Autumn is Queer

What to expect

Coventry is gearing up for a vibrant, city-wide celebration of self-acceptance and inclusivity as Autumn Is Queer returns for its second year. Running from September 22nd to November 30th, 2026 and drawing upon the organic programme that the cities venue has. You don’t have to be ‘queer’ to enjoy it… just be you!

Produced by Extraordinary Us CIC with support from Coventry City Council and Arts Council England, this year’s theme, Coventry: Feeling Proud, honours both the city’s civic pride as a one city football team who has risen to the Premier League after 25 years of hunt, and the LGBTQ+ ethos of radical inclusion: "Coventry loves you as you are." Regardless of your sexuality, gender, upbringing or viewpoint, Coventry is considered ‘The Phoenix City’ where all can rise from the ashes.

The festival's highlight event, "Cher The News," takes place on Sunday, October 25th - the day the clocks Turn Back Time (by one hour) - as Coventry city centre transforms into "Cher-ventry," the (un)Official European home of Cher. This major community celebration will bring together participants, choirs, musicians, and performers to dress up as Cher, featuring pop-up performances, interactive interventions, and plenty of iconic wigs. Creative partners include Highly Sprung, Fitness With Matt, and The Tin Music & Arts. So come to Cher-ventry on Sunday 25th October. 

Over 50 events across Coventry bring together local venues, cultural spaces, and nightlife destinations to show Autumn that the city loves they/them. Highlights include drag brunches at The Yard, tributes to iconic pop stars, and the British Art Show - A Chorus Of Strangers which champions radical inclusivity. You’ll also find Dogoween at FarGo Village, Tease Burlesque at Albany Theatre, and Congregational by Fatt Butcher at Warwick Arts Centre. So, strut off your Avanti train into Coventry, because in Autumn it is the place to LGB, and T, and Q, and PLUS!

Check out The Queer Calendar of events 

Become a pop star icon yourself and sign up to be a Cher 

Travel to the British Art Show with Avanti West Coast

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