WHO
Unity Fest was founded in 2020 to create a unique and unforgettable annual weekend festival, for lesbian, bi, trans and queer women, as well as non-binary people.
Now celebrating its 7th year, Unity Fest brings together an incredible mix of live music, entertainment, exciting activities, engaging workshops, and so much more – all in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
WHAT
Unity Fest aims to create a safe and welcoming space where lesbian, bi, trans and queer women, and non-binary people who feel that Unity Fest is the right space for them, can come together, unite, and build meaningful connections. We encourage social interaction, friendship, and acceptance, creating a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.
Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, people don’t feel able to be themselves in their everyday lives. Some even feel isolated within their local area or community. At Unity Fest, we want you to experience a sense of freedom, leave those worries behind, and feel confident being your fabulous, authentic self in the company of like-minded people.
Our aim is to capture the excitement and atmosphere of a large-scale festival without losing the warmth, intimacy, and inclusivity that make Unity Fest so special.
Please note that Unity Fest is an 18+ festival.
WHY
Many of us have experienced attending festivals, events, or concerts surrounded by thousands of people, yet still fee lonely, overwhelmed, or anxious. Unity Fest was created to be different.
With many years of experience organising events and working at festivals, our Festival Director, together with our incredible Dream Team crew, is passionate about creating an environment where everyone feels genuinely welcomed, valued and included as part of the Unity Fest family.
Whether you’re attending on your own, coming as a couple, meeting friends, or joining us for the very first time, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. From the moment you arrive, our goal is for you to feel at home, make meaningful connections, and create memories that will stay with you long after the festival ends.
A SPECIAL MESSGAGE FROM THE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Hello and welcome to Unity Fest!
I’m incredibly proud to be the founder and host of this one-of-a-kind celebration—a space built on community, connection, and joy.
Each year, Unity Fest continues to grow, evolve and offer something even more special. As we enter an exciting new chapter, I’m delighted to announce that we’re moving from Newark to the beautiful West Mid Showground by the River Severn, on the outskirts of the historic market town of Shrewsbury.
Nestled in picturesque countryside, West Mid Showground has a relaxed, rustic feel that perfectly reflects the spirit of Unity Fest. It brings together the very best of our previous homes, combining the excellent facilities, accessibility, and infrastructure of Newark Showground with something many of you have missed since our time in Cumbria—the beautiful riverside setting. Once again, you’ll be able to enjoy wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the water, bringing back one of the most-loved parts of the original Unity Fest experience.
With its natural surroundings and welcoming atmosphere, West Mid Showground feels like the perfect blend of everything we’ve loved about our previous homes. It gives us the opportunity to continue growing Unity Fest whilst preserving the intimate, inclusive community spirit that has always been at the heart of the festival.
We truly believe we’ve found the perfect long-term home for Unity Fest—a place where our community can reconnect with nature, embrace adventure, explore the charm of historic Shrewsbury, and create lasting memories together.
What makes Unity Fest so special? It’s so much more than a weekend of music and entertainment. It’s a vibrant, affirming space where we come together to celebrate who we are through live performances, workshops, sports, and unforgettable shared experiences. It’s about belonging, joy, and unity—the kind of memories that stay with you long after the festival ends.
Unity Fest 2027 marks our seventh birthday, and trust me—we’re already planning some incredible surprises. So gather your chosen family, pack your sequins and dancing boots, and get ready for the best lesbian festival of the year.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your continued love, support, and energy. You are what makes Unity Fest so special, and I can’t wait to welcome you to Shrewsbury as we begin this exciting new chapter together.
With love and unity,
Nicola Last (aka Voddy)
Festival Director – Unity Fest
