Tag Archives: Aberration

Aberration x Queer Diary

Aberration, Archive, LGBT, , , , , ,

13 July 2023, Bank Vault bar, Aberystwyth. 6pm doors, 7pm start

The popular Queer Diary night from ‘That London’ is on tour – and they’re coming to Aberystwyth especially for Aberration! People, get ready!

Ad for Queer Diary reads: Live teenage diary readings from live grown-up queers plus cringey poetry, GCSE artwork, thirsty fanfic and throwback soundtrack.

Would You Read Your Teenage Diary Aloud To A Room Full Of People?

A brave group of LGBTQIA+ folk are doing just that at Queer Diary – the night where queers share our teen angst (and joy, dreams, follies, and fabulousness). We can’t promise to reunite you with your first crush, but we do aim to reignite that rush of adrenaline you got when they first noticed you.  

In here the goths, the punks, the emos, the nerds, the glee-clubbers (and maybe a few populars?) come together as grown-ups, to escape cis-het-normativity by sharing our younger selves’ innermost thoughts via old diary entries, fanfiction stories, tumblr posts, and possibly the odd bit of cringey poetry!

Quick links:

Mae croeso i chi ddarllen yn Gymraeg – rhowch wybod i ni pan fyddwch yn cofrestru, a chrynhowch yn Saesneg ar ddechrau neu ddiwedd eich darlleniad os yn bosibl plis.

If your contribution is not in English – whether it’s in Welsh or another language – please let us know when signing up so we can facilitate your reading. It would be great if you could summarise in English if possible at the start or end of your reading.

Note: If you have registered to read then you don’t need to book a ticket. If you incur expenses you can claim them back from Queer Diary.

Don’t want to read? Come and listen!
We need an audience!

Please book if you possibly can, so that the fabulous Queer Diary presenter and producer, Beth and Josie, can share details with you!

TICKETS: Pay what you can – between zilch and £12 depending on your circumstances. Book via OutSavvy here >>

Poster for Queer Diary at Aberration featuring image of Beth Watson as host.

ACCESS: Ground floor bar. Wheelchair access by side door which bar staff will need to open for you. Let us know if you would like us to meet you outside at a specific time to make this easier. (Email aberrationcymru@gmail.com) There are two unisex toilets. We are sorry but the toilets are not accessible by wheelchair.

Ethos

This is an LGBTQIA+ themed night, and all open-minded folk are welcome. Trans and non-binary people are of course very much part of our rainbow at both Aberration and Queer Diary. Straight allies are welcome in the audience too.

Please note this event is themed around memories of teenage years gone by, and is aimed at adult audiences.

See you there! Edrych ymlaen!

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Aberration goes to town with Mike Parker

Aberration, Archive, LGBT, , , , ,

Reading and telling tales from his books and his colourful past!

Thurs 29 June 2023 Doors open 6pm for bar and chat, onstage around 7pm

Venue: Bank Vault bar, 1 New Street, Aberystwyth

Mike Parker by Ming de Nasty

Writer, broadcaster and friend of Aberration, Mike Parker, will read from his new book All the Wide Border – in which he walks the borderlands between Cymru and England. Mike also has some tales up his sleeve especially for the Aberration audience. Would you like to hear about when Mike met Lily Savage, when he kissed Dana International (the first trans Eurovision winner), when he admired the Cerne Abbas Giant (giant by name and giant by endowment), or just how he got his very gay house? Mike will entertain us with as many of these encounters as he has time for!

Mike is a fascinating and entertaining speaker, a witty wanderer who has queered travel writing and psycho-geography for the 21st century.

He is also an activist for Welsh independence and LGBTQ+ rights. In his previous book, On the Red Hill, Mike rewrote the history of the past 50 years via the heritage of his own house and the gay couple who lived there before. And before that, he stood for parliament and wrote about it in The Greasy Poll.

Mike previously co-wrote the first edition of The Rough Guide, came out as a Map Addict, and sailed round Wales in the TV series Coast to Coast (by boat) and Great Welsh Roads (by van).

About the night

Everyone is welcome at this edition of Aberration yn y Dre / Aberration Goes to Town. Just turn up on the night at the Bank Vault bar (1 New Street, Aberystwyth). We have an LGBTQ+ ethos, with trans people very much included. But you don’t have to be queer to be here – straight and cisgender people are welcome too. Just bring an open mind.

