Storyhouse in Chester has secured a major sponsorship deal for its annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture. Slater Heelis Solicitors will be the principal sponsor for Storyhouse Queer in February 2026.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
This sponsorship extends an existing corporate partnership between the law firm and the cultural venue. It underscores a mutual dedication to fostering inclusivity, visibility, and tangible support for LGBTQIA+ communities across Chester and the wider region. The festival itself is a bold programme of theatre, film, talks, and community events, created in collaboration with Chester Pride.
The financial backing from Slater Heelis will be instrumental in delivering the 2026 festival. It aims to expand opportunities for free and low-cost events, making the programme more accessible, and to broaden engagement with local LGBTQIA+ communities.
Free Legal Clinics and Festival Highlights
As an LGBT Foundation Accredited legal firm, Slater Heelis will provide a series of complimentary LGBTQIA+ Legal Clinics during the festival week. These clinics are designed to offer approachable, tailored advice on issues such as donor conception for parenthood, cohabitation agreements, relationship breakdowns, and will planning.
Joint activities will include a launch event, prominent sponsorship across all festival communications, and the creation of dual-branded rainbow bookmarks for distribution. Victoria Harrison, Development Director at Storyhouse, said the sponsorship is having a real impact on shaping a fantastic festival for 2026.
What's On at Storyhouse Queer 2026
The community-focused festival will feature a diverse lineup. Key highlights include a preview of Babyface, a new wrestling musical set in Rhyl; Fixing, a drag show about family and self-repair; and Queenz, a live vocal drag show from the West End.
The programme also welcomes the Iris Prize LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, bringing award-winning global short films to Storyhouse Cinema. A selection of confirmed events includes:
- Fixing - February 4, 7.30pm
- Iris on the Move + Q&A - February 10, 6.30pm
- Babyface: The Fierce Wrestling Musical (preview) - February 11, 7.30pm
- LGBTQIA+ Legal Clinics - February 11 and 12
- Laugh Out Proud Comedy Night - February 12, 7.30pm
- The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins - February 14, 8pm
- Queenz: Drag Me To The Disco - February 17, 7.30pm
Rachel Fletcher, Managing Partner at Slater Heelis, expressed excitement about expanding the firm's long-standing support for LGBTQIA+ communities into Chester, championing visibility and access to trusted legal advice.
For the full programme and more information, visit www.storyhouse.com/seasons/storyhouse-queer.
