Image credit: Sparkle
The Sparkle Weekend is the world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity, and a safe space for anyone who identifies as gender non-conforming, their families, friends, and allies.
The Sparkle Weekend is a festival-style family event, featuring live music and entertainment, talks and workshops, and an opportunity for corporate sponsors, grassroots charities, and trans-run businesses to engage with visitors.
“Sparkle is my family, it’s like a reunion with your favourite friends, your community, and it's the highlight of my year!”
“Wow! What can I say? It was just so full of diversity and community spirit. We are looking forward to our next Sparkle Weekend!”
Image credit: Sparkle
The Sparkle Ball 2023
Sparkle – The National Transgender Charity invites you to spend the night with them in the stunning Grade II listed ballroom of the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on Saturday 8th July.
Only a short walk from this year’s Sparkle Weekend in Sackville Gardens, the quintessential grand hotel, the Kimpton Clocktower, welcomes our friends and allies for an indulgent evening of food, entertainment, laughter, and dancing.
Guests will enjoy a welcome drink on arrival while being serenaded by the melodic tones of Kimmie Smith, before enjoying a lavish three-course meal.
Image credit: Sparkle
The Family & Youth Zone
Research has shown that trans and gender non-conforming children can flourish with the right support.
This is why the Family & Youth Zone, delivered in partnership with other community organisations, is such an important part of the Sparkle Weekend.
It’s not only a safe and supportive space within the event where young trans people can be themselves without being judged or bullied, it’s also at the heart of the Sparkle Weekend – where they can connect with visible trans role models, and discover that you can live a full, exciting and happy life regardless, not in spite, of your gender identity.
Parents and carers of young trans people will also be able to access invaluable advice and information in order to nurture and encourage their young people, and there will be professionals on hand experienced in supporting gender variant children in care and in school.
Expect a vibrant and fun-focused weekend, jam-packed with face painters, outdoor games, bouncy castle, indoor craft tables plus our Drama and Dance Party with a fabulous Sparkle Family Picnic on Sunday.
Image credit: Sparkle
The Wellbeing and Community Zone
Every day from 1pm-5pm
Sometimes we need to take a break from the party.
The Wellbeing and Community Zone this year will offer an oasis of calm within the Sparkle Weekend festival, providing a space to come together as a community to share our experiences, learn from each other, and to tap into our sense of wellbeing.
There will be two days of open sessions where you can hear from trans artists, musicians, and writers, whilst also receiving advice on exercising and nutrition, and safe binding techniques.
Image credit: Sparkle
The Positivi-Tea Dry Space
Let’s share some Positivi-Tea!
Sparkle have worked in collaboration with a number of local grassroots organisations to deliver a fantastic and safe dry space, offering a cafe, chat, and promoting positive mental health.
There will be a range of soft drinks, tea, coffee, and sweet treats available, along with volunteers on hand to chat and provide support; including Manchester Parents Group who will be on hand with their "Hug a Mum Campaign" for anyone feeling isolated or alone who may want a fantastic MUM HUG, or just need to talk.