Latest 2011 News!
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The Magnificent Seventh!
Sparkle is a celebration of all things transgender, from workshops and talks to parties, meals and fun, it is a weekend festival promoting the positive and at the same time providing support, help and friendship for those who need it. This year we plan to build on the success of 2010, with even more stalls and stands in the park for the Saturday afternoon festivities. The main stage is back too, with a great line-up of TG talent and of course the fun Tranny of the Year as well. Saturday night sees our second Sparkle Ball with live entertaiment and food.
Lynne Featherstone MP - Minister for Equalities will be officially opening Sparkle in the Park this year - be there around 1.00pm to hear what she has to say!
After next weekend, please give us your feedback on Sparkle 2011
We hope you enjoy Sparkle 2011 - and we'd love to get your feedback and comments, good or bad, so we can make the next Sparkle even better.
Weekend Events
A weekend festival of all things transgender, with live entertainment on the Sparkle stage, meals, clubs, information/support and so much more.
Timings for all events are approximate, please be there in plenty of time to avoid missing out. Sparkle in the Park times will be announced nearer the time and worksop and talk details when available.
For more information on any event, click the [+] symbol
Friday :
3pm - 6pm | Welcome to Sparkle @ The Rembrandt | more info... [+] |
This is where Sparkle really starts and is the perfect place to arrange to meet up with friends and plan your weekend ahead. If you're new to the scene or new to Manchester then this is where to make some new friends and talk to the friendly locals who will help you plan your weekend and direct you to the various events. Entrance via the door on Sackville Street only (through Belinda Scandals). Tea and coffee is also available from the bar if required.
Full details of all the weekends activities will be available and you can collect your own copy of The 2011 Sparkle Guide. The welcome event is co-hosted for us by Manchester Concord , TransForum and Unique .
Meeting point for T-girl first timers ... Anyone who is at Sparkle for the first time, on their own or nervous about being out dressed, is welcome to come along to The Rembrandt in male mode during the afternoon.
Emma Lovelace (who is at Sparkle for the sixth time) and her wife Lesley have kindly agreed to host a get-together for new girls. If you want to find others in the same position as you or someone to walk into the Village with later in the evening, or simply want someone to help with those first-time nerves - then this is you point of contact.
| Emma is pictured left so you know who to look for. Or ask the girls at the welcome event to point you in Emma and Lesley's direction. Between 3.00 and 5.00 pm They can usually be found in the street just outside the door. | ||||
8.00 pm | Sparkle Launch Party @ AXM Bar | more info... [+] | |||
This is the Sparkle launch party, to be held in the upstairs bar at AXM.
It's the perfect early evening start to the weekend and a great chance to meet old friends and make new ones. The venue is ideal for relaxed chat before heading into the Village for some serious clubbing and a great point to meet up later before heading home.
Meet the Sparkle organisers and sponsors plus the Tranny Of The Year girls as they are presented with their event sashes. The evening will be hosted for us by the fabulous Miss Chrisie Edkins and we have Miss Emily Archer acting as DJ too!
See map, location 14.
8.00 pm | Chinese Banquet Meal - Last minute venue change! | more info... [+] |
Venue now changed - CLICK HERE for info
The event will take over the restaurant and function rooms from 7:30 pm and so is particularly suitable for those not used to being out in public or dressing for the first time. It is also accessible to Wheelchair users and caters for vegetarians. The Shang Hi Restaurant is on Whitworth Street, just outside the Gay Village.
See map location 12.
The cost is £16 per person and bookings should be made with the organiser, Jenny-Anne Bishop by e-mail or phone 07500-741955.
This event is being organised by TransForum Manchester and Unique TG Network especially for Sparkle.
Please see MENU
9:00pm | Manchester Concord Music & Comedy Evening @ NYNY | more info... [+] |
Why not start the Sparkle weekend in style and join us at New York New York for a fun packed evening of music by several local performers, plus comedy by Sally Jones & Holly Grainger.
10:00pm | Vida - performing live @ Eden Bar | more info... [+] |
Join Vida on a journey of music and identity. A rainbow of styles and emotions. Songs from the CD 'City' and new material combine programmed ambience, beats and textures with live vocals, guitars and percussion. Challenging, unforgettable, unmissable.
Saturday :
• Sparkle in the Park : Stalls and Stands, 12 noon - 7.00pm
12 - 7pm | Stalls, Stands and Information Points | more info... [+] |
For a complete list of all stalls and stands attending go to Sparkle in the Park page
please turn on javascript in your browser
• Sparkle in the Park : Stage Show, 12 noon - 7.00pm
12.45 | The Opening Ceremony with Miss chelsea-Attonley | more info... [+] |
We are very pleased to welcome Chelsea back for the third time to host the show. The show will be officially opened by Lynne Featherstone MP - Minister for Equalities.
