About this event
Following a very successful event in 2025, Freedom Fest relaunches! Last year, we had over 100 attendees, raised almost £400 for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and paid out £275 to participating performers. There was live music, spoken word, storytelling, drag and a goth club night.
This festival will be based once again in Reading UK, prioritising performers, volunteers and groups with RG postcodes. Due to a complete lack of non-white/PoC representation in the arts & culture scene in this town, People of Colour i.e. People of the Global Majority will be prioritised 100%. The aim is to make the demographics of this festival representative of the demographics of the local area as per Census 2021 data.
The main aim of Freedom Fest is to unite local people and groups who are pro-Palestine, foster social connections, raise awareness of the continuing genocide and funds for a good cause.
This year we have reduced costs, which means more proceeds from ticket sales can be donated. 40% is going to go towards a charitable cause as determined by the organising committee. 50% will be paying the performers. 10% will cover event fees.
Brand new this year - colour-coded wristbands! We want to encourage people to connect and socialise, meet new people and take friendships or more away from the festival. Don't worry - there will be an option for the non-verbal, introverted and socially anxious to signal that you don't want to be approached.
We would also love to collaborate with local organisers to increase fundraising for the Festival in the lead up to the event. Activities, workshops, cabaret nights, social meet ups, completely open to any and all suggestions.
We are working with an advisor on COVID-19 safety to do whatever we can to support immunocompromised individuals to access this event. The venue is wheelchair accessible, centrally located, and attendees are welcome to use whichever toilets they feel comfortable in according to their gender.
Have we missed anything? Please do let us know! Our Instagram is @readingqueers4palestine and email is readingqueersforpalestine@gmail.com. The event is being entirely organised via Signal for safety, and all participants are following the BDS list to the best of their ability.
Sign up form is still live, we would love to have you involved.
The market stalls and promotion will not involve AI, 3D printing, bulk-bought products or anything else unethical.
Looking forward to seeing you all there! It goes without saying but we should say it anyway - Free tickets to anyone with heritage from Palestine, Iran or Lebanon. Please get in touch to get a free ticket.
As this is a fundraiser, we have low capacity for low income/no wage tickets. We would absolutely offer free entry in exchange for a little time helping to volunteer on the day or prior to the festival. Please get in touch to discuss.
This event is being facilitated by Iota for tax purposes, so we can ensure all performers, stall holders and volunteers are covered under Employer's Insurance.