Come early from 6pm to get a good seat and have a drink and a chat. Free entry but please buy drinks to support our lovely venue – and bring some cash to get a personally signed copy of the book for yourself or a friend. Plus donation box for AllOut charity.

ACCESS: Ground floor bar. Wheelchair access by side door which bar staff will need to open for you. Let us know if you would like us to meet you outside at a specific time to make this easier. (Email aberrationcymru@gmail.com) There are two unisex toilets. We are sorry but the toilets are not accessible by wheelchair.

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Aberration Goes to Town with VG Lee

Aberration, Archive, LGBT, Women, , , ,

16/5/23 Bank Vault, Aberystwyth

Cyffrous! Aberration yn y Dre efo VG Lee!

<THIS EVENT IS IN THE PAST>

The author and comedian VG Lee is coming to town for Aberration on 16 May at the Bank Vault bar!

The brilliant novelist and short story writer VG Lee is coming all the way from Hastings to entertain us. Venue: Bank Vault bar, 1 New Street, Aberystwyth.

This event is FREE. No booking. Arrive from 6pm when the Bank Vault bar opens for a great range of craft beers, wine, spirits and superior soft drinks!

Please support this lovely venue by buying drinks ???????????????? And please bring cash too, to buy signed books from our special guest. She will be onstage around 7pm.

—–

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST: VG LEE

VG Lee (aka Val) is an author and comedian. She’s written five novels and two collections of short stories, the latest being Oh You Pretty Thing (Tollington, 2019).

Past books are: The Comedienne, The Woman in Beige, Diary of a Provincial Lesbian, As You Step Outside, Always You Edina, and Mr Oliver’s Object of Desire – runner up for the YLVA Publishing Literary Prize for Fiction 2017. Val was long-listed for the BBC National Short Story Award 2022. She is a judge for both the Polari Book Prize and The Hastings Book Festival Short Story Prize.

VG Lee also writes for newspapers and magazines including The Guardian, Diva and The Lady. She embarked on a stand-up comedy career just when other people might be planning their retirement – and made it to the finals of Hackney Empire’s New Act of the Year.

VG Lee is an old friend of the Aberration organisers and we are absolutely delighted she is coming to Aberystwyth especially for our fabulous audience. Be there! Edrych ymlaen!

Website: https://www.vg-lee.com/

Next events

Also in our Aberration Goes to Town series: 29 June Mike Parker, 13 July Queer Diary.

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‘A Home for My Heart’ film

Aberration, Archive, Film, LGBT, , , , , ,

THIS EVENT HAS NOW PASSED

2.30pm Sunday 26 March, Aberystwyth Arts Centre: WOW Film Festival matinee

Come and watch A Home for My Heart, a sensitive documentary portrait of Suvana Sudeb, an Indian trans woman – her life with her family, friends, lover and fellow activists. Hour-long film directed by Sankhajit Biswas. Plus short.

After the film, Helen Sandler of Aberration will be chairing a Q&A in which the star and director will beam in from India to answer your questions!

Find out more and book your tickets at Aberystwyth Arts Centre >>

Full festival programme >>

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History Month ’23 Calendar

Aberration, Film, LGBT, , , , , ,

Events in Cymru for ‘Long LGBTQ+ History Month’ involving Aberration or Queer Tales from Wales

March 2023 – Book now!

Tuesday 7 March, 5pm, National Library, Aberystwyth.
Queer Tales from Wales present ‘A Moral Amazon: The Story of Miss Amy Dillwyn’. A novelist, industrialist and cigar smoker, Miss Dillwyn also loved her friend Olive with all her heart. ? https://www.library.wales/visit/things-to-do/events

Sun 26 March, 2.30pm, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberration will be part of a screening at WOW Festival of A Home for My Heart. This kind and moving documentary follows Suvana Sudeb, an Indian trans woman, through the ups and downs of life with family, friends, lover and comrades. With Q&A.
https://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/cinema/wow-home-my-heart-15-short-film-mirrors

February 2023 (past events)

Sun 12 Feb, 12 noon, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.
LezDiff celebrates History Month with films, talks and performances. Queer Tales appear with both ‘Queen of the Lake’ and ‘A Moral Amazon: The Story of Miss Amy Dillwyn’. Also on the bill are our friends Behind the Lines and Norena Shopland.
https://lezdiff.org/lgbtq-history-month-event/

Sat 18 Feb, 2.30pm, Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
Aberration presents: Proud Writing Workshop with Norena Shopland – writing from history. Book early, limited to 15 places.

