LGBTQ+ choir event adds street performances

The choirs and performers will take over the Beacon for the weekend before taking to the city centre for a variety of performances on Sunday

Free street performances have been added to a biennial choir event taking place in Bristol.

Alongside 44 choirs, 1,400 performers are expected to attend the three-day Hand in Hand Festival at the city's Bristol Beacon, starting on Friday.

The organisers, who created the event in 2013 to bring together LGBTQ+ choirs from around the country, added the extra performances after it sold out.

Festival director Mark Hubbard said it will help to "break down barriers" and show a new audience a "different side of the community".

Cities such as Manchester and London are amongst those who have held the event in recent years

Bristol will become the sixth city to host the event on the weekend and will see performances from artists across the UK and Ireland.

"On Sunday morning there will be performances around the centre of town from more than 20 choirs who will showcase LGBTQ+ excellence at venues including Castle Park, Sparks and Cascade Steps," said Mr Hubbard.

"We know there has been a lot of hate around.

"We put these things on to show a different side of the community - just people doing their thing together in a healthy, enjoyable activity.

"Its important a wider audience sees that, it helps to breaks down barriers."

The festival received funding from both the National Lottery and from within the community

"The event has sold out, I'm excited to see some old friends.

"I'm excited to share our community's energy and brilliance in town.

"We're in discussions to decide the next location for the festival. An announcement will come on Sunday," he added.