Homotopia Festival unveils Liverpool LGBT arts programme for October return

Liverpool’s Homotopia will open with a celebration of House of Suarez’s 20th anniversary, bringing two decades of ballroom culture back onto the runway. The event launches a programme of LGBT performance, film, art and nightlife running from 17 October to 1 December 2026.

House of Suarez presents RUNWAY at Invisible Wind Factory on Saturday 17 October. Its Legacy theme will revisit previous Vogue Balls, bringing their history into an evening featuring a new generation of performers.

Celebrating two decades of House of Suarez

Each runway category will draw inspiration from an earlier House of Suarez theme. Previous celebrations including Sugar Ball, Night at the Poseum, Death by Glitter and Twisted Fairytales will provide the starting points for this anniversary edition.

The occasion also reunites House of Suarez with the festival that supported its first ball. Liverpool is Burning: The Grand Vogue Ball took place at the Adelphi Hotel in 2006, beginning a relationship that returns to the spotlight this autumn.

Theatre, comedy and community events

Under the theme We Come Together, Homotopia’s wider programme brings established performers and emerging voices to venues across Liverpool. Theatre, workshops and exhibitions sit alongside opportunities to gather, celebrate and reflect.

November highlights include Fatt Butcher’s Congregational at Liverpool Philharmonic on Friday 20 November. Kim Blythe’s Puzzle follows at Unity Theatre on Saturday 21 November.

The full festival programme also includes a World AIDS Day vigil at Liverpool Parish Church on 1 December. The gathering will remember those who have died and honour people living with HIV.

Follow Homotopia on Instagram @homotopiafest⁠ for festival news and updates. Explore its official links⁠ for programme details and ways to get involved.

Images: Homotopia / Instagram @homotopiafest⁠.