Sat 18 Feb, 7pm, Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
Aberration presents Dreaming Up the Past: Exciting evening of film, art, music and drama. With Cerys Hafana, Amy Daniel, Sarah-Joy Ford, Lost Knitters + Cranogwen.
https://www.aberration.org.uk/dreaming-up-the-past-18-2-23/

Thurs 23 Feb, 6pm, Conwy Museums & Archives.
Queer Tales from Wales present ‘Two Welshmen in Rome’ – the dramatised story of renowned sculptor John Gibson & his special friend Penry Williams. https://conwylibraries.com/events/out-and-about-lgbtq-history-month-celebration-event

Dreaming Up The Past

Aberration, Archive, LGBT, , , , ,

Bringing LGBTQ+ histories to life

Our tenth LGBTQ+ History Month! At Aberystwyth Arts Centre on 18 February 2023. Workshop, cafe, and evening event.

Supported by Aberystwyth University & National Library of Wales

Workshop

Please note: Proud Writing Workshop with Norena Shopland at 2pm has now sold out.

Dinner

5.30 to 6.30pm: All welcome to eat together in the Aberystwyth Arts Centre Café – pay as you go. Let us know if you want us to reserve a place in our space by emailing aberrationcymru@gmail.com

Dreaming Up the Past – The main event!

Tocynnau >> Tickets >> £10 / £8

Take your seats from 6.45pm with a welcome at 7pm from your host Helen Sandler.

Cerys Hafana – live music

Cerys Hafana (by Heledd Wynn)

Cerys Hafana is top of the bill! Cerys is a composer and multi-instrumentalist from Machynlleth who mangles, mutates, and transforms traditional music. She explores the creative possibilities and unique qualities of the triple harp, and is also interested in found sounds, archive materials and electronic processing. Her latest release, Edyf, was Folk Album of the Month in the Guardian.

Especially for Aberration, Cerys has created ‘Queer as Folk’, by interviewing other LGBTQ+ musicians from around the UK and will be playing clips from these interviews as well as singing and playing live for us. A work in progress that has never been heard before!

“Cerys Hafana’s sound is simultaneously ancient in feel and yet impossibly, intriguingly modern. It is also in a field of its own; there is nothing else quite like this” – folkradio.co.uk

“Raw power” – Songlines

“A master of the Welsh triple harp… Hafana also sings movingly, her high voice like an indie-pop soprano shorn of its sweetness.” – Guardian

Behind the Lens – film and Q&A

Ysbrydion

Screening of Ysbrydion (Spirits) (Welsh with English subtitles), a stunning new short documentary by award-winning film director Amy Daniel. The film features four people sharing their experiences of growing up LGBTQ+ in rural Wales, imaginatively projected into the landscape. Followed by a panel discussion with Amy and participants.

Beloved – lesbian art

Sarah-Joy Ford

Sarah-Joy Ford will talk about her 2022 solo show Beloved: Crafting Intimacies with the Ladies of Llangollen at Plas Newydd. Created after a period of residency, the site-specific embroidered intervention was inspired by the deep and lifelong intimate relationship between the Ladies and the extraordinary home that they created together from 1780.

Sarah-Joy Ford is an artist researcher working with textiles to explore the complexities and pleasures of queer communities, histories and archives.

Tocynnau >> Tickets >>

The Lost Knitters of Tregaron – live theatre

Ruth Fowler as Cranogwen

The Lost Knitters take time out from their hard lives gathering wool, spinning and knitting to tell the story of their lives. Times are changing and they gossip about two local girls who cross-dress and have been immortalised in the street-corner ballad ‘Wel Lanciau’. 

Then Sarah-Jane Rees – often known by her bardic name Cranogwen – visits to answer their questions. Wondering what to do with your life? Cranogwen has the answer!

Cranogwen (1839-1916) was a writer, sailor, lecturer, and editor of the women’s magazine Y Frythones. Her relationships with women sustained and inspired her. She comes back to life this evening for your edification and delight.

