Get ready to hydrate and dance like no one is watching because there’s a new queer festival kicking off in Porto, Portugal, this July 1-3. The LGBT+ Music Festival creators seek to make a safe space for all LGBTQ+ people and allies while celebrating Porto’s rich culture with acts including Iggy Azalea, Bebe Rexha, Tiga, Melanie C, Todrick Hall Little Boots, Peaches, and more.
Organized by the Apollon Group and in partnership with MTV and Attitude magazine, the event promises to be a one-of-a-kind queer bacchanal that includes after-parties highlighting Porto’s nightlife, pool and boat parties, and helicopter rides over the ocean.
“This will be a festival that remembers the past, celebrates the present and prepares for the future. Bringing people from all over the world together, it will create a truly safe space for everyone who knows and understands that music is an act of liberation,” says Diogo Vieria da Silva, community impact manager, festival spokesperson, and executive director of Variações for Portugal’s LGBTI Commerce and Tourism Association. “Combining inclusion with fun, the festival will help the city of Porto and local organizations to raise their support for LGBT+ people and will be the epicentre of the celebration of equality values. It will give a stage to LGBT+ artists and their allies, whilst elevating national artists to new heights.”
The festival’s organizers have partnered with the “Portuguese Secretary of State for Tourism and the municipality of Porto, as well a vast selection of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and hotels in the city of Porto, allowing for a unique and inclusive experience,” according to a release.
“Whilst this event is inspired by the LGBT+ community and represents the biggest investment in this community, anyone and everyone will be welcome,” says Festival Director Marco Azevedo. “This celebration is the result of the cooperation of several identities that represent Portugal's diversity and our commitment to respecting others. Our festival's mission is to make everyone feel seen and heard as we sing, dance and love across this 72-hour celebration!”
Further talent appearing at the world premiere of this must-attend festival include the Illustrious Blacks, Eliza Legzdina, Gloria Groove, Sammy Jo (Scissor Sisters), Bimini Bon Boulash, Ludmilla, Blaya, and Jodie Harsh.
Tickets and festival information are available here.
Watch the LGBT+ Music Festival’s “Music Is My Safe Place” video below.
This article originally appeared in our sister publication The Advocate.
