Spice Up YOUR Life

With 2020 being a damp squib for LGBTQ+ travel and events, Alex Klineberg has pulled together a round-up which should add a splash of colour to your 2021

There’s a huge amount of pent-up demand, which will hopefully be unleashed in 2021. That vaccine better arrive soon, Madonna – I mean Moderna.

Lots of major LGBTQ+ events are set to go ahead next year. Clearly, we’re living in very strange times and some of these events may have to be rescheduled. But let’s assume the vaccine cavalry has arrived and 2021 won’t be cancelled.

We’ve gathered together the biggest destination events, from circuit parties in Palm Springs to London’s Mighty Hoopla. Here’s hoping lockdown will be a distant memory by the time you hit one of these...

White Party - Palm Springs

White Party – Palm Springs (April 2021)

Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party events are the US’s biggest gay circuit parties. Expect lots of shirtless men dancing all day and night in Palm Springs. The testosterone will be off the scale. There’ll be pool parties, club nights and more. Start doing sit-ups now. www.jeffreysanker.com/white-partypalm-springs/

DragFest – Ibiza (May 2021)

Klub Kids is responsible for some of the biggest and best drag events. Many Drag Race stars do their tours with Klub Kids. DragFest already hosts major shows in Manchester and London. The Ibiza event has recently been announced. Ibiza Rocks is the host hotel.

The full line-up will be Ruvealed soon. Todrick Hall, Shea Coulee and Miz Cracker are headlining the London event, so expect big names for Ibiza. www.twitter.com/DragFest_ibiza

Mighty Hoopla – London (June 2021)

Mighty Hoopla has become the gay Glastonbury. It’s a see and be seen event – no scene queen would miss it for the world. In 2019, the mighty Chaka Khan headlined. All Saints and Jamelia were also on the bill. The 2020 event was cancelled for obvious reasons. www.mightyhoopla.com

L Fest – Llandudno (July 2021)

L Fest

L Fest includes comedy, music, cabaret and parties. It will be taking place at Bodafon Farm. Cindy Edwards launched the event back in 2010. L Fest began as a sports weekend and evolved into a full-scale festival. You’ll be glamping in a very attractive setting – it’s close to the beach. They also have wood-fired pizza ovens so the food on offer should be pretty decent. Check out the pic of the iconic Toyah! www.lfest.co.uk

XLSIOR – Mykonos (August 2021)

Mykonos is, of course, the gay party destination of choice in Europe. It’s one of the most beautiful islands in the world. No influencer’s Insta grid is complete without several shots of them in Mykonos.

XLSIOR

XLSIOR takes place during the busiest time in peak season and usually starts at the Elysium Hotel. Around 30,000 people will attend – that’s three times the permanent population of the island. www.xlsiorfestival.com

ELLA Fest – Mallorca (August 2021)

The eighth edition of Ella Fest arrives in Mallorca in late August. Ella hosts lesbian festivals all over the world, from Mexico to Davos. We like the Mallorca one as it’s easier to get to and hotter than Switzerland. The full line-up is yet to be announced. D www.ellafestival.com

Dinah Shore Week – Palm Springs (August-September 2021)

The five-day Dinah Shore weekend is probably the world’s biggest lesbian party. The event is set to return in May or September 2021. The L Word Pool Party is one of the highlights. Expect club nights, top DJs, celebrity appearances and more.

Dinah Shore Week

Palm Springs has long been a big draw for LGBTQ+ Americans. It’s considered to be – in numerical terms – America’s gayest city. And if you’re into herstory: Greta Garbo used to entertain attractive ladies at her holiday home in Palm Springs. www.thedinah.com

Bear Week – Sitges (September 2021)

Sitges is Spain’s most popular gay party town. One of the biggest events in Sitges is Bear Week. This will be a more body positive event than some of the glitzier circuit parties. There’ll be various events over the week, including White Night, a Beach Party and a Boat Party. Mr Bear Sitges 2021 will also be crowned.

Bear Week

In peak season, Sitges attracts more LGBT+ than straight travellers. It’s just 40-minutes by train from Barcelona. www.facebook.com/groups/ bearssitgesweekoficial/

Folsom Europe – Berlin (September (2021)

Berlin is home to Europe’s most outrageous sex-positive gay scene. From the Berghain to Laboratory, it’s the place to be if you like to party hard, so to speak. Berlin offers the perfect combination of high culture and hedonism. It’s also much cheaper than London.

Folsom Fair

Folsom Fair is Berlin’s biggest fetish and circuit party event. It’s set to go ahead in September. Don’t forget your harness. www.folsomeurope.berlin

International Eressos Women’s Festival – Lesvos (September 2021)

Join a two-week getaway on the historic Greek island of Lesvos. Yes, this island is the native home of lesbians, associated as it is with the poet Sappho. The festival is based in Skala Eressos, a charming town.

The 2020 event was cancelled so the 20th anniversary celebration has been pushed forward to 2021. The full events programme will be announced soon. www.womensfestival.eu