Donations

Please bring cash for donations to AllOut, the international campaigning network that supports LGBTQ+ people wherever their rights and safety are threatened.

Croeso cynnes

All welcome. The evening is suitable for adults and young people interested in LGBTQ+ lives and history. Aberration is a trans-positive space. Event partly in English, partly in Welsh with English subtitles. The venue has good disabled access.

Book now!

Tickets >>

Tocynnau >>

Cefnogir gan / Supported by

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Cabarration Returns!

Aberration, Archive, LGBT, ,

19/11/22 Cabarration: Aberration’s sparkling LGBT+ cabaret night storms back onto the stage at Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Comedy, music, dance, drag kings and more! All welcome. £14 (£10 concessions).

Tocynnau >> // Tickets on sale now from Aberystwyth Arts Centre >>

Starring: Sian Davies, Welsh Ballroom Community, Mr Brake Down, Misha & The Kings, Jane Campbell… plus raffle and surprises, all hosted by Helen Sandler.

ARTISTS

Sian Davies (by Andy Hollingworth)

Sian Davies is a comedian, MC, presenter and writer from the North West of England. We loved her show at L Fest and are delighted she accepted our invitation to come to Aberystwyth for Cabarration! Sian’s droll observational material puts an insightful spin on the everyday. She is the driving force behind sell out fringe phenomenons Best in Class and Comedy Queers. She is working class and queer, and fiercely proud of belonging to both communities.

“A very funny observational stand-up … imagine a queer Peter Kay with more emotional literacy and a quiff like young Morrissey.”

Welsh Ballroom Community

Welsh Ballroom Community put on a stunning show of dancing and voguing at the National Eisteddfod and we are thrilled that some of the troupe will be with us at Cabarration. You may have heard of queer ballroom culture via Drag Race or the TV drama Pose, or perhaps you are sufficiently seasoned to remember the 80s documentary Paris is Burning and the dancers in Madonna’s Vogue. But now, the revival has reached Cymru! The Welsh Ballroom Community has received international recognition since its creation in Cardiff during lockdown in 2020. Founded by Leighton Rees and supported by Kyle London Tisci from The Impeccable Haus Of Tisci, the community has evolved into a vibrant celebration of queer identity in Wales. Aberystwyth, get ready!

Read more: https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/55897/1/welsh-ballroom-community-scene-leighton-wall

Instagram: @welshballroomcommunity

Misha & The Kings

Misha and the Kings are a fabulous Aberystwyth four-piece rock band, ready to whisk you away to escapism in its truest form! They have firmly put their stamp on a few classics, sprinkled with their own brand of energy, attitude and sparkle. Expect to be surprised, expect to get dancing. Their recent gigs at Bank Vault proved they are not to be missed. Special guest appearance, Doja Deluxe. Facebook >>

Jane Campbell

Jane Campbell (known to her friends as Maj) is a familiar face to Aberration audiences after wowing us with her spoken-word performances before lockdown. Now she’s back with some spellbinding new work, having recently won the 2022 Disability Arts Cymru creative writing award. In 2021, Jane also won the Geoff Stevens Memorial Poetry Prize with her debut collection Slowly as Clouds published by Indigo Dreams:   www.indigodreamspublishing.com/jane-campbell

Jane’s poem ‘The Gardener’ was featured on BBC Wales programme Giants in the Sky, and she performed at the first-ever Powys Pride this summer. For the past twenty years, Jane has lived happily in a handmade home as part of an off-grid community in West Wales.

https://janecampbellpoetry.wixsite.com/mysite Insta jane_campbell_poet Twitter @maj_ikle

Mr Brake Down

Mr Brake Down is an AFAB drag king originally from Cardiff, who now resides in the beautiful city of Chester. When he’s not charming crowds with impersonations of obscure celebrities like Tom Waits and Joe Exotic, Brake can be found sporting sinister gothic fashions, glitzy showbiz get-ups and singing his heart out to lively crowds. Whether it’s comedy, hosting, music or merriment, Mr Brake Down has exactly what you need to drag up your life. 

Instagram: @mrbrakedown  Web: https://mrbrakedownbooking.wixsite.com/mrbrakedown 

TICKETS

Host Helen Sandler

Book your tickets now – limited numbers for this once-only show. Suggested age 16+ as there may be some adult material in our fabulous queer cabaret.

