, zines, clothing, original artwork, publications, risograph prints, sculptures, jewellery, textiles, entomology, much more plus our Oasis stall.
Hang out, help with the Oasis stall, rejoice in the amazing creativity.
To explore the full programme of QF art, performance and creative workshops and events, use this link. Please note some events are ticketed.
Saturday 14th Feb 2026 from 10:00 am to 4:00 – Queer Health Matters Conference by Suffolk Pride We are delighted to that Oasis will be front and centre at this exciting event in Ipswich. We will have a stall in the exhibition area and will be taking part in the panel discussions on the health needs of the Trans and Queer folk. This is an opportunity to meet with members of our wider community and to discuss your needs, and our biggest concerns in accessing health services. Come and join us atThe Hold, Suffolk Archives, 131 Fore St, Ipswich IP4 1LN, for a fun and informative day.
Celebrate February, enjoy the early signs of spring and rejoice that warm sunny days are just around the corner. Keep well, be good and we look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Much love.
Lilly xxx
oasis norfolk 