1.15 | The Strawberry Elephant Experience Rock/Pop Band | more info... [+] |
The Strawberry Elephant Experience are enjoying their second year together making music while looking stunning. The band has grown over the last year not only musically but also in numbers with the new member Janine Anderson joining the group on keyboards. The focus is still firmly on audience enjoyment and participation and the mix of pop and rock music is very prevalent in the bands set lists which now includes songs by, The Kings of Leon and Scouting for Girls. Band members are; Marianne Greye lead vocals and guitar, Roxy Rose drums and backing vocals, Didi Bee bass guitar, and Janine Anderson keyboards. | ||||
2.00 | Gloria Folk Guitarist and Singer | more info... [+] | ||
The lovely Gloria is also back at Sparkle this year, a professional performing musician for many years, she is a brilliant guitarist and a great perfprmer.
2.45 | Joey Hateley - Singer/performer | more info... [+] |
We are very pleased to Have Joey return to Sparkle again after his fabulous 2011 performance - his unique style of entertainment helps add a variety to our show.
3.30 | Frillerz - Rock band | more info... [−] |
Paulazz Dorianzz
Legend elludes us to believe that Paula was the surviour of an alien race, cast down upon the earth as our protector, when she landed she made a great big trench and thought....hey what a great place to have a studio. We could bang on about her pedigree but, shit......just listen.
NeEz MicheLlez BoytoNzz
Rumoured to be the love child of Goering and Marlene Dietrich, she once drunk a mystical elixir of youth but it didnt have any alchol in it so she went to Tescoes and got a bottle of Jack. NeEz can play guitar but she is pretty lazy so she had to have a job where she sat down, thats why she plays drums.
Danielle Davizzzz
Danielle heralds from the now mythical island state of Domestos, having escaped the caustic isles she headed for the bright lights, unfortunately her sat nav was on the blink and she has an awful sense of direction so she bumped into the other two.
4.15 | Jackie Hagan | more info... [−] |
Stand up comedy and performance poetry, replacing Samantha Eames at the last minute.
5.00 | Starbase 109 | more info... [+] |
A unique 'theatrical electro' duo who have recently toured the UK supporting The stranglers!
6.15 | Tranny Of The Year (TOTY) - NOW CANCELLED | more info... [+] |
Sorry - Cancelled due to lack on entrants.
6.15 | Chrisie Edkins - Singer | more info... [+] |
A solo performer making her Sparkle debut this year.
• The Manchester Concord Sparkle Ball @ The Place, 9 pm - late
9.00 pm | The Sparkle Ball @ The Place | more info... [+] |
Dress to impress for this second gala Sparkle celebration. Entertainment, food (completely revised from last year), prizes and lots of fun with DJ Danielle and dancefloor! Click HERE for more info and ticket sales.
9.00 pm | TV Chix Big Night Out @ BaaBar, Sackville Street | more info... [−] |
The TVChixters are planning to help celebrate the anniversaries of Sparkle and the BNO, by getting together on the Saturday night. This will be from 9pm onwards in BaaBar on Sackville Street, opposite Napoleons. Nothing formal, just a chance to socialise with your friends from Chix. No tickets etc, just pop in, say hi and have a bop 'n' booze. All Welcome!
9.00 pm | BLUSH at Sparkle @ Crunch Bar, Canal Street | more info... [+] |
BLUSH is a brand new social/support group based in Worcester - The Blushettes are planning to celebrate the launch of thir group by getting together on the Saturday night at Crunch Bar, 10 Canal Street, from 9pm . All are welcome to join them for an informal party night!
9.00 pm | Masquerade at Sparkle @ Eden Bar, Canal Street | more info... [+] |
An evening of scintillating spectacles, and effervescent entertainments, including band on the barge, providing modern hits with a retro twist, as you get your funk on at our waterside location. As the night progresses vogue to our vignettes, and sip champagne on the veranda whilst the burlesque babes, and butlers in boxers filter through our bohemian crowd, and begin the masquerade parade!
So whether your dripping with drag, luscious in latex, or mysteriously masked, you're sure to feel whisked off to wonderland at our fantasy themed bash . . .
Be Who you want to be ...BE THERE!
http://www.masquerade-manchester.co.uk/
• Talks and Workshops - Sparkle @ The Lesbian & Gay Foundation: 10am - 4.30pm
The venue this year is The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF)
5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF. The venue is easily accessible, just behind Churchills and only two minutes walk from Sackville Gardens (Sparkle in the Park). We appreciate the support of the LGF and the Pride Community Fund in making these events possible.
As in previous years we have invited a number of speakers each to give a talk and answer questions in sessions lasting about an hour or so each. They are all experts in their respective fields and are ready to share knowledge and experience which will be of interest to many. This part of Sparkle is co-ordinated and organised by the consortium of Manchester Concord, TransForum Manchester, Unique and TREC (Trans Resource & Empowerment Center).
Directions to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) :
From Sackville Gardens walk along Canal Street, past 'View' and cross Chorlton Street outside 'Churchills'. Then turn left and walk up Chorlton Street for a few yards before turning right onto Richmond Street. The venue (no.5) is on the right-hand side of the road opposite the car park.
(There is good disabled access and a lift and stairs to the upper floors.)
The route from Sackville Gardens will be signed on the day.