TICKETS: https://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/cy/music/cabarration-returns

ETHOS

Cabarration is a cabaret show to celebrate LGBTQIA* performers and community. As always, Aberration puts on welcoming and inclusive events, and aims for an anti-racist, trans-inclusive space, with good disabled access. Everyone is welcome as long as you love the big rainbow umbrella as much as we do! So in answer to a question we get asked, yes our straight friends and audience are very welcome. And so are those who are still unsure or don’t like labels. Do bring your friends and family and do have a great night!**

* lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual.

** Mwahhh we love you all dahhhlings!

Tickets >>

Summer Sizzlers

Aberration, Archive, LGBT, , , , ,

Aberration Summer Sizzlers:
Queer History Walk & Beach Picnic
Sat 20/8/22

Dewch i ymuno â ni – dau digwyddiad gwych yn Aber!

TWO GREAT EVENTS ON 20 AUGUST 2022

EVENING

BEACH PICNIC – JUST TURN UP!

7pm onwards on Aberystwyth South Beach near The Hut refreshment stand – look out for the rainbow flags and join the fun! Just turn up (no booking). Bring your own picnic. All LGBTQ+ people and their supportive friends and families welcome. If you are under 16 then your parent or carer needs to be with you.

Join the Facebook event page for updates >>

AFTERNOON

QUEER HISTORY WALK – SOLD OUT!

Manylion (Cymraeg) >> Wedi gwerthu allan!

Profits to AllOut – the grassroots campaigning charity for LGBT+ people worldwide.

Meet 2.30pm at The Bank Vault bar, 1 New Street, Aberystwyth for a guided walk around the town led by Jane Hoy of Aberration & Queer Tales from Wales. Fascinating stories of the queer history of Aber and the people who lived and worked here.

More info>>

Aberration Pride

Aberration, Archive, LGBT,
  • Rhys’s Pieces
  • Shelf Comedy
  • Dean Atta
  • Zoey Allen

7pm Saturday 18 July 2020 online

Aberration Pride: A great night in for the LGBT+ community of Mid Wales and our friends! Music, comedy, drag, spoken word, speakers, contests, dancing + more…

This fab sold-out event is now over and is included here as part of our archive.

>>TICKETS: EVENTBRITE>>

After running a series of low-key Aberration Adre (Aberration at Home) events, we are delighted to announce the first-ever Aberration Pride! Cyffrous!

Author Mike Parker will open the event followed by amazing acts including gender-bending lip-sync from Rhys’s Pieces, queer comedy from Shelf, spoken word from Dean Atta, music from Zoey Allen, Toby Carvery’s Good Dog Show, and the return of the cult quiz ‘Who Wants to Win Three Quid When This Is All Over?’ with Ruth Fowler (who co-hosts the evening with Helen Sandler and Jane Hoy).

We will hear inspiring words about Pride and LGBT+ rights from activists including Laolu Alatise, Aled Gustafson and Kate Rose. We also hope to hear from friends in Poland.

>>TICKETS: EVENTBRITE>>

  • Laolu Alatise
  • Aled Gustafson
  • Kate Rose

Pride from your sofa

Take part or take a back seat, but take pride! There’ll be a Virtual Pride March and lots of chances for you to have a bop.

We’re showcasing artists and speakers from near and far. And if you’ve never managed to travel to Aberystwyth for Aberration, now’s your chance to ‘be part of the queer arts scene that’s taking Mid Wales by storm’. (DIVA)

Bring your dog (real or stuffed) for a chance to enter Toby’s Good Dog Show

>>TICKETS: REGISTER HERE>>

Please join us at Aberration Pride! Tickets are free on Eventbrite but we’ll be suggesting good causes for you to make donations if you can afford it. You’ll see instructions for how to get the Zoom link after you register. See you soon! Edrych ymlaen!

You can also join the Facebook event page to stay in the loop >>

~ Spirit of Aberration ~

Come along in the spirit of Aberration – queer arts, activism, community and diversity. We are (of course) trans-inclusive and anti-racist. You are welcome whether you are lesbian, gay or bi, trans, genderqueer or non-binary, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual… or an open-minded ally! This online event is aimed at people aged 16+ and includes adult themes.