Doing it Proud for Love & Marriage - London Pride 2013

We've tried to focus this year on what Pride events offer women as traditionally lesbians and bi women have been invisible amongst the masses of events laid on or aimed at men.

With new organisers and a completely different approach to Pride, the March and the events put on for the community, there was a real opportunity to break away from Pride only being meaningful for a small section of the LGBT community.


This year, for the first time we had a Women's Stage (hosted by Candy Bar and supported by FindHrr with free entry).

This was a wonderful event and a great way to spend the day and be part of Pride, even if you don't enjoy marching.

We were treated to an extremely talented set of musicians, from rock to pop to folk. Highlights included:



Rita Payne, a duo who got us off to a fantastic buzzing start that took us into fast beated guitar, mellow harmonies and ending us on a smooth version of Michael Jackson's Billy Jean.

Woman_E brought bubbly Gaga-esque pop-tainment to the stage, getting everyone up and dancing and setting the tone for the remainder of the day.

Pyscho Delia retro-fied us to 80s poptasm with a day-glo performance of electric guitar and drums - and they certainly fired up the "man in the green t-shirt" who was clearly enjoying himself A LOT. Lara King did an amazing job of managing the hecklers and keeping the every growing crowd roaring for all the amazing acts.

N'Chyx

Lyrically Challenged perfection

The urban love was brought to us by Wolverhampton's cheeky N'Chyx who seduced the audience in style, and followed by the performance of the day from Lyrically Challenged Collective who's perfected performance left us with that "one love" that Pride is all about - on message and on point.

Comedy stylings and grace from host Lara King and a set from lesbian favourite Rosie Wilby ensured we chortled in between the music

Hosting the evening section of the stage, Adam All brought variety up a notice (see the photo for the full picture...) with a couple of numbers and introducing the last rocking act before DJ sets took over, The Cut Outs - 2 women, electric guitars - what more could a girl want?

Women were very well catered for in the official post March evening events taking place as well. Perhaps a little too well, as a range of 5-6 events meant some might have been stretched a bit too thin. 

Find all the photos here!

We attended Code at Green Carnation between 9pm - 1am and the Big Gay Bash after that. Both not as full as they could be, but still good to have a choice of events for both women only and mixed that encourage the Pride Party to continue to the wee hours. 

By Katie

Blue Monday: Live, Loud (and in your living room!)

Venue: Boogaloo, Highgate

Tickets & details: http://www.facebook.com/groups/155148977848781/?ref=ts

When: Every second Monday of the month, 7.30pm

Blue Monday is an amazing live music event run for lesbian and bi women but welcoming to all who are like minded. For those who don't live in London or who are housebound (don't spread your winter bugs!) fear not as this truly amazing night is streamed live, you can even watch previous events at your own convenience. If you prefer the live atmosphere the night is free to enter and drinks are pretty reasonable too. Blue Monday is hosted by Miri Hersh. She has an amazing team behind her to pull off this modern music medley.

 

Last night's set was chocker block with 8 acts due to the L Fest Takeover- for free entry, that was exceptional value

Mandy Woods kicked off the night with 'Don't wanna Run', with a slightly country vibe this was a catchy tune. Mandy will also be performing as her alter ego at L Fest in July. 

Next up was Fate Bagley who sang 'Army', a cover of The Cranberries 'Zombie ' and 'The Best Days of My Life' which is about L Fest. I challenge anyone not to rap their feet to that one!

Third up was Beth Prior who has been quoted as saying she plays music to keep herself sane! She sang 'Feel You', 'Nomad', 'Leaders' and 'Green Tea'.

Our next instalment was Mini Hersh with 'Barcelona', 'Blue Skies', a cover of 'Parachute' and 'make You Smile' which is inspired by nights out in Soho.

The fifth act wasn't so much an act as founder of L Fest Cindy giving the audience some information on L Fest and all it has to offer in 2013.

With three acts still to go I was amazed at the variety and talent of the acts so far. 

Xylaroo are a sister duo who together released some amazingly beautiful harmonies. They treated us to 'Track a Lackin', 'La Chaim Habibi', 'Pauline' and 'Man to Ape' which featured a part of King of the Swinger from The Jungle Book.

The next act was Jordan's Dead Roses who were described as Gothic Folk. 'Pomegranate Wine' led into 'Halloween', followed by 'Get Me Some Money Too' and 'I'm Your Man'.

The final act of the night was The Lyrically Challenged Collective, a hip hop group spreading positive vibes and messages. We got to hear their song 'Struggles' to which they have just completed the video, which is bring launched on 14 June at Passing Clouds in Dalston. They ended their set with 'Humans Unite'. This was a slightly toned down version of their music, normally set to a DJ, but tonight working with an acoustic guitar and some bear boxing.

If you missed this epic night (normally there are 4 or 5 acts each month) you can catch it online via Planet London's streaming page. Each event is also streamed live right on the website.

By Naomi