A Full list of activities can be downloaded HERE
http://www.sparkle.org.uk/TalksandWorkshops.htm
As a late addition to the list of activities please note that Makeovers by Gill Springay will be on offer all day on the 3rd floor, in Wellbeing room 3. Click HERE for more info.
Sunday:
12:00 noon | Sparkle 3-course Sunday Lunch @ Villaggio | more info... [+] |
Everyone is invited to this lovely restaurant on Canal Street for a fixed price Sunday lunch, £12.50 per head incl service charge (drinks are extra!). See Menu .
This will be our sixth year for Sparkle and the management are looking forward to welcoming us back.) It's the perfect place to catch up with friends before you head for home. See map, location 13.
Book with Emma Lovelace and send your menu choices please!
4.30 pm | Special Sparkle Church Service @MCC Manchester | more info... [+] |
Wilbraham St Ninian's United Reformed Church, Wilbraham Road / Egerton Rd South, Chorlton , Manchester M21 0XJ ( Sat. Nav M21 0UB )
Metropolitan Community (LBGT) Church, Manchester (MCCM) is delighted to invite all participants in the Sparkle celebrations to worship with us from 4:30pm, when our service will be led by our Transgender members. The Service will be followed by refreshments.
e-mail Jenny-Anne Bishop for more info or talk to Jenny-Anne and Elen on the Sparkle info stand at Sparkle. See here for directions to the Church.
This event is organised by MCCM
6.30 pm | The Sparkle Closing Meal @ Sangam Indian Restaurant | more info... [+] |
A Special Indian meal at a top class restaurant has been booked for 6:30pm.
All attending Sparkle are invited to Join us at the well known Sangam Indian
Restaurant, 9-19 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, M14 5TB. Map and Details.
This is a restaurant well known to the local Trans community and is particularly suitable for those not used to being out in public. It is also accessible to Wheelchair users and will cater for vegetarians. It is one of the best budget Indian restaurants in Manchester and is very Trans-friendly, regularly being used for our Trans group meals.
Cost is very reasonable at £ 13-16 per person (Including a small tip for the restaurant), depending on what you eat and your consumption of Alcohol. Please order and pay for your own drinks.
Please book direct with the organiser, Jenny-Anne Bishop by e-mail or phone: 07500-741955. Or contact her on the Sparkle information stand.
This event is being organised by TransForum Manchester and Unique TG Network especially for Sparkle.
10:30 am | Transgender Equality Plan workshop @ the LGF | more info... [+] |
3rd Floor - Main Meeting Room until 3 pm
An Important Workshop between the Community and the Government Equality office (GEO) to develop further the Transgender Community Statement of Needs (SON), which resources the Governments Trans Equality Action Plan, and commence working on the actions the community will implement.
"The Coalition Government is committed to publishing a Transgender Equality Action Plan by the end of 2011”.
Several community workshops in collaboration with the Government Equalities Office, GIRES and members of the Trans community have already taken place to develop the Trans Community Statement of Needs, which is being used in shaping the Government's Trans Equality Action Plan.
Based on this work, it is already clear that there are several layers of approach, some requiring legislation, others making better use and understanding of existing provision, and there is much that the community could do for itself.
The purpose of this workshop is to update the community, have your opinion heard, help in identifying those actions that the community can itself embrace, and begin planning the implementation of these community actions.
Please reserve your place with Jenny-Anne Bishop: jennyannebuk@yahoo.co.uk or 01745 -337144
(so that we can cater for everyone who wants to attend)
http://www.sparkle.org.uk/events.html
The Sparkle Story
Sparkle was founded in 2005, originally as a day to celebrate all things transgender. By the following year the event had moved to its current weekend format and we now provide a full schedule from Friday afternoon right through to Sunday night!
In 2006 we introduced the main stage in Sackville Gardens and in 2007 the ‘Party in the Park' surely made Sparkle not only the largest, but the highest profile, TG event in the world!
Bella Jay, who is the editor of TV Repartee magazine, joined in 2005 originally to help with media and publicity and in 2008 she took over as event co-ordinator.
In 2010 Sparkle applied for registered charity status (which was granted in March) and Bella has now been joined by three additional trustees: Beckie Cannons, who runs Tranny International, Sophie from Translife and Leah True
Sparkle is made possible by the hard work of dedicated individuals who give their time for free in order to organise the various parts of the weekend – and by our wonderful sponsors who provide a large part of the finances required to bring you Sparkle.
Sparkle is a celebration of gender diversity, an opportunity to make new friends and obtain help, support and information on gender issues. But above
all it is our chance to be proud of who we are and show the world what being TG is all about. The most important person at Sparkle is you, this is your weekend so make the most of it and enjoy being yourself amongst friends!
If you want more information about Sparkle then please do check through the various pages on this site. For additional help please email Bella Jay: bellajay@sparkle.org.uk
http://www.sparkle.org.uk/story.html
© 2011 Sparkle. Registered Charity 1134725. All rights reserved by the event organisers. Site design and build by Deb Spoopoo. Site content by the Sparkle team.