Polari on Sea

About

London's award-winning LGBTQ+ literary salon returns to Hastings. Hosted by local author Paul Burston with special guests.

We're back!

"A stimulating and fun night out" – Hastings Independent

"Polari has been welcomed with open arms into the heart of Hastings" – Hastings Observer

"Always fun, always thought-provoking, a guaranteed great night out" - Sarah Waters

Hosted by local author Paul Burston with special guests Sophia Blackwell, Alice Denny, Graeme Hampton and more TBA.

There'll also be an open mic slot and we'll be announcing this year's Polari Prize shortlists.

Paul Burston is the author of six novels and the editor of two short story collections. He had also published several non-fiction books and hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles. His most recent novel is the psychological thriller The Closer I Get, which is largely set in Hastings. His memoir, We Can Be Heroes, will be published by Little A books in June 2023.

Sophia Blackwell is an author and poet. Her work has been anthologised by Bloodaxe, Nine Arches and The Emma Press and her collection The Other Woman was nominated for the Polari Prize. She is a former Chair of Poetry London.

Alice Denny is a local poet wose work explores trans identity and many other themes. A firm favourite at Polari, she has performed with us in Brighton and Hastings.

Graeme Hampton is the author of the Denning and Fisher crime novels. He was born in Paisley and grew up in Stirling. After leaving school he trained as a stage manager and worked in London for a number of years, before returning to Scotland in his late twenties to study for a BA in English Literature at Stirling University. His first novel, Know No Evil, was published in July 2019. His latest book, Shame the Devil, is out in October 2022. He lives in Hastings.

Bookstall kindly provided by The Hastings Bookshop.

The venue is wheelchair accessible

7pm doors, 7.30pm start

£8 (£6 conc) in advance or £10 (£8 conc) on the door