London’s multi award-winning LGBTQ+ literary salon comes to Hull for Pride weekend and a night of comedy and storytelling.
Inspired by the gay slang of the same name, Polari is a celebration of LGBTQ+ words and voices – whether written, spoken or sung. The salon also runs The Polari Prize awards – the UK’s book awards for LGBTQ+ writing.
Founded in 2007 by author Paul Burston, Polari has appeared at the Southbank Centre, The British Library and at book festivals, bars, museums, nightclubs and theatres across the UK and beyond.
“Always fun, always thought - provoking, a guaranteed great night out!” - Sarah Waters
Hosted by author Paul Burston with special guests Louise Beech, Barbara Brownskirt, VG Lee and Kostya Tsolakis.
7pm for 7.30pm start. There is a full bar service available at this event.
Paul Burston's books include We Can Be Heroes, The Closer I Get, Shameless and The Gay Divorcee.
Louise Beech's books include Seventeen Seconds and The Lion Tamer Who Lost (which was nominated for The Polari Prize)
Barbara Brownskirt is poet-in-residence at the 197 bus stop in Penge. She is the comedy character creation of author Karen McLeod.
VG Lee is the author of five novels and two short story collections including Always You, Edina and Oh You Pretty Thing.
Kostya Tsolakis's poetry collection, Greekling, is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation and was shortlisted for the 2024 Runciman Award.
Part of the Polari Prize National Showcase, funded by Arts